French Coconut Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A rich and creamy coconut cake featuring layered flavors of butter cake, coconut, and sweetened milk, perfect for gatherings and tropical-inspired celebrations.

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Ingredients

  • 1 box Duncan Hines deluxe butter cake mix
  • 1 can creme of coconut
  • 1 can Eagle Brand milk
  • 1 large container Cool Whip

Instructions

  1. Bake the cake according to the instructions on the box in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
  2. Remove the cake from the oven while hot and poke holes all over the top.
  3. Drizzle the can of creme of coconut over the hot cake.
  4. Pour the can of Eagle Brand milk evenly over the cake.
  5. Allow the cake to cool completely and then spread Cool Whip over the cooled cake.
  6. Sprinkle with thawed shredded coconut and refrigerate before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using coconut milk instead of cream of coconut, and you can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cake mix for depth. If you don't have Cool Whip, homemade whipped cream is a great substitute. Make sure to poke holes in the cake while it's still hot to ensure the liquids soak in properly.

Serving Suggestions

This French Coconut Cake is perfect for gatherings and pairs beautifully with Sunday Dinner Strawberry Ice Cream. Serve it with fresh fruit or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added indulgence. It's also a delightful treat alongside a cup of coffee or tea, making it a versatile dessert option.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To maintain the texture, avoid stacking pieces on top of each other. If you want to freeze it, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of French Coconut Cake contains roughly 325 calories, with 2g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

325 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.4g 5% DV
Total Fat 26g 33% DV
Carbs 23.5g 9% DV
Fiber 3.5g 12% DV
Sugar 12.1g 24% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 101.3mg 4% DV
Potassium 161.5mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 0.5mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 24.7mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 2.4mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 48.5mg 4% DV
Iron 1.6mg 9% DV
Diet fit 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 cake mix?

Yes, you can use a vanilla or yellow cake mix if you prefer. Just ensure it has a similar texture to the butter cake mix for the best results.

How can I make this cake more coconut-flavored?

To intensify the coconut flavor, consider adding shredded coconut to the cake batter and using coconut extract along with the creme of coconut. This will enhance the overall coconut experience.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated 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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