Tropical Coconut Pecan Delight
Indulge in the exquisite taste of our Tropical Coconut Pecan Delight cake, a truly scrumptious treat that's perfect for any special occasion! This cake features a moist yellow cake base, enriched with flavors of creamy coconut and crunchy pecans, creating a delightful combination of textures and tastes. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting and adorned with toasted coconut, this cake not only tantalizes the taste buds but also makes a stunning centerpiece for gatherings. Originally shared from a cherished fundraiser cookbook, this recipe is a timeless classic that will leave your guests raving.
N/A
Servings
354
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Yellow cake mix
1 box (18 1/4 ounces) (Plain, without pudding added)
Vanilla instant pudding mix
1 package (4 ounces) (Unprepared)
Water
1 1/3 cups (Room temperature)
Eggs
4 (Large, room temperature)
Oil
1/4 cup (Vegetable or canola oil)
Shredded coconut
2 cups, divided (Sweetened or unsweetened, as preferred)
Butter
4 tablespoons, divided (Unsalted)
Cream cheese
1 package (8 ounces) (Softened)
Milk
2 teaspoons (Any kind of milk)
Confectioners' sugar
3 1/2 cups (Sifted)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (Pure vanilla extract)
Chopped pecans
1 cup (Chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Grease and lightly flour three 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, vanilla pudding mix, water, eggs, and oil.
4
Using a mixer, blend the ingredients on medium speed for 3 minutes until well combined and smooth.
5
Gently fold in 1 cup of shredded coconut and the chopped pecans to the batter.
6
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
8
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
9
For the frosting, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over low heat and add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut. Stir constantly until the coconut is golden brown, then spread it on paper towels to cool.
10
In a mixing bowl, cream together the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
11
Gradually add the milk and confectioners' sugar, beating until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
12
Stir in the remaining 1 1/2 cups of shredded coconut and the vanilla, blending until well combined.
13
Spread a layer of frosting on top of each cake layer, stacking them as you go. Once assembled, generously spread the remaining frosting on the top layer and sprinkle the toasted coconut on top for decoration.
Nutrition Information
16g
Fat
57g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tropical Coconut Pecan Delight?
The Tropical Coconut Pecan Delight is a moist yellow cake enriched with coconut and pecans, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting and toasted coconut.
What temperature should the oven be for this cake?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How many cake pans do I need for this recipe?
You will need three 9-inch round cake pans.
What is the base of the cake batter?
The base consists of an 18 1/4 ounce box of yellow cake mix and a 4 ounce package of instant vanilla pudding mix.
How long should I bake the cake layers?
Bake the layers for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What ingredients are used for the cake's moisture?
Moisture is provided by 1 1/3 cups of water, 4 eggs, 1/4 cup of oil, and the addition of instant vanilla pudding mix.
How many eggs are required for the Tropical Coconut Pecan Delight?
This recipe requires 4 large, room temperature eggs.
What type of oil should I use?
Vegetable or canola oil is recommended for this recipe.
How much coconut is needed in total?
A total of 2 cups of shredded coconut is used, divided between the batter, the frosting, and the toasted topping.
How much pecans are added to the recipe?
One cup of chopped pecans is folded into the cake batter.
What is the calorie count for a serving of this cake?
Each serving contains approximately 354 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 16 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content of this dessert?
Each serving contains 57 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does a slice provide?
A slice provides 4 grams of protein.
What type of frosting is used for this cake?
A homemade cream cheese frosting is used, featuring cream cheese, butter, confectioners' sugar, milk, vanilla, and coconut.
How do I toast the coconut for the topping?
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over low heat, add 1/2 cup shredded coconut, and stir constantly until golden brown.
How much cream cheese is required for the frosting?
You will need one 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese.
How much confectioners' sugar is in the frosting?
The frosting requires 3 1/2 cups of sifted confectioners' sugar.
Is the coconut in the batter toasted?
No, the 1 cup of coconut folded into the batter is shredded but not toasted; only the topping coconut is toasted.
How long should the cake layers cool before frosting?
Cool them in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Should the cake mix include pudding?
The recipe specifies a plain yellow cake mix without pudding added, as you add a separate package of pudding mix.
What size of vanilla pudding mix is needed?
Use one 4-ounce package of vanilla instant pudding mix.
What type of milk is used in the frosting?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of any kind of milk.
How should I prepare the cake pans?
Grease and lightly flour the pans to prevent the cake from sticking.
What is the texture of the cake?
The cake has a moist texture with a delightful crunch from the chopped pecans and shredded coconut.
Can I use unsweetened coconut?
Yes, you can use either sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut based on your preference.
How long do I mix the batter?
Blend the cake mix, pudding, water, eggs, and oil on medium speed for 3 minutes before folding in the coconut and pecans.
What is the significance of the toasted coconut?
It is used as a decoration on the top layer and adds a nutty, toasted flavor and visual appeal.
Where does this recipe originate from?
This recipe was originally shared from a cherished fundraiser cookbook.
Is this cake suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its impressive three-layer appearance and tropical flavors make it a perfect centerpiece for celebrations and gatherings.