Quick Luscious Coconut Cake

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

A luscious coconut cake featuring moist layers filled and frosted with whipped sour cream and coconut, perfect for celebrations or tropical-inspired gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 package Duncan Hines yellow cake mix
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 1/2 teaspoon soda
  • 2 (6 oz.) packages frozen coconut
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar

Instructions

  1. Mix the cake mix with eggs, buttermilk, and soda until well combined.
  2. Bake the cake in two layers until done, then let cool.
  3. Split each layer with thread into four thin layers, totaling four layers.
  4. Whip sour cream until doubled in bulk to make the frosting.
  5. Add sugar to the sour cream and whip thoroughly until dissolved, then fold in Cool Whip.
  6. Fold in 1 1/2 packages of thawed coconut into the frosting.
  7. Fill and stack the layers with the coconut frosting, then frost the sides and top of the cake.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 package of coconut on top of the cake.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter cake, you can substitute the buttermilk with a mix of regular milk and a tablespoon of vinegar. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better incorporation. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract. For an interesting twist, you can layer in some chocolate ganache between the coconut layers, reminiscent of the decadent Pound Cake Deluxe.

Serving Suggestions

This coconut cake is delightful on its own, but you can enhance the experience by serving it with fresh fruit like strawberries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside a slice of Saucy Apple Swirl Cake for a delightful dessert spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The coconut frosting may become slightly firmer when chilled, but it will still taste delicious. To enjoy it at room temperature, let the cake sit out for about 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Quick Luscious Coconut Cake contains roughly 249 calories, with 5g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value), protein (11% of the Daily Value), and calcium (10% of the Daily Value).

249 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.4g 11% DV
Total Fat 4g 5% DV
Carbs 49.5g 18% DV
Fiber 2.1g 8% DV
Sugar 0.9g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 231.1mg 10% DV
Potassium 341mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 81.1mg 27% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 46.2mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 11.3mg 13% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 125.8mg 10% DV
Iron 1.5mg 9% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg

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 freeze the cake after it's made?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled cake for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and it will still maintain its delicious flavor.

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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