The recipe begins with a simple white cake mix, a trusty shortcut that lets you focus on enhancing the flavors rather than fussing over the fundamentals. Who hasn’t enjoyed the convenience of a cake mix when a quick, foolproof base is needed? I sure have, and this recipe takes that convenience to a tropical twist with the luxurious addition of cream of coconut and sweetened condensed milk. The result is a moist, tender crumb that’s infused with a rich, creamy coconut flavor, making each bite feel like a decadent dessert at a seaside resort.
To assemble this confection, imagine drizzling the silky coconut sauce over the light, fluffy layers, each skewer poke allowing the luscious mixture to seep in, marrying the sponge with the sweet, fragrant syrup. Then, the entire cake is enrobed in a cloud of whipped topping, creating a dreamy finish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
What sets this cake apart are the little tweaks you can make to suit your taste. Feel free to toast the flaked coconut sprinkled over the top for an extra hint of nuttiness, or add a splash of rum to the sauce for an adult version. It’s these little touches that make the cake uniquely yours and all the more special.
Now, let’s bring this tropical dream to your kitchen. Whether it’s for a festive gathering, a family dessert, or simply a treat to brighten a regular day, this Creamy Coconut Cake promises a taste of the islands with every delightful slice, urging you to relax, enjoy, and let the flavors whisk you away to a coconut-covered paradise.
How to Prepare Creamy Coconut Cake
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Ingredients
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (16 ounce) package white cake mix (plus ingredients required on the package, usually oil, water, and eggs)
- 1 (14 ounce) can cream of coconut
- 1 (10 ounce) package flaked coconut
- 1 (16 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
Instructions
- Prepare Cake Pans: Preheat your oven as directed on the cake mix package. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Bake the Cake: Mix the cake batter according to the package instructions. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake as directed, but start checking for doneness about 5-7 minutes earlier than the time suggested for a 9×13 pan, as round cakes may bake faster. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare Coconut Mixture: While the cakes are cooling, mix together the cream of coconut and sweetened condensed milk in a small bowl.
- Assemble the Cake:
- First Layer: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Using a skewer or straw, poke holes over the entire surface of the cake. Slowly pour half of the coconut mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
- Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the poking and soaking process with the remaining coconut mixture.
- Frost the Cake: Once both layers are soaked, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the flaked coconut generously over the top and sides of the cake.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2-3 hours, or until set, before serving.
FAQs:
Is it necessary to refrigerate the Creamy Coconut Cake before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to chill the Creamy Coconut Cake before serving. Refrigeration allows the flavors to meld together and the milk mixture to soak into the cake, resulting in a moist and decadent dessert.
What variations can be made to the basic Creamy Coconut Cake recipe?
Variations to the Creamy Coconut Cake can include adding fruit layers such as pineapple or mango between the cake and the whipped topping for a tropical twist. Alternatively, you can experiment with different types of cake mixes or add extracts like vanilla or almond to the milk mixture for added flavor complexity.
Creamy Coconut Cake
Ingredients
- 1 16 ounce container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 14 ounce can cream of coconut
- 1 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 10 ounce package flaked coconut
- 1 16 ounce package white cake mix
Instructions
- Preheat oven as directed on the cake mix box. Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans. Prepare the cake mix and divide it between the pans. Bake according to the package's directions for round pans, but check for doneness a few minutes early. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Combine cream of coconut and sweetened condensed milk in a bowl.
- Place one cake layer on a plate. Poke holes all over with a skewer.
- Pour half of the coconut sauce over the cake, letting it soak in.
- Place the second cake layer on top and repeat poking and soaking with the rest of the sauce.
- Spread whipped topping over the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate: Cover the cake with flaked coconut.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2-3 hours before serving.
