If you want a show-stopper of a cake, look no more! This three-layer rave review coconut cake is a taste of the tropics. Jam-packed with coconut and pecans you’ll be making this cake for years to come.
Can’t make this coconut cake now, pin it for later!
I’m sharing one of my all-time favorite cakes, and probably the oldest recipe in my collection. My Mom got this recipe a very long time ago. It kind of sounds funny to say that but it was about 50 or more years ago.
It quickly became a family favorite as my Mom made it many, many times throughout the years. I have made it more times than I can count for everything from Christmas to Easter because it’s a beautiful cake for any occasion.
Being a 3 layer cake, it’s a show stopper and always WOW’s guests. My Mom had the brilliant idea because she thought that sometimes 3 layers was too much (silly Mom), she would frost 2 layers for her gathering and then give a single layer to a neighbor.
Me…I’m a bit more selfish…I want it all for myself. This cake is that good. I will share, but secretly, I want it all to myself.
Although this cake starts with a mix, there are a few steps. First you must toast the coconut. I do this in a pan in melted butter over LOW heat. Don’t rush this process or you will burn the coconut. Trust me on this one. My coconut pineapple bread has an alternate method for toasting but this is how I always do it.
The layers are delicate so use care when removing from the pans. When topping the cake with additional toasted coconut, gently press into the frosting.
Coconut Cake
If you want a show-stopper of a cake, look no more! This three-layer rave review coconut cake is a taste of the tropics. Jam-packed with coconut and pecans you'll be making this cake for years to come.
Ingredients
- 1 package yellow cake mix (regular size)
- 1 package (3-½ ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1-⅓ cups water
- 4 eggs, room temperature
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
FROSTING
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 cups coconut
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese
- 2 teaspoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 3-½ cups confectioners' sugar
Instructions
- In a large bowl, blend cake mix with pudding, water, eggs and oil. Beat at medium speed for 3 minutes. Stir in coconut and nuts. Pour into three greased and floured 8-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until cake springs back when touched in center. Cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove to rack to complete cooling.
- For frosting, melt 2 tablespoons butter in skillet; add coconut and stir constantly over low heat until golden brown. Spread coconut on absorbent paper towel to cool. Cream remaining 2 tablespoons butter with cream cheese, milk and vanilla. Add sugar, beating well to blend. Stir in 1-½ cups toasted coconut; spread on top and sides of cake. Sprinkle remaining coconut over cake.
Tropical Flavors
- Coconut Cake by Family Around the Table
- Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa by A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Hawaiian Chicken by Making Miracles
- Mango Chile Margarita by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Mango Margarita by Art of Natural Living
- Pina Colada Tacos by Blogghetti
- Pineapple Cupcakes with Coconut Cream Icing by That Recipe
- Pineapple Lemonade by Palatable Pastime
- Sourdough Hummingbird Muffins by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
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This was first published as Rave Review Coconut Cake on November 13, 2016.
Ashley Marie Lecker
Sunday 18th of April 2021
This cake makes my mouth water! It is s perfect for Mother's Day and I know my mom would love it. I love the multiple layers!!
Inger @ Art of Natural Liivng
Sunday 31st of May 2020
I always got the donuts with toasted coconut so I am totally here! Thanks for the instructions--I honestly didn't know you could toast coconut at home! (You may have created a monster ;-) )
Audrey
Tuesday 26th of May 2020
I am not so sure I'd be sharing this cake. Okay, a full 3 layer cake just for me might be a bit much. They can have a few slices.
Hezzi-D
Tuesday 26th of May 2020
Love that this starts with a mix! It looks delicious!
Karen
Monday 25th of May 2020
Keeping that third layer is not selfish at all! It s gorgeous.