This easy coconut cake recipe is one of the most delicious desserts you’ll ever make—and it only takes five ingredients! Moist cake, sweet condensed milk, coconut, and whipped topping come together to create a creamy tropical treat that disappears fast.
Easy Coconut Cake Recipe (Only 5 Ingredients!)
This easy coconut cake recipe is one of my favorite quick desserts! It’s a simple coconut poke cake made with sweetened condensed milk and topped with coconut and whipped topping for a light, creamy finish.
With just five ingredients, this cake is easy to make quickly but tastes like something much more complicated. The sweet coconut flavor and optional pineapple give it a delicious tropical twist.
Because it’s served cold, this coconut cake is perfect for warm summer days, pool parties, picnics, potlucks, or family dinners any time of year.
If you love quick, budget-friendly desserts like this easy coconut cake, be sure to check out more recipes in our Dining on a Dime Cookbooks.
How to Make Coconut Cake
This coconut cake starts with a boxed cake mix, which keeps it simple and foolproof, even while making a gourmet style cake!
- Bake the cake mix according to the package directions in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, poke holes all over the cake using a fork or straw.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake so it soaks into the holes.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour so it can absorb the milk and firm up.
- While the cake chills, mix the whipped topping, coconut, and optional pineapple together.
- Spread the topping over the chilled cake.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Serve cold and enjoy! (Full recipe below.)
Ingredients for Coconut Cake
Yellow or White Cake Mix
Either works well. A white cake mix gives a lighter, more delicate texture, while a yellow cake mix tends to be slightly richer and more moist because it contains egg yolks.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Do not confuse this with evaporated milk. Sweetened condensed milk is thick and sweet and is essential for the creamy texture of this poke cake.
Whipped Topping
Use one 8-ounce container of whipped topping.
Flaked Coconut
One 8-ounce package of sweetened flaked coconut adds great flavor and texture.
Crushed Pineapple (Optional)
If you want a tropical twist, add one 15-ounce can of crushed pineapple.
How to Make a Pineapple Coconut Cake
If you love pineapple and coconut together, simply add the optional crushed pineapple to the whipped topping mixture.
This turns the recipe into a delicious pineapple coconut cake with even more tropical flavor.
Tips to Make the Best Coconut Cake with Cake Mix
One reason I love this recipe is how easy it is. Still, a few simple tips will help your cake turn out perfectly every time.
Use clean bowls and utensils
Greasy residue can affect how well the batter mixes.
Beat the batter as directed
Most cake mixes recommend 30 seconds on medium and 2 minutes on high. Skipping this step can result in a dense cake.
Use baking spray with flour
This is the easiest way to prevent sticking and saves time when preparing your pan.
How to Grease and Flour the Pan
If you don’t have baking spray, you can easily grease and flour the pan yourself.
- Spread a thin layer of shortening over the pan using a paper towel.
- Add about ¼ cup flour to the pan.
- Shake the pan to coat the bottom and sides evenly.
- Turn the pan upside down over the sink and tap it to remove excess flour.
Storing Leftover Coconut Cake
Does Coconut Cake Need to Be Refrigerated?
Yes. Because this cake contains sweetened condensed milk and whipped topping, it should always be kept refrigerated.
Serve it cold and store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator.
Can This Cake Be Frozen?
Yes, this cake freezes well, just like any other slice of cake.
For best results:
- Freeze slices on a cookie sheet first until firm.
- Wrap each slice in parchment paper.
- Store in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Remove as much air as possible if using zipper bags.
More Delicious, Easy Cake Recipes to Try!
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
A beautiful, classic dessert everyone loves.
The Best Chocolate Cake Recipes
Perfect when you need an easy chocolate fix.
Cake Mix Recipes
Stock up on cake mixes when they’re on sale and make quick desserts anytime!
Another Easy Coconut Cake Recipe
A completely different take on coconut cake using cake mix.
This Easy Coconut Cake Recipe is from our Dining On a Dime Cookbook, Volume 2!
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