Are you searching for a dessert that’s both irresistibly moist and bursting with tropical flavor? Look no further than the Easy Sour Cream Coconut Cake. This delightful recipe is perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or as a simple treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. Its rich coconut flavor and creamy texture will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to Prepare: With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this cake in no time.
- Moist and Flavorful: The sour cream adds a tangy richness, perfectly complementing the sweet coconut.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This cake is a hit for birthdays, holidays, or potlucks.
- Make-Ahead Option: The cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Ingredients for Easy Sour Cream Coconut Cake
To make this mouthwatering cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 box of white cake mix (preferably with pudding in the mix)
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 1 cup of shredded coconut
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup of water
For the Frosting:
- 1 tub of whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 cup of shredded coconut (for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, sour cream, shredded coconut, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Beat the mixture on medium speed until well blended.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
2. Bake the Cake:
- Place the pans in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Make the Frosting:
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix the whipped topping, sour cream, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Cover and refrigerate the frosting until the cake is ready to assemble.
4. Assemble and Frost the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting over the top.
- Add the second layer and frost the entire cake, including the sides.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut over the top and press it lightly into the sides for a beautiful finish.
Pro Tips for the Best Sour Cream Coconut Cake
- Use Fresh Coconut: If possible, use freshly shredded coconut for a more authentic taste.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add a Coconut Syrup: For extra moisture, brush the cake layers with coconut milk or a simple syrup before frosting.
- Garnish Creatively: Decorate with toasted coconut flakes or a drizzle of white chocolate for a fancy touch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Easy Sour Cream Coconut Cake chilled for a refreshing dessert. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Perfect for spring or summer gatherings, this cake will transport your taste buds straight to a tropical paradise!
Conclusion
The Easy Sour Cream Coconut Cake is a foolproof dessert that delivers on taste, texture, and tropical vibes. Its combination of tangy sour cream and sweet coconut makes it a standout choice for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your collection. Try it today and watch it disappear in no time!
Serving Tips for Easy Sour Cream Coconut Cake
- Serve Chilled: This cake tastes best when served cold. Chill it for at least 2 hours before slicing to enhance its creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Slice Neatly: Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water to slice the cake cleanly. Wipe the knife between cuts for a polished presentation.
- Garnish Options: Add a touch of elegance with toppings like toasted coconut flakes, white chocolate curls, or fresh fruit such as pineapple or strawberries.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve with coffee, tea, or a light tropical drink, such as a piña colada mocktail, for a complete dessert experience.
Storage Tips for Easy Sour Cream Coconut Cake
Short-Term Storage:
- Refrigerator: Cover the cake with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight cake container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Keep Moist: To prevent the cake from drying out, ensure it is well-covered, especially if stored in a refrigerator with other items.
Long-Term Storage:
- Freezing the Cake: If you need to store the cake for longer:
- Wrap each unfrosted cake layer tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and assembling.
- Freezing Frosted Cake: You can also freeze the fully frosted cake. Freeze it uncovered for 1 hour to set the frosting, then wrap it securely in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the refrigerator when ready to serve.
Avoiding Odors:
Store the cake away from strong-smelling foods in the fridge or freezer to maintain its fresh, sweet coconut flavor.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure your Easy Sour Cream Coconut Cake remains as delightful on day three as it is on day one!
1. Can I use a different type of cake mix for this recipe?
Yes! While a white cake mix is traditional for this recipe, you can use yellow or vanilla cake mix for a slightly different flavor. Just make sure it’s a mix with pudding for added moisture.
2. What can I use as a substitute for sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, you can use plain Greek yogurt as a 1:1 substitute. It will provide a similar tangy richness and maintain the cake’s moist texture.
3. How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make the cake gluten-free, use a gluten-free white cake mix and ensure all other ingredients (like shredded coconut and powdered sugar) are certified gluten-free.
4. Can I toast the coconut for this recipe?
Absolutely! Toasting the coconut adds a nutty, caramelized flavor. Spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Let it cool before sprinkling it on the cake.
EASY SOUR CREAM COCONUT CAKE
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooling Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Sour Cream Coconut Cake is a moist, fluffy dessert with a rich coconut flavor. Made with simple ingredients and topped with a creamy coconut frosting, it’s perfect for any occasion—from casual gatherings to holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (or regular milk)
- 1 tsp coconut extract
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz sour cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut (plus extra for garnish)
- 8 oz whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, coconut milk, and coconut extract.
- Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, until the batter is smooth and well combined.
2. Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Make the Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, mix the sour cream and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping and shredded coconut until evenly combined.
4. Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake, including the sides.
- Sprinkle extra shredded coconut over the top and press it lightly into the sides for a decorative touch.
5. Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Make Ahead: This cake tastes even better the next day after the coconut flavors develop.
- Coconut Boost: Add toasted coconut to the top for extra texture and flavor.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.