3 Day Coconut Cake

I make this in the winter as a snowflake cake.

Save
3 Day Coconut Cake Save
3 Day Coconut Cake

I make this in the winter as a snowflake cake.

  • Preparing Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Served Person: 8
  • Carbohydrate 88.2145500996224 g
  • Cholesterol 16.3537499808607 mg
  • Fat 13.3886249922896 g
  • Fiber 0.69300001502037 g
  • Protein 5.79074999617215 g
  • Saturated Fat 4.84681499524253 g
  • Serving Size 1 1 Serving (142g)
  • Sodium 444.097499961722 mg
  • Sugar 87.521550084602 g
  • Trans Fat 0.738119999562532 g
  • Calories 490 calories

Step-by-step

  • Mix and bake cake according to package.
  • Bake in 2 8" pans or 1 9 x 13 pan.
  • Mix together coconut, sour cream, sugar and Cool Whip.
  • Spread mixture between layers and outside of cake or entire mixture on top of 9 x 13 cake.
  • Seal tight with foil or airtight container.
  • Refrigerate for a minimum of 24 hours.
  • Can be kept for up to 3 days.
  • You MUST use airtight container if saving for 3 days.
  • Can sprinkle more coconut on top and decorate with maraschino cherries.

The Chemistry of the Rest

How long should a layered sponge sit before slicing? Resting this dessert for a minimum of 24 hours allows the high-fat dairy mixture to migrate directly into the crumb. Sugar draws moisture outward, softening the cake structure significantly by the 72-hour mark. Seal the exterior tightly in a rigid container to prevent refrigerator odors from penetrating the dairy fats.

Moisture Management Strategies

Sour cream provides lactic acid that tenderizes gluten strands during mixing, yielding a fine crumb structure. Whipped topping acts as a stable emulsion shield, holding excess liquid in suspension without weeping. Ensure the sponge cools completely to room temperature before applying the filling, or the fat content will liquefy and slide off the layers.

Fresh Versus Preserved Elements

Dry packaged shreds offer a concentrated texture that resists dissolving entirely into the cream. Fresh grated drupe yields a brighter aroma and higher moisture content, which requires reducing the accompanying sour cream by two tablespoons to maintain structural integrity. Toasting half the garnish yields nutty notes that balance the sweetness of the remaining raw flakes.