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Classic Cakes: 24 Easy Cake Recipes to Enjoy Year-Round
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Coconut Layer Cake

- SERVES
- 16
- COOK TIME
- 30 Min
Forget that old boring white cake recipe. We're going to take that box of cake mix and turn it into something sweet, moist, and that everyone is sure to love! In fact, they'll probably go "coconuts" for this one! This makes a great Easter dessert recipe, but it's also perfect anytime you want to add a little coconut to your dessert table.
What You'll Need
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup cream of coconut
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
- 1 (16.25-ounce) package white cake mix
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 (16-ounce) package confectioners' sugar
- 2 1/2 cups flaked coconut, divided
What to Do
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Coat 2 (9-inch) round cake pans with cooking spray; set aside.
- In a large bowl with an electric mixer on high speed, beat eggs. Add sour cream, oil, cream of coconut, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating until well blended. Add cake mix; beat at low speed until blended. Beat at high speed 1 minute, then pour batter evenly into prepared pans.
- Bake 28 to 30 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove from pans and let cool completely on wire racks.
- Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed until creamy; add remaining vanilla, beating well. Gradually add confectioners' sugar, beating until smooth. Stir 2 cups flaked coconut into frosting.
- Spread frosting between layers and on top and sides of cooled cake. Sprinkle with remaining coconut. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator.
Test Kitchen Tip
- Want to give this dessert an extra special touch? Toast the remaining coconut before sprinkling it over the cake. It'll have them saying, "OOH IT'S SO GOOD!!"™
- When you slice it into, it might be a little crumbly, but that's okay! The moistness is worth a few crumbs!
- Love this white cake recipe? Check out our collection of Amazing White Cake Recipes! Want more recipes to go "coconuts" over? Try our Coconut Bread Pudding, this smooth Coconut Cream Pie, and our sweet-as-can-be Coconut Dream Cake!
ridingpatches 8211034
Apr 18, 2015
This cake is simple to make and absolutely delicious! My family loved the flavor and moistness!
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squaretoes
Apr 03, 2015
Can I use coconut milk in place of the cream of coconut. I already have this in my cabinet?
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Test Kitchen Team
Apr 06, 2015
Good news! No need to go to the store, because you can use coconut milk instead of cream of coconut. )
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Angsend
Oct 18, 2013
we are making this now, but we can not find a 18.25 oz cake mix. Pillsbury and etc are 15.25 oz. any tips on this??
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dkfoxpchef 2331374
Mar 12, 2013
This cake is AMAZING! Be sure and keep it in the refrigerator!
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Karen J Cook
Mar 08, 2013
What is "Cream of Coconut"?
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Test Kitchen Team
Mar 08, 2013
Cream of coconut is coconut cream that has been sweetened for use in desserts and beverages like the pia colada. You can typically find it easily in your local grocery store. Thank you for your question!
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hippityhop
Dec 28, 2011
Excellent! Devil's Food cake is wonderful also!
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