This Coconut Cream Dream Cake is a light, fluffy, and incredibly moist dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It features a tender cake base, a creamy coconut-infused filling, and a generous topping of whipped cream and shredded coconut. The combination of textures and flavors creates a truly heavenly experience. This cake is easy to make and can be customized with various extracts and toppings to suit your preferences.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1 (14 ounce) can coconut cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract (optional)
For the Filling:
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (15 ounce) can cream of coconut
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
Instructions:
Cake:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, coconut cream, eggs, vegetable oil, and coconut extract (if using). Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
Filling:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, cream of coconut, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Poke Holes: Using a fork or wooden skewer, poke holes all over the cooled cake.
- Pour Filling: Slowly pour the filling over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set.
Topping:
- Whip Cream: In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
- Frost Cake: Spread the whipped cream over the chilled cake.
- Add Coconut: Sprinkle the shredded coconut over the whipped cream.
- Serve: Cut into squares and serve.
Tips and Notes:
- Coconut Cream: Use coconut cream, not coconut milk, for the cake batter.
- Cream of Coconut: Cream of coconut is a sweetened coconut product used in cocktails and desserts.
- Extracts: You can use other extracts like almond or vanilla in the cake batter or filling.
- Topping Variations: You can toast the shredded coconut for a richer flavor.
- Make Ahead: The cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Storage: Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator.
Enjoy this Coconut Cream Dream Cake for a taste of tropical paradise!