Coconut Paradise Cake Recipe

Dreamy Coconut Paradise Cake Recipe: Tropical Bliss in Every Bite

Coconut paradise cake crafts ordinary desserts into exotic, tropical experiences that tantalize taste buds with creamy, luxurious textures.

Sweet coconut flavors transport you to sun-drenched beaches and lush island landscapes.

Delicate layers promise a sensory journey through rich, velvety indulgence.

Bakers seeking culinary adventure will find this recipe both challenging and rewarding.

Tropical ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a harmonious symphony of unexpected taste combinations.

Moisture-rich components ensure each slice melts deliciously on your palate.

Prepare to embark on a delectable culinary expedition that celebrates the magic of coconut.

Coconut Paradise Cake: A Tropical Dream

  • Boost Tropical Flavor: Immerse yourself in a dreamy coconut experience with layers of rich coconut extract and instant pudding mix that create an intensely tropical taste sensation in every single bite.
  • Super Easy Preparation: Whip up this delightful cake using simple box cake mix and just a few additional ingredients, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want a hassle-free dessert that looks impressively homemade.
  • Texture Paradise: Enjoy a moist, tender cake with a creamy cool whip topping and crunchy coconut flakes, delivering a delightful contrast of smooth and crisp textures that dance on your palate with each forkful.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Transform basic ingredients into a show-stopping dessert in under an hour, ideal for spontaneous gatherings, potlucks, or when you need a delectable treat that will wow family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Coconut Paradise Cake

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • Yellow Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides structure and sweetness to the cake.
  • Eggs: Crucial for binding and adding moisture to the cake batter.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and tender cake texture.
  • Sour Cream: Adds richness and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
  • Water: Helps to combine the ingredients and achieve the right batter consistency.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Coconut Extract: Provides intense coconut flavor throughout the cake.
  • Instant Coconut Cream Pudding Mix: Adds extra moisture and deep coconut flavor to the cake.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Cool Whip: A light and creamy base for the cake's topping.
  • Instant Coconut Cream Pudding Mix: Helps thicken and flavor the topping.
  • Sweetened Shredded Coconut: Adds texture and visual appeal, completing the coconut paradise theme.

Making Coconut Paradise Cake

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously grease a bundt pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent the cake from sticking.

Step 2: Create Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Yellow cake mix
  • Eggs
  • Vegetable oil
  • Sour cream
  • Coconut extract
  • Instant coconut cream pudding mix
  • Water

Whisk all ingredients together until the batter becomes smooth and free of lumps.

Step 3: Bake The Cake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared bundt pan. Spread evenly and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes at 350°F. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 4: Cool The Cake

Remove the cake from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate. Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature.

Step 5: Prepare Creamy Topping

In a mixing bowl, blend:
  • Thawed cool whip
  • Half package of instant coconut cream pudding mix

Mix until fully incorporated. Chill the topping in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to help it set.

Step 6: Decorate And Serve

Spread the chilled topping evenly over the cooled cake. Sprinkle sweetened shredded coconut generously across the entire surface. Slice and serve your delightful Coconut Paradise Cake.

Pro Tips for Coconut Paradise Cake

  • Maximize Moisture: Add sour cream to the batter for an incredibly tender, rich cake that stays moist and soft even days after baking.
  • Extract Enhancement: Use pure coconut extract instead of artificial flavoring to boost the authentic tropical flavor throughout the cake.
  • Topping Technique: Refrigerate the whipped topping mixture for 10 minutes before spreading to create a firmer, more stable frosting that spreads smoothly.
  • Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool entirely before adding the topping to prevent melting and ensure a perfect, clean frosting application.
  • Coconut Coverage: Toast the shredded coconut briefly in a dry skillet before sprinkling on top to intensify the nutty flavor and add a beautiful golden color.

Storing and Reheating Coconut Paradise Cake

  • Refrigeration: Carefully wrap the cake in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The cool environment helps maintain the cake's texture and prevents bacterial growth.
  • Room Temperature: If serving within 24 hours, keep the cake covered at room temperature. Place under a cake dome or loosely tent with foil to preserve its moistness. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources that might dry out the delicate coconut topping.
  • Reheating: Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, let the cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore its soft, tender crumb and allow the coconut flavors to become more pronounced.

Pairing Coconut Paradise Cake with Beverages

  • Pair with Tropical Rum Cocktail: A refreshing piña colada or coconut mojito perfectly complements the cake's rich coconut flavor, enhancing the dessert's tropical essence with a smooth, sweet alcohol kick.
  • Serve alongside Creamy Coconut Latte: A warm, frothy coconut latte with a hint of vanilla creates a dreamy accompaniment that echoes the cake's creamy coconut notes and provides a cozy beverage experience.
  • Match with Fresh Pineapple Sorbet: A light, tangy pineapple sorbet cuts through the cake's richness, offering a bright, refreshing contrast that elevates the dessert's tropical profile and cleanses the palate.
  • Enjoy with Cold Coconut Water: A chilled, pure coconut water brings a crisp, natural hydration that balances the cake's sweetness and provides a clean, refreshing counterpoint to the rich dessert.

Creative Twists on Coconut Paradise Cake

  • Tropical Almond Blast: Replace coconut extract with almond extract and add sliced almonds on top for a nutty crunch, creating a different flavor profile that complements the creamy texture.
  • Citrus Coconut Splash: Incorporate fresh orange or lime zest into the cake batter and topping, adding a bright, tangy element that cuts through the cake's richness and enhances the coconut notes.
  • Chocolate Coconut Dream: Mix in cocoa powder to the cake batter and drizzle melted dark chocolate over the coconut topping, transforming the classic recipe into a decadent chocolate-coconut experience that chocolate lovers will adore.
  • Pineapple Coconut Island: Fold chopped crushed pineapple into the batter and garnish with toasted coconut flakes, bringing a tropical vacation vibe to the cake with a sweet and tangy combination.
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Coconut Paradise Cake Recipe

Coconut Paradise Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet coconut paradise cake whisks tropical dreams onto your plate with its luscious layers of creamy coconut filling and silky buttercream. Rich, moist, and irresistibly smooth, this dessert transports you to a sun-drenched island with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 yellow cake mix
  • 4 eggs
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) vegetable or canola oil
  • 1 box instant coconut cream pudding mix
  • ¾ cup (180 milliliters) sour cream

Liquid and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • ⅔ cup (160 milliliters) water
  • 1 teaspoon coconut extract

Topping and Garnish:

  • 1 large container cool whip topping, thawed
  • ½ package instant coconut cream pudding mix
  • ¾ cup (65 grams) sweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly coat a bundt pan with non-stick spray or butter to prevent cake adhesion.
  2. Combine yellow cake mix, whole eggs, vegetable oil, sour cream, coconut extract, instant coconut cream pudding mix, and water in a spacious mixing bowl. Whisk vigorously until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency with no lumps.
  3. Transfer the smooth batter into the prepared bundt pan, ensuring an even distribution. Use a spatula to smooth the top and eliminate any air pockets.
  4. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the cake’s center – it should emerge without any wet batter clinging to it.
  5. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to rest in the pan for approximately 5 minutes. Carefully invert the cake onto a decorative serving plate, gently tapping the pan to release the cake completely.
  6. Let the cake cool entirely to room temperature, which typically takes about 1 hour. This cooling period is crucial for maintaining the cake’s structural integrity.
  7. Prepare the topping by combining thawed whipped topping with half a package of instant coconut cream pudding mix. Blend thoroughly until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
  8. Refrigerate the topping for 10 minutes to help it set and become more manageable for spreading.
  9. Once the cake has cooled, generously spread the chilled topping across the entire surface, creating an even layer.
  10. Finish by liberally sprinkling sweetened shredded coconut over the frosted cake, ensuring complete coverage for a visually stunning and tropical-inspired dessert.

Notes

  • Elevate your baking game with this tropical-inspired dessert that transforms a simple cake mix into a luxurious coconut dream.
  • The secret weapon is instant coconut cream pudding mix, which adds incredible moisture and intense coconut flavor throughout the cake.
  • Ensure your bundt pan is well-greased to guarantee a smooth release and maintain the cake’s beautiful shape after baking.
  • Cool the cake completely before adding the topping to prevent melting and ensure a perfectly smooth, creamy frosting application.
  • Refrigerating the whipped topping briefly helps it set and makes spreading easier, creating a professional-looking finish.
  • Generously coat the cake with shredded coconut for a stunning presentation that delivers a delightful textural crunch in every bite.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

  • Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

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