Coconut Delight Cake

The first bite is soft, sweet, and oh so coconut-y. I remember tasting it fresh from the oven, and wow, it felt like sunshine on a plate. It made me smile right away.

I love how the fluffy cake mixes with that creamy coconut flavor. Every slice feels light but still so rich. It’s the kind of cake that makes you want just one more bite.

This cake is the one I always bring when I want to impress. The sweet coconut topping makes it extra special. You’ll want to share it, but honestly, it’s hard not to keep it all.

So, let’s bake it together. I’ll show you each step. Soon, you’ll have a Coconut Delight Cake that feels like pure joy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Tropical Treat: The coconut flavor is vibrant and delightful, making this cake feel like a sunny tropical escape with each bite.
• Quick & Easy: Made with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have this cake ready in no time, even if you’re a beginner baker.
• Moist and Fluffy: The combination of cake mix and vanilla pudding mix creates a soft, moist cake that stays fresh and flavorful for days.
• Versatile: This cake is great for birthdays, potlucks, or any celebration where you need a show-stopping dessert.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this cake ahead of time, and it gets better as it sits, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we begin baking, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

• Mixing Bowls: To combine your wet and dry ingredients.
• Electric Mixer or Whisk: An electric mixer helps you get the smoothest batter and frosting, but a whisk will work just as well.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to a perfect cake.
• 9×13-Inch Baking Pan: This size works great for making a thick, moist cake.
• Cooling Rack: To cool your cake before frosting.
• Spatula: For frosting the cake evenly.
• Parchment Paper (optional): To line the pan for easy removal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this moist, coconut-filled cake:

For the Cake:

• Yellow Cake Mix (18.5 oz): The base for the cake, providing a rich flavor and texture.
• Instant Vanilla Pudding (3.5 oz): Adding moisture and fluffiness to the cake.
• Water (1 1/3 cups): To bring the batter together.
• Vegetable Oil (1/4 cup): This ensures a moist, tender crumb.
• Eggs (4 large): Eggs help bind the ingredients and add structure to the cake.
• Sweetened Flaked Coconut (1/2 cup): Adds a subtle coconut flavor to the cake itself.
• Chopped Walnuts (optional, 1 cup): For a bit of crunch and extra texture (feel free to omit if you prefer a nut-free cake).

For the Frosting:

• Sweetened Flaked Coconut (2 3/4 cups): The star of the frosting, this coconut brings a deliciously chewy texture.
• Butter (4 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy frosting.
• Cream Cheese (8 oz): The creamy base of the frosting that balances the sweetness of the coconut.
• Confectioners’ Sugar (3 1/2 cups, sifted): Sweetens the frosting and helps it hold its shape.
• Milk (2 teaspoons): To thin out the frosting and make it smooth and spreadable.
• Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor of the frosting and adds a subtle depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Coconut Delight Cake

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Use an electric mixer on low speed to blend the ingredients until well combined. Then, increase the speed to medium and continue mixing for 2-3 minutes until the batter is smooth and creamy.

Now, fold in the sweetened flaked coconut and chopped walnuts (if using). These will give the cake a mild coconut flavor and a nice texture.

2. Bake the Cake

Pour the prepared cake batter into your greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the pan.

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake in the final minutes to ensure it doesn’t overbake. Every oven is different, so start checking around 30 minutes.

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important as it helps the cake set and ensures that the frosting doesn’t melt when applied.

3. Make the Frosting

While the cake is cooling, prepare the coconut frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Gradually add in the sifted powdered sugar, about a cup at a time, and mix on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Once all the sugar is incorporated, increase the speed to medium and continue mixing until the frosting is thick and creamy.

Add the milk and vanilla extract, and beat for another minute until the frosting becomes light and spreadable. Now, gently fold in the sweetened flaked coconut. This will give the frosting a thick, coconut-packed texture.

4. Frost the Cake

Once your cake has completely cooled, spread the coconut frosting evenly over the top of the cake. Use a spatula to smooth it out to the edges, and feel free to pile on extra frosting for a thicker, more indulgent topping.

For an extra touch, you can garnish the cake with more sweetened coconut flakes or chopped walnuts. This step is optional but adds a beautiful presentation and more coconut flavor.

How to Serve Coconut Delight Cake

This cake is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are some ideas for how to serve it:

• Birthday Cake: This coconut cake makes a fabulous birthday cake, especially for those who love coconut. It’s perfect for celebrations, and the frosting gives it a special, indulgent feel.
• Potluck Dessert: Bring this cake to your next potluck, and watch it disappear! It’s sure to be a hit among both coconut lovers and those who just appreciate a well-made dessert.
• Afternoon Tea: Serve slices of Coconut Delight Cake with a cup of hot tea for a relaxing treat.
• Holiday Dessert: Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or any other special occasion, this cake is festive enough to grace your holiday table.

Storing Coconut Delight Cake

If you have any leftover cake (lucky you!), here’s how to store it:

• Refrigeration: Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator to prevent the frosting from melting or drying out. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cake if you want to save it for later. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. The cake will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Coconut Delight Cake FAQs

Can I make this cake in a different pan size?

Absolutely! If you want to use a round cake pan, you can divide the batter between two 9-inch round pans and bake them for about 25-30 minutes. Just make sure to adjust the baking time according to your pan size.

Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened coconut?

Yes, you can use unsweetened coconut, but you’ll need to add some sugar to compensate for the lack of sweetness. Add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of sugar to the cake batter and frosting mixture if you prefer unsweetened coconut.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the frosting a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before spreading it on the cake.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Yield: 12 servings

Calories per serving: 410 kcal

Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 58g
Sugar: 47g
Protein: 4g

Conclusion

This Coconut Delight Cake is an unforgettable dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself, it’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving more. Give it a try, and experience the joy of homemade, coconut-filled bliss!