Coconut Cake with a Cake Mix: A Recipe to Save the Day

Preview: Coconut cake with a cake mix features a triple hit of coconut with coconut milk, cream of coconut, and shaved coconut. A good drenching with cream of coconut makes this cake moist and flavorful.

Have you ever remembered you were supposed to bake something for the office party or a school function at 10:00 the night before just as you were ready to crawl into bed? Hopefully, I’m not the only one.

Recipe Inspiration

Most of the time, I’m too proud (unfortunately) to run by the store and grab something in a hard plastic container, so I keep a few tricks in my pantry. I got this Easy Coconut Cake recipe from Amie, one of my favorite co-workers.  The coconut freaks at my job, including me, go crazy when she brings this cake.

Here’s what you need:

Stocking up on a few staples is helpful to produce this kind of last-minute magic. For this coconut cream poke cake, I make sure to keep the following in my cabinet: 

• a white cake mix
• coconut milk
• cream of coconut
• shaved coconut
• frozen whipped topping

All of these ingredients can be stored for months in the pantry, or the freezer. It’s my kind of recipe as I would rather do a hundred push-ups than make a midnight run to the grocery store.

(I detest push-ups!)

Baking tips for Coconut Cake with a cake mix:

I don’t know the origin of Amie’s recipe. However, I made a few changes.

#1

Substitute coconut milk for water in the cake mix

Coconut milk makes the cake taste more decadent and less like a cake mix. However, if you don’t have coconut, you can certainly use water, instead.

I don’t use a cake mix very often, but my attempts to make this cake from scratch were unsatisfactory. The light and airy texture of a cake mix will soak up the cream of coconut better than any of my own recipes.

#2

Heat (slightly) the cream of coconut before pouring over the warm cake

In my opinion, heating the cream of coconut helps the cake to absorb it readily. It also makes it easier to stir the cream of coconut before you pour it.

#3

Are coconut milk and cream of coconut interchangeable?

While we’re on the topic, coconut milk and cream of coconut are radically different and are not interchangeable. The cream of coconut is VERY sweet. Coconut milk is not.

#4

Sprinkled shaved coconut instead of shredded coconut on top.

Shredded coconut will still be delicious if you can’t find shaved coconut flakes.

#5

How to poke holes in the cake

I used a k-bob stick to make the holes.  Amie uses the handle of a wooden spoon for maximum absorption. You could also use a fork or a chopstick.

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Hope to see you again soon!
Paula

p.s. Questions? Email me: paula at saladinajar.com.

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Yield: 12 servings

Coconut Cake with a Cake Mix

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A travel-worthy cake for coconut lovers.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 Betty Crocker white cake mix
• 1-1/4 cup coconut milk
• 1 15-ounce can cream of coconut
• 8-ounce container of whipped topping
• 1 cup flaked coconut

Instructions

1. Prepare cake mix according to directions on the box, substituting coconut milk for water in the mix. Bake in a 9 x 13 pan. Amie and I both thought the cake was done at least 5 minutes before the box directions predicted. Over bake and the crust will be too dry to absorb the cream of coconut.
2. While the cake is still warm, poke holes all over the cake with a skewer, a toothpick, a chopstick, or even a fork.
3. Warm cream of coconut for 1-1/2 minutes on HIGH in the microwave and pour over the cake. Chill for several hours or overnight.
4. Frost with 1 container of thawed, whipped topping (i.e. Cool Whip). Sprinkle flaked coconut on top. Keep refrigerated.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. But don't worry. This doesn't change the price you pay.

• 
  Pyrex Basics 3 Quart Glass Oblong Baking Dish with Red Plastic Lid -13.2 INCH x 8.9inch x 2 inch
• 
  Coco Real, Cream of Coconut, 16.9 FL OZ Squeezable Bottle
• 
  Thai Kitchen Organic Unsweetened Coconut Milk, 13.66 fl oz (Pack of 6)
• 
  Bob's Red Mill Unsweetened Flaked Coconut, 12 Ounce (3/4 LB ) 340g

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 320Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 21gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 78mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 1gSugar: 13gProtein: 3g

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