Idaho'S Ugly Duckling Cake Recipe
Idaho's Ugly Duckling Cake features moist coconut, fruity flavors, and a rich caramel topping, making it perfect for family gatherings and celebrations with a sweet, tropical twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cake mix, eggs, fruit cocktail (including syrup), and 1/2 cup coconut together.
- Pour the batter into a greased 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Sprinkle brown sugar over the top of the batter.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes or until the top springs back when gently touched.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, brown sugar, butter, and evaporated milk.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 20 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Stir in the remaining 1 1/3 cups coconut and pour over the cooled cake.
- Optional: Top with Cool Whip before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the batter. You can substitute the coconut with chopped nuts or even chocolate chips if desired. If you prefer a lighter texture, use egg whites instead of whole eggs. This cake is also great with a drizzle of caramel sauce to enhance its sweetness, similar to the flavors in Sassy Caramel Apple Dip.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is perfect as a standalone dessert but also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For added flavor, serve it alongside fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced bananas. It can be enjoyed as a sweet treat after dinner or as part of a brunch spread, complementing dishes like Georgia Cheese Grits.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until warm. If you want to enjoy it warm with a scoop of ice cream, you can also bake a slice in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Idaho'S Ugly Duckling Cake Recipe contains roughly 371 calories, with 5g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of calcium (14% of the Daily Value), iron (12% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% of the Daily Value).
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?
Yes, you can use a white or butter cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for a slightly different flavor. Just ensure that the mix is of similar proportions to maintain the cake's texture.
How do I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Ensure that the other ingredients, like the fruit cocktail and coconut, are also certified gluten-free.
Is there a way to make this cake healthier?
You can make this cake a bit healthier by using a sugar substitute or reducing the overall sugar content. Additionally, consider using unsweetened coconut and choosing a low-calorie cake mix to cut down on calories while still enjoying the flavors.
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).