This recipe is a variation of the one that used to be on the back of the Duncan Hines cake mix box. I haven't seen the original myself, but I've heard about it and have been told this version is very similar.
Coconut Cake with Cake Mix
Servings: 20 Servings
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 15.25 ounces white cake mix
- ¾ cup Coco Lopez Cream of Coconut stirred
- ½ cup canola oil or vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream room temperature
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 16 ounces powdered sugar
- 8 ounces block-style cream cheese room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
- 7 ounces sweetened coconut flakes
Instructions
To Make the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat a 9x13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, cream of coconut, oil, eggs, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and well combined.15.25 ounces white cake mix, ¾ cup Coco Lopez Cream of Coconut, ½ cup canola oil, 3 large eggs, 1 cup sour cream
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
To Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Mix until smooth and spreadable, adding more milk if needed.16 ounces powdered sugar, 8 ounces block-style cream cheese, 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract, 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
- Use an offset spatula to spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Sprinkle the sweetened coconut flakes evenly over the frosting.7 ounces sweetened coconut flakes
- Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve.
Notes
- The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card and a serving size of 1 slice of cake. Actual calories will vary.
- This recipe bakes best in a metal or ceramic baking pan/cake pan.
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- We updated the recipe, photos, and some of the tips in post on 2/22/25 based on reader feedback.
Nutrition Facts
Coconut Cake with Cake Mix
Serving Size
1 piece
Amount per Serving
Calories
385
% Daily Value*
Fat
18
g
28
%
Saturated Fat
9
g
45
%
Trans Fat
0.1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
6
g
Cholesterol
43
mg
14
%
Sodium
233
mg
10
%
Potassium
91
mg
3
%
Carbohydrates
54
g
18
%
Fiber
2
g
8
%
Sugar
43
g
48
%
Protein
3
g
6
%
Vitamin A
262
IU
5
%
Vitamin C
0.1
mg
0
%
Calcium
77
mg
8
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
