Coconut Refrigerator Cake

Prep: 30 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Coconut Refrigerator Cake is a lush, layered dessert featuring fluffy cake layers infused with sweet coconut and creamy sour cream. Perfect for coconut lovers, it offers a cool, indulgent treat that can be prepared ahead and served chilled. A delightful addition to any gathering or special occasion.

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Ingredients

  • 1 box Duncan Hines white or yellow cake mix
  • 2 packages frozen coconut, thawed
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 (8 oz.) cartons sour cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions and bake in two layers.
  2. Allow the cake layers to cool completely.
  3. Slice each layer horizontally to make four layers in total.
  4. Thaw the frozen coconut and set aside.
  5. In a bowl, combine the sour cream and sugar.
  6. Spread the sour cream mixture between the cake layers and over the top.
  7. Sprinkle the thawed coconut over the assembled cake.
  8. Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve.

Tips & Substitutions

To ensure the cake layers cut easily, use a serrated knife and let them cool completely before slicing. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar in the sour cream mixture by half. For added texture, consider mixing in some chopped nuts or using toasted coconut instead of thawed coconut. This cake pairs beautifully with Derby Fruit Dip, especially strawberries.

Serving Suggestions

Slice the cake into generous portions and serve chilled for a refreshing treat. It pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad or a fruit platter to balance the sweetness.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, cover the cake layers with plastic wrap before placing them in the container. If you want to serve it later, it can be frozen for up to a month; just ensure it's well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Coconut Refrigerator Cake contains roughly 171 calories, with 2g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

171 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.2g 4% DV
Total Fat 12.8g 16% DV
Carbs 14.9g 5% DV
Fiber 4.9g 17% DV
Sugar 2.4g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 22.3mg 1% DV
Potassium 227.7mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 0.8mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 6.1mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 13.4mg 15% DV
Calcium 23.7mg 2% DV
Iron 1.1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
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 use a different type of cake mix for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any flavored cake mix, such as chocolate or lemon, to create a unique twist on this recipe. Just be mindful that the flavors of the sour cream and coconut will still dominate, so choose a cake mix that complements those flavors.

How long can I keep this cake in the refrigerator?

The cake can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After that, the texture may change, and it could become soggy. If you have leftovers, ensure they are stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake is great for making ahead of time. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to cover it well to keep it moist and fresh until you're ready to serve.

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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