If there is one dessert that steals the spotlight every holiday season, it is Tom Cruise’s holiday gift, better known as the “Tom Cruise Cake.” This decadent white chocolate coconut Bundt cake has become a legend in Hollywood. Gifted by Cruise himself, it is not just a dessert.

It is a coveted tradition among the rich and famous. But what makes this cake so special, and why has it captured the hearts (and taste buds) of celebrities?

What Is the ‘Tom Cruise Cake?’

Tom Cruise’s holiday gift is no ordinary cake. This Bundt-style dessert hails from Doan’s Bakery, a family-owned shop in Woodland Hills, California. Its standout flavor comes from chunks of creamy white chocolate, moist coconut-infused batter, and a luscious cream cheese frosting.

The whole cake is then generously topped with toasted coconut shavings, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is hard to forget.

Lula / IG / Cruise, known for his intense fitness regimens, famously skips sugar himself. However, he sends this sweet treat to his Hollywood friends every year.

Why? It is his way of indulging those he cares about, even if he doesn’t partake. The cake’s reputation as “the Tom Cruise Cake” has skyrocketed thanks to its A-list recipients and Cruise’s thoughtful tradition.

Who Receives Tom Cruise’s Holiday Gift?

Getting the Tom Cruise Cake is like being handed a golden ticket. Over the years, many stars have raved about receiving it. From Renee Zellweger and Rosie O’Donnell to Kirsten Dunst and Henry Cavill, the list of recipients sounds like a Hollywood hall of fame.

Even late-night hosts like Jimmy Fallon and Graham Norton have shared their excitement about Cruise’s holiday gift.

Where Does the Cake Come From?

The famous cake owes its existence to Doan’s Bakery, a beloved establishment founded in 1983. Karen Doan, the bakery’s original mastermind, first started baking for restaurants and private events. She eventually opened the bakery to the public with the help of her family.

Though Karen passed away in 2023, her legacy lives on through the bakery, which is now run by her son, Eric.

Doan’s Bakery continues to make the Tom Cruise Cake, which has become their signature item. While the cake itself costs $59 if you pick it up at the bakery, its online fame has driven up its price on Goldbelly to $129.95, including shipping.

Even with the higher cost, it is so popular that it is frequently sold out, proving just how irresistible this dessert truly is.

How Did Tom Cruise Discover This Cake?

The origin story of Tom Cruise’s holiday gift is as charming as the man himself. According to Karen Doan, the cake’s introduction to Cruise came through Diane Keaton. Keaton shared the dessert with Katie Holmes on the set of the 2008 film “Mad Money.”

Lula / IG / Holmes, who was married to Cruise at the time, brought the cake to his attention. He loved it so much that he decided to share it with his friends, and the tradition was born.

This simple yet sweet story underscores how good things spread. One taste of the cake was all it took for Cruise to make it a staple of his holiday gifting.

Can You Get the Tom Cruise Cake?

The good news? Yes, you can get your hands on Tom Cruise’s holiday gift. Doan’s Bakery sells the cake in various sizes, ranging from individual portions to medium-sized cakes for $39. If you are planning a party, the larger cake serving 12–16 people is your best bet.

The bad news? Demand is high. Goldbelly often has a waitlist, and orders can take weeks to fulfill. The bakery itself ships about 50 cakes per day, five days a week. If you can’t wait, other options like Ina Garten’s coconut cake on Goldbelly offer a faster alternative. Still, nothing quite compares to the original.