Cake Topping(From Kelley Jo'S Great Grandmother Eldridge)

Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

A sweet, toasted coconut topping with caramelized brown sugar and vanilla, perfect for adding a rich, crunchy finish to warm cakes of any flavor.

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Ingredients

  • 6 Tbsp. butter or margarine
  • 1/2 c. cream of Pet milk
  • 1/2 c. brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 c. coconut

Instructions

  1. Bring butter or margarine, cream of Pet milk, brown sugar, and vanilla to a boil in a saucepan.
  2. Add coconut to the boiling mixture and stir well.
  3. Spread the coconut topping over a prepared warm cake.
  4. Brown under the broiler until the coconut becomes toasty.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you don't have cream of Pet milk, regular evaporated milk works as a great substitute. Make sure to watch the coconut closely while broiling to prevent burning; it should only take a few minutes to achieve the perfect golden brown. This topping pairs wonderfully with Coconut Cake (In Memory Of Kathy Cody).

Serving Suggestions

This cake topping is best served warm over your favorite cake. It adds a delightful texture and flavor to vanilla or chocolate cakes, and it pairs beautifully with Key Lime Cheese Cake With Strawberries (Diabetic Dessert) for a refreshing twist. Consider serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cake topping in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until it's just warm enough to spread. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the topping too gooey.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cake Topping(From Kelley Jo'S Great Grandmother Eldridge) contains roughly 721 calories, with 0g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 60g fat.

721 kcal 36% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.1g
Total Fat 60.2g 77% DV
Carbs 32.4g 12% DV
Fiber 0.1g
Sugar 32g 64% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 10.6mg
Potassium 75.4mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 180mg 60% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 0mg
Calcium 27.5mg 2% DV
Iron 0.3mg 1% DV
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this topping in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the topping ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently before spreading it over your cake. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully while saving you time on the day of serving.

What if I don't like coconut?

If you're not a fan of coconut, you can skip it entirely and use chopped nuts instead, such as pecans or walnuts, for a different texture and flavor. You can also experiment with adding chocolate chips for a decadent twist.

How do I know when the topping is done broiling?

The topping is done broiling when the coconut is golden brown and fragrant. It usually takes about 2-5 minutes under the broiler, so keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Once it reaches the desired color, remove it immediately.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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