Snack Bar Coconut Cake

Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A moist, coconut-flavored cake with a tender crumb, perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, combining vanilla and coconut flavors in every bite.

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Ingredients

  • 1 (18.5 oz.) package yellow cake mix
  • 1 small package instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 1/3 cups water
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 cups flaked coconut (divided into 2 cups and 1 cup)
  • 2 tablespoons margarine
  • 1 c. flaked coconut

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and flour a 9 x 13-inch cake pan.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, blend the yellow cake mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, water, eggs, and vegetable oil.
  4. Beat at medium speed for 4 minutes.
  5. Stir in 2 cups of flaked coconut.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
  7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes.
  8. Let the cake cool in the pan before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor of your Snack Bar Coconut Cake, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter. You can substitute the vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a richer coconut taste. If you prefer a lighter cake, use egg whites instead of whole eggs. For added texture, sprinkle some chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips into the batter.

Serving Suggestions

This coconut cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Consider serving it alongside a refreshing fruit salad or a slice of tart Easy Cherry Salad to balance the sweetness. For a festive touch, garnish with additional flaked coconut or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep the cake moist, you can cover it with plastic wrap. If you want to extend its shelf life, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Snack Bar Coconut Cake contains roughly 800 calories, with 3g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (75% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 801mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).

800 kcal 40% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.1g 6% DV
Total Fat 57.8g 74% DV
Carbs 71g 26% DV
Fiber 0.4g 1% DV
Sugar 29.3g 59% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 801.4mg 35% DV
Potassium 196.8mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 112.9mg 38% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 674.9mcg 75% DV
Vitamin C 0.2mg
Calcium 108.5mg 8% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
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 use a different type of cake mix for this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with different cake mixes, such as coconut or butter cake, to add a unique flavor to your Snack Bar Coconut Cake. Just ensure that the mix is of similar weight (around 18.5 oz) for best results.

What can I do if my cake is too dry?

If your cake turns out dry, you can brush it with a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water heated until dissolved. This will add moisture and sweetness. You can also serve it with whipped cream or a drizzle of frosting to enhance its texture.

Is it possible to make this cake in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day or two in advance. Just let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

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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