- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts for variety)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, whole milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Mix until smooth and well combined. The batter will be slightly thicker than traditional cake batter.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and spread it out with a spatula.
3. Make the Topping
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in the brown sugar and evaporated milk, whisking constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans.
- Mix until the ingredients are evenly coated in the caramel-like sauce.
4. Assemble and Bake
- Carefully spoon the topping mixture evenly over the cake batter in the baking dish.
- Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the topping to cover the cake batter completely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and the topping is bubbly and caramelized.
5. Cool and Serve
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.
- Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy every bite of this heavenly, melt-in-your-mouth dessert!
- Perfect as a standalone treat or paired with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added indulgence.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly shredded coconut and high-quality butter make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
- Switch Nuts: Substitute pecans with almonds, walnuts, or macadamia nuts for variety.
- Add Chocolate: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the topping before baking for a chocolatey twist.
- Store Leftovers: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
This Dream Cake combines the soft, fluffy texture of a classic yellow cake with the rich, buttery crunch of a caramelized coconut and pecan topping. The result is a dessert that’s both satisfying and indulgent, with layers of flavor that feel luxurious yet approachable. Whether served as a standalone dessert or customized with your favorite mix-ins, this recipe delivers big on taste and simplicity without requiring advanced baking skills.
Conclusion: A Dessert Everyone Will Love
Whether you’re craving something sweet and buttery, looking for a way to elevate your dessert game, or simply want to enjoy a homemade treat, this Dream Cake is sure to delight. Its bold flavors, satisfying textures, and customizable options make it a standout recipe that’s as practical as it is delicious. Plus, its versatility means you can tailor it to suit any occasion.
We’d love to see your creations! Tag us in your photos or share your favorite variations—your take on this dessert might just inspire others to try it too! 🍴✨