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My favorite Coconut Cake is actually made with cake mix

May 24, 2022 by Joy the Baker 45 Comments

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Texture of toasted coconut and cream cheese frosting.

The rule is – on your birthday you can have absolutely any cake you want.  It’s one of those inalienable rights.  I have to fess up to something.  As a constant baker, cookbook author, and butter enthusiast my favorite birthday cake is actually…. anything made with cake mix.  I know, I know. You can fuss at me all you need to. BUT today is my birthday which I suppose makes this cake my birthright.  I’ve been tweaking this coconut cake for weeks now and I can confidently say this humble, zhooshed up cake mix is my perfect southern coconut cake.  You can best believe that part of it’s perfection is how easy this recipe is.

This easy coconut cake recipe is inspired by a legendary coconut layer cake made by dear friend Suzonne Stirling. The three tender white cake layers are melded together in moisture with a sweetened sour cream mixture before it’s wrapped in a thick layer of cream cheese frosting and a coat of coconut flakes.  Truly the best part of the best part of the cake is that Suzonne makes it for you and often delivers it with a stunning bow and bottle of champagne.

This cake is loosely based on Suzonne’s Coconut Cake with a dose of nostalgia for the sheet cake, yellow cake mix cake my grandmother would make for our birthdays.  Don’t let the cake mix turn you off – you’ll be taking all the credit for this beauty from the first slice.

If you’re in need of more birthday cake inspiration. I gotchu, always: My 12 Best Birthday Cake Recipes.

Slice of coconut cake on small white plate with coffee.

Ingredients for easy coconut cake measured in small bowls.

Here’s are the ingredients you’ll need to make this easy coconut cake:

•  white cake mix

•  3 large eggs, room temperature

•  water

•  nuetral oil

•  cream of coconut Coco Lopez or Coco Real different from canned coconut milk or a carton of coconut milk

•  sour cream

•  cream cheese

•  powdered sugar

•  vanilla extract

• a pinch of salt

•  sweetened shredded coconut

Cake mix with eggs and other cake ingredients in a large bowl.
Coconut cake with cake mix batter mixed in large bowl.


First, let’s mix together our very simple, coconut enhanced cake batter.  In a large mixing bowl using an electric hand mixer or bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the cake mix, 4 ounces of sour cream, eggs, oil, water, and cream of coconut.

Can you mix together the batter by hand? You sure can, if you’re looking for a quickie arm working. Grab a whisk and combine the ingredients until no lumps remain and the batter is well combined – 2 to 3 minutes of good whisking.

If you’re using one of the aforementioned power tools, beat on medium speed for about two minutes – not much longer or the cake batter will actually get tough.  Weirdly, more is too much in this case.

Now… if you really REALLY want to drive the coconut flavor home, you can add a teaspoon of coconut extract.  I am one of those sensitive people who thinks coconut extract makes things taste like sunscreen.  This might be the same condition that people averse to cilantro have.  BUT – if you’re into coconut extract – I would never stand in your way.

Coconut cake batter poured into 9x13-inch pan.

You have options here when it comes to what vessel you bake your cake in.  I happen to love sheet cakes as birthday cakes because nostalgia.  BUT if a layer cake hits your nostalgia bone, you can divide your cake batter into two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans. Consult the cake mix box for baking times.

In a shock to no one, I’m very particular about the 9×13-inch pan I use for cakes.  This Goldtough Nonstick pan from Williams Sonoma is the dream. I love it for its tight corners, even bake, and nonstick surface.

Bake the cake in the oven for 26-30 minutes until golden around the edges, puffed through the center, and a cake tester or toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.

Sour cream topping for cake in small bowl.
Whisk in a small bowl of sour cream mixture.


While the coconut cake bakes, whip together the sour cream glaze.  The glaze is the magic layer between cake and frosting that will make the top layer of cake soft and nearly sticky – like cake that’s been sitting in your grandmother’s refrigerator.

In a small bowl whisk together sour cream, a few tablespoons of cream of coconut, and a few spoonfuls of powdered sugar.  Give it a little taste before you spread on the cake – one of your rewards as the baker, obviously.

It’s hard to explain but any baked good with sour cream tastes like it was effortlessly made by a grandmother and this cake is no exception.

Baked coconut cake with a puddle of sour cream topping on top.
Sour cream topping spread over easy coconut cake.


Allow the baked cake to cool for 5 minutes.  Use the cake tester or toothpick to prick a few holes in the warm cake and spread the sour cream mixture across the top of the cake in an even layer.

Cake mix cakes tend to pull away from the sides of the pan as it cools.  You’ll find that some of that sour cream mixture slides down the sides of the cake which is ideal for texture and flavor.

Allow the cake to cool to room temperature (not even a touch warm) before frosting.  You can expedite this cooling process in the fridge.

Making cream cheese frosting in large bowl.

While the cake cools, whip together the coconut cream cheese frosting using an electric mixer (or a stand mixer if you went that route).

Cream cheese frosting is an unapologetic pairing of unsalted butter and softened cream cheeses blocks.  It’s easy to make if you follow these 5 tips for making the best cream cheese frosting.

Toast a few handfuls of sweetened shredded coconut to top the cake.

Frosted coconut cake in pan.
Toasted coconut place on top of coconut cakee.


Here’s what that makes frosting this cake easy and beautiful:  an offset spatula, a piping bag, and a small star tip.

Scoop about 1/3 of the batter into a piping bag fitted with a small star tip.  Spread the remaining frosting onto the cooled cake.  If parts of the sour cream topping sneak through – that’s ok – just spread as evenly as possible.  It should be a thick layer.

Pipe stars around the border of the cake and in vertical and horizontal stripes if you’d like.  Mix the toasted coconut with untoasted sweetened shredded coconut, and fill each empty space of the cake with a heap of coconut.

Coconut sheet cake in pan.

I think this cake is best refrigerated overnight – to settle, you know – and served chilled.

Slice of coconut cake on small white plate with coffee.
Texture of toasted coconut and cream cheese frosting.


This coconut sheet cake is full-on coconut flavor flavor without it tasting like summer sunscreen.  The cake is fluffy and light with a sour cream layer that marries the cream cheese frosting and the cake itself.  It’s so comforting and low-key classy if you ask me.

Store any remaining frosting in the freezer should you need a little extra something for the micro-batch cinnamon roll recipe I’ll bring you next week. Frosted cake slices can also be individually wrapped in wax paper and stored in a zip lock bag in the freezer because that’s the way my mom does it, and there’s something really wonderful about biting into a slice of frozen cake.

If you’re thinking of a dessert for Memorial Day – I’d say it’s between this cake and my favorite blueberry cobbler.

Happy baking, friends!  Be sure to comment and rate this recipe when you make it! xo

Other cakes you’ll love: 

One Pot Chocolate Cake

The Perfect Carrot Cake

Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Decadent Chocolate Cake

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Texture of toasted coconut and cream cheese frosting.

My favorite Coconut Cake is actually made with cake mix

★★★★★ 4.8 from 13 reviews
  • Author: Joy the Baker
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Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 1 (15.25 ounce) box white cake mix
  • 8 ounces sour cream, divided
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup cream of coconut like Coco Lopez (buy a 15 ounce can)

For the Sour Cream Layer:

  • Remaining 4 ounces sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons cream of coconut
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

For the Frosting:

  • 2 8-ounce blocks cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 pound powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Splash of milk
  • 2–3 cups sweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

  1. Place a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl with a set of electric hand beaters, combine dry cake mix, half of the sour cream container (4 ounces), and the rest of the cake ingredients. Beat on high for three to five minutes until well combined.
  3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 26-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out dry with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
  4. While the cake bakes, in a small bowl combine remaining sour cream, cream of coconut and powdered sugar. Whisk until no lumps remain and set aside.
  5. Remove the baked cake from the oven and allow to cool for five minutes. Use a toothpick to prick holes across the top of the cake and spread the sour cream frosting across the warm cake. Cover loosely and allow the cake to cool to room temperature.
  6. While the cake cools, make the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl using electric hand beaters, beat cream cheese around the bowl to soften. Add the softened butter and beat to combine. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and a small splash of milk. Beat until thick and smooth, about 3 minutes.
  7. Toast 1 cup of shredded coconut on a small sheet pan in the oven until golden brown, abbot 5 minutes but keep a close eye on it. Toss with untoasted coconut.
  8. Place 1/3 of the cream cheese frosting in a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Frost the cooled cake with room temperature cream cheese frosting from edge to edge.

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Reader Interactions

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Questions
  1. Taylor

    November 10, 2022 at 8:29 am

    I made this recipe this morning – actually doubled it to make several 8×8 cakes – realized AFTER the fact that I only used 2 blocks of cream cheese when I should have used 4! So for the icing I used 2 sticks butter, 2 blocks cream cheese, 2lb powdered sugar, 2tsp vanilla, 2 splashes of milk and I actually mixed the coconut in. These are cakes I am giving away as gifts. Do you think that it will be OK without the correct amount of cream cheese?? It smelled good but I did not taste it. I just realized my mistake! :(

    Reply
  2. Lorraine

    November 7, 2022 at 5:33 pm

    Need advice, please! I’m searching for a coconut cake recipe to make in combo with my boxed pineapple cake mix – then make a pineapple/coconut checkerboard cake. Pina-colada, get it? :) So, I need my coconut cake to be WHITE to contrast the pineapple-yellow. If I use the entire egg in your recipe and not just the white part, will the coconut cake be yellow? Boxed white cake mix usually instructs to use the whites only. If that’s the case here, how do I adjust?

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  3. Julia

    August 3, 2022 at 6:24 pm

    If by freeze the extra frosting you mean squeeze it into your mouth, then yes that is the best way to keep it — as my grandma said that way it’ll last “a lifetime on the hips.” The cake is delish, but obviously, the frosting with the toasted coconut is where it’s at. I do want to try it without a mix, but this was a nice cheat for an easy dessert!

    ★★★★

    Reply
  4. Linh

    August 2, 2022 at 7:01 am

    Made this cake and it was INCREDIBLE!!! I made the cake a day ahead and refrigerated it. It was sooooooo rich, tender and flavorful. It was a huge hit! It also serves a party – this was for six people and we had so much leftover. Thank you for sharing this recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  5. Hailey Bonus

    July 1, 2022 at 5:12 pm

    Hi Joy! Can I make this cake and do the sour cream layer but then put in the fridge overnight and put the icing on the next day? Then serve at room temp? Thanks!

    Reply
  6. Tom Flinn

    July 1, 2022 at 10:01 am

    Hi Joy
    Thanks for all your great recipes. I was intrigued by cake mix recipes, I love Duncan Hines, there I admit it! Btw I think you misspelled neutral above. nuetral oil, I thought you’d want to fix it, no offense intended. Take care Tom

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Chelsey

      July 11, 2022 at 7:13 am

      Hi, I’m just wondering if this could be made like a round stacked cake with all the cute decor techniques or if the holes would make it fall apart? Attempting to make a beach theme for a birthday party. Thanks

      Reply
  7. JC

    June 27, 2022 at 9:20 am

    Another winner, Joy! I made this for a bday this past weekend, and several people said it was the best cake they ever had! Thank you. :)

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Joy the Baker

      June 27, 2022 at 9:34 am

      I am screaming! I love that!

      Reply
    • Melissa

      July 30, 2022 at 6:34 am

      I made this and even non-coconut lovers were humming their approval and reaching for another slice (I made half without shredded coconut because some people in my family have no taste and hate coconut.) The sour cream layer is such a nice touch and thanks for mentioning adding in an optional touch of coconut extract. Coconut heaven!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
  8. TM5150 Support

    June 13, 2022 at 10:40 am

    Happy Birthday!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  9. Beth

    June 11, 2022 at 11:29 am

    Happy Birthday! Came by to get the recipe to make with my mom. She’s so excited.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  10. Bonnie

    June 5, 2022 at 10:28 pm

    Made this cake this weekend for a potluck and it was a hit! The cream cheese frosting and sour cream layer really balance out the cake well.

    ★★★★

    Reply
  11. Rebecca

    May 27, 2022 at 4:25 pm

    Are we really b’day twins? May 24? Along with Bob Dylan and Queen Victoria (and, in fact, the Brooklyn Bridge)???? Awesome. And this cake looks great. My husband said, “I think I’d like to try to make you a cake,” and I said, “Honey, that is not a Tuesday night undertaking.” And, after the Uvalde massacre, it surely was not–but helping him try out this cake is just what these tired teachers need on their three day weekend. Thanks!

    Reply
  12. Kim

    May 26, 2022 at 7:54 pm

    Happy birthday!!! Which white cake mix do you prefer??

    Reply
  13. Stella

    May 25, 2022 at 4:22 pm

    Happy Birthday Joy, you make life sweeter by being here.

    Reply
    • KATHLEEN LAFRATTA

      May 25, 2022 at 8:38 pm

      I am a Coco- Nut!!!! I can’t get enough of this stuff, I will eat it for every meal. I. really need help. My current addiction is DANG coconut chips. I am going to top this cake with those.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Su

        January 2, 2023 at 7:39 am

        Can we use glass baking pan to bake this coconut cake?

        Reply
        • Abby Mallett

          January 2, 2023 at 4:44 pm

          Hi there, I would say you could! Usually glass doesn’t interrupt baking time too too much just keep an eye on it – go for it!

          Reply
  14. Teddi

    May 25, 2022 at 3:35 pm

    Happy Birthday!! The 40’s are the very best. Enjoy every minute – but guess what? The 50’s are pretty awesome as well. This cake is after my own heart. I always ask for coconut cake on my birthday. I may not even wait!!

    Reply
  15. Cy

    May 25, 2022 at 1:52 pm

    Happy Birthday Joy! The 40’s are awesome, I can see you are already there. I love coconut, this cakes look easy and delicious!

    Reply
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