‘Heaven on Earth’ Coconut Cake Recipe

Using yellow cake, sweetened condensed milk, cream of coconut, and whipped topping, you can make this moist coconut cake that is HEAVEN ON EARTH!

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What Makes this Coconut Cake SO GOOD

As a self-proclaimed sweets lover, I have to admit that I am picky when it comes to cake. Most cakes have a dry texture, dull flavor, or BOTH! Talk about disappointing. Thankfully, this cake isn’t like most cakes. It’s a little slice of heaven on earth!

What sets this cake apart from the rest?! It’s the fact that this coconut cake brings all the moisture of a traditional tres leches cake but with a satisfyingly sweet coconut twist! It has a dewy crumb, light frosting, and fruity freshness that will soon make this recipe your go-to party dessert!

Every time I’ve brought this heavenly cake to a party or gathering I’ve come home with a clean pan. It’s that good! So come along with me as I serve up the recipe for this celestial sweet treat.

Baking Tips

This coconut cake recipe is pretty straightforward, but here are a few pointers to make it that much better!!

• Cream of Coconut substitution – I always use the Coco Real brand for the cream of coconut, but you could also use Goya or a canned variety. You just might need to stir the contents a little.
• Don’t skip on the cooling time! – This cake tastes incredible no matter what, but there is something about eating it cold that takes it to a whole new level. Trust me on this!
• Creating a stronger coconut flavor – If you want an even stronger coconut flavor, try adding shredded coconut to the top, using coconut oil instead of the vegetable oil in the cake, or adding in a few drops of coconut extract.

Ingredients for Making Coconut Cake

This coconut cake is the what dreams are MADE OF, but not just because of the flavor. On top of being fluffy and moist, it is also a really simple recipe! In fact, it only requires 8 ingredients to make:

• Yellow cake mix
• Eggs
• Water
• Vegetable Oil
• Sweetened Condensed Milk
• Cream of Coconut
• Cool Whip
• Fresh strawberries

The simplicity of this recipe is what allows the creamy, coconut flavors to shine!

How to Make this Delicious Coconut Cake

Step 1: Get out the ingredients

I find that my baking process always turns out smoother when I take the time to get out my ingredients before hopping into the process of mixing and measuring and preheating haha. So, I recommend starting of on the right foot by gathering all your ingredients and equipment before diving in!

Step 2: Mix together and bake the yellow cake according to instructions

The exact measurements for your eggs, oil, and water will vary depending on what brand of cake mix you use. Because of this, pay attention to the specific instructions on your cake box. However for reference, mine called for 3 eggs, 1 cup of water, and a 1/2 cup of oil.

Add your oil, eggs, water, and cake mix to a mixing bowl and combine until smooth. Once you have your yellow cake batter mixed together, transfer it to a greased 9×13 pan and bake it according to the labeled time on the back of the box. Mine was 35-38 minutes.

Step 3: Poke holes in the cake

While the cake is still warm, poke holes all over the cake with the end of a wooden/plastic spoon or use a straw (should be round holes but doesn’t really matter). These holes will allow us to add out secret coconut sauce that really gives this angel cake its wings!

Step 4: Make the coconut sauce

To make the coconut sauce that breathes life into this cake, mix together 1 can sweetened condensed milk with 1 container of cream of coconut. Some people find that using the whole containers is too sweet, so you could always try doing 3/4 of each! Stir the two ingredients together until you have a consistent creamy color. Pour the sauce over the cake, allowing it to soak in and cool.

Step 5: Frosting and topping the cake

After the cake has cooled, top it with an 8 oz container of defrosted cool whip. You could also add fresh strawberries and/or shredded coconut (either sweetened or unsweetened). Refrigerate until ready to serve!

Coconut Cake Recipe

Is this coconut cake a glorified poke cake? Sure! But it is also the cake that multiple people have told me is the best cake they have EVER EATEN!

Give it a try and let me know the best compliment you get on it!

Other Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you’ve got a sweet tooth like me, then you are going to LOVE these other amazing party desserts. They are perfect for large groups and are just too delicious not to share.

• Best Slutty Brownies Recipe – Homemade and Box Instructions
• Fluffy Pumpkin Cake Bars
• Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars
• Decadent Oreo Ball Truffle Recipe
• Coconut Raspberry Cake

Don’t Leave Just Yet

Here at Events to Celebrate, my whole goal is to help real people plan for their kids’ birthday parties, life events, and holidays! Life is crazy. I GET IT. You don’t have endless time OR money to spend on parties, but you still want to help your guests have a great time. I’m here to help give you tips, tricks, and ideas for celebrating life on a budget.

As a mom, you want to do it all. You want to make your family happy and create special memories. My brand is all about creating special moments with those you love. The kind of moments that you will look back on years later and wish you could relive! So, if that’s something you’re interested in, stick around! I have an email list you can sign up for, so you don’t miss my future party ideas!