James' Coconut Cake

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: American

James' Coconut Cake is a moist, tropical-inspired dessert featuring a fluffy white cake layered with coconut cream and sweetened condensed milk. Topped with Cool Whip and flaked coconut, it offers a rich, creamy flavor perfect for celebrations or relaxing gatherings with friends and family.

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Ingredients

  • 1 box Duncan Hines white cake mix
  • 1 can coconut cream
  • 1 can Eagle Brand milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare the white cake mix according to the box directions and bake as instructed.
  2. Once cooled, poke holes into the cake using a fork or skewer.
  3. Pour the coconut cream over the holes and the surface of the cake, allowing it to soak in.
  4. Pour the Eagle Brand milk evenly over the cake.
  5. Spread Cool Whip over the top of the soaked cake.
  6. Cover the cake with Angel Flake coconut before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding shredded coconut to the cake mix or using a homemade coconut cream. If you want to reduce sweetness, you can dilute the Eagle Brand milk with a bit of regular milk or substitute it with a lighter coconut milk. Always let the cake cool completely before soaking to prevent it from becoming too soggy.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with fresh fruit like berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a complete dessert experience, serve alongside a slice of Pumpkin Pies(For Diabetics) or a light salad to balance the sweetness. Garnish with extra toasted coconut for an added crunch.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To maintain the texture, it's best to serve it cold without reheating. If you prefer a warm slice, pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, but be cautious not to overheat as it can become soggy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of James' Coconut Cake contains roughly 788 calories, with 10g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (38% of the Daily Value), calcium (38% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 713mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).

788 kcal 39% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10g 20% DV
Total Fat 30.7g 39% DV
Carbs 120.5g 44% DV
Fiber 0.9g 3% DV
Sugar 46g 92% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 713mg 31% DV
Potassium 432.3mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 29mg 10% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 283mcg 31% DV
Vitamin C 16mg 18% DV
Vitamin D 1.7mcg 9% DV
Calcium 488.5mg 38% DV
Iron 6.9mg 38% 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 use a different cake mix for this recipe?

Yes, while Duncan Hines white cake mix works best, you can substitute it with any vanilla or yellow cake mix. Just be aware that the flavor and texture may vary slightly. Experimenting with different mixes can lead to interesting variations of this coconut cake.

How can I make this cake more coconut-flavored?

To enhance the coconut flavor, use unsweetened shredded coconut in the batter and as a topping. You can also mix a little coconut extract into the cake batter or the cream for an extra punch. This way, you'll achieve a more pronounced coconut taste throughout the cake.

Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can replace the Eagle Brand milk with a dairy-free condensed milk option or a thick coconut milk. Ensure that the cake mix you choose is dairy-free as well. This way, you can enjoy a delicious coconut cake without any dairy ingredients.

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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