Recipe: A Family-Favorite Coconut Cream Cake
There’s something special about a well-loved, handwritten recipe—one that’s been passed down, tweaked over time, and filled with memories. For my family, this Coconut Cream Cake is exactly that. Scribbled notes in the margins of my cookbook make it more personal, memories of Easter gatherings, and a tradition of decorating with fresh pansies from the garden make this cake more than just a dessert—it’s a piece of our family history.
Whether you’re making this cake for an Easter celebration or just because, one thing is certain: it gets better with time! The moist, coconut-infused layers and whipped topping create the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
Coconut Cream Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
Cake:
1 package white cake mix
1 cup shredded coconut (I use fresh, frozen coconut)
1/2 teaspoon coconut flavoring
Topping:
1 small can (5 oz) evaporated milk
½ teaspoon coconut flavoring
1½ cups powdered sugar
1 container whipped topping (Cool Whip)
1 cup shredded coconut (dried, don’t use frozen for topping)
Instructions:
Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions, adding in the shredded coconut and coconut flavoring to batter.
Bake in a 9x13-inch sheet cake pan at 350°F for 30-35 minutes.
While the cake is baking, mix the evaporated milk, add coconut flavoring and powdered sugar.
Once the cake is finished baking, poke holes throughout the hot cake and pour the milk mixture over it. Let it cool completely.
Then cover with whipped topping, (Cool Whip) to which 1 cup of coconut has been added.
Optional: Decorate with edible flowers, such as pansies from your garden, for a beautiful finishing touch!
My handwritten notes from baking this coconut cake over the years!
A Slice of Family History
Looking at the notes in our cookbook, I love seeing the little details that make this cake special: the first time it was made, who enjoyed it, and even milestone moments, like our daughter Betsy getting her first job offer from Walt Disney World!
Food isn’t just about feeding the body—it’s about nourishing the soul with tradition, love, and shared memories.
So if you’re looking for a dessert that brings people together, try this easy Coconut Cream Cake. And maybe, just maybe, it will become a part of your family’s story, too.
