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Home » Baking » Chocolate Coconut Cake

Published: May 21, 2017 Last Modified: May 17, 2019 By Sara 55 Comments

Chocolate Coconut Cake

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Chocolate Coconut Cake Recipe | Easy Chocolate Cake | Chocolate and Coconut Recipe

This decadent chocolate coconut cake recipe is topped with a creamy coconut marshmallow sauce and finished off with a layer of chocolate frosting. My husband’s absolute favorite cake!

If you’re a chocolate lover, you’ll most definitely enjoy this cake. It’s loaded with different flavors and textures and is a unique addition to any celebration. Looking for more chocolate recipes? Try my brownie pizza and chocolate pudding cake.

A slice of chocolate coconut cake finished with chocolate sprinkles.

I started making this chocolate coconut cake years ago when I first learned to cook. I’ve adapted the recipe over time and can confidently say that if you’re a coconut fan, you will love this cake. My husband asks for this cake every year for his birthday, he can’t be swayed by the pretty pictures of other cakes I show him in magazines or on Pinterest. He’s declared this one to be his favorite.

How do you make chocolate coconut cake?

This chocolate coconut cake starts with a single layer of chocolate cake. But no one’s that excited by a plain, unadorned piece of chocolate cake. It’s the coconut sauce that makes this one special.

When you melt marshmallows with a little milk and sugar and add coconut to the mix, something really magical happens. It forms this thick and creamy sauce which then gets spread over the cake. The sauce firms up as it cools, which means it won’t run all over the place when you cut the cake. The final touch is a layer of chocolate frosting that gets poured over the top.

Chocolate Coconut Cake Recipe | Easy Chocolate Cake | Chocolate and Coconut Recipe #cake #chocolate #coconut #dessert #dinneratthezoo

A pan of chocolate coconut cake topped with frosting and sprinkles.

The cake is pretty straightforward to make – the one thing I want to mention is that the chocolate frosting is almost like a really thick glaze. It’s best to pour it evenly over the top rather than spread it with a knife, because as it cools it will not spread smoothly. To get a nice glossy coating like in my pictures, pour it and then don’t touch it again!

A fork taking a piece of chocolate coconut cake.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just want a sweet treat to serve after dinner, no one can ever turn down a slice of cake. This chocolate coconut cake is the perfect all-occasion treat! Or in my case, the perfect annual birthday treat for my husband.

Still hungry? Follow Dinner at the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for more great recipe ideas!

This post was originally published on July 9, 2015 and was recently updated with new photos and recipe instructions.

More fabulous dessert recipes

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  • Oreo Cheesecake

Chocolate coconut cake video

This chocolate coconut cake recipe is a rich chocolate cake topped with a creamy coconut marshmallow sauce and finished off with a layer of chocolate frosting.
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4.8 from 5 votes

Chocolate Coconut Cake

This chocolate coconut cake features a layer of rich chocolate cake topped with a creamy coconut sauce and chocolate frosting. Adapted from All Recipes and Cooking Light.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 394kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

For the chocolate cake:

  • 1 box devil's food cake mix
  • oil, eggs and water as directed on cake mix package
  • cooking spray

For the coconut sauce:

  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 15 large marshmallows
  • 3 cups flaked sweetened coconut
  • 3/4 teaspoon cornstarch

For the chocolate frosting:

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 4 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder sifted
  • 4 1/2 tablespoons milk
  • 2 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chocolate sprinkles

Instructions

  • For the cake: Coat a 9"x13" pan with cooking spray. Prepare the cake mix with the oil, eggs and water in amounts as directed on the box and bake according to package instructions. Cool completely in the pan.
  • For the coconut sauce: Combine milk, sugar and marshmallows in a medium saucepan, cook over medium heat for 5 minutes or until the marshmallows are melted.
  • Stir in coconut and cornstarch, bring to a boil. Cook one minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and pour the coconut sauce over the cake while it's still warm, then let cool completely before you add the frosting.
  • For the frosting: Melt butter in a small, heavy saucepan over low heat. Add granulated sugar, milk and cocoa powder, cook for 2-3 minutes or until mixture is thoroughly combined.
  • Remove from heat and cool slightly. Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla. Pour over the cake. Add the sprinkles on top while the frosting is still warm. Do not try to spread the frosting with a knife or it will not set properly.

Notes

Make Ahead: The entire cake can be made a day in advance.
Little Helpers: Sprinkle time! Let your kids do the decorating

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 394kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 392mg | Potassium: 251mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 47g | Vitamin A: 120IU | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 2.2mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @DinnerAtTheZoo or tag #dinneratthezoo!
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Filed Under: Baking, Dessert

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    Comments

    1. Nancy says

      April 14, 2022 at 6:31 am

      5 stars
      We adore this cake! It tastes like a Bounty bar. So delicious! Baking isn’t my strongest cooking skill but I love the ease of this recipe and encourage everyone to give it a try. You will love it.

      Reply
    2. Sophia says

      February 27, 2021 at 2:56 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve made this cake 3 times now so it was time to leave a comment! We love this cake that’s sort of like a Mounds bar! Thanks for the recipe and love your site!

      Reply
    3. Faiza Sabeen says

      February 6, 2019 at 10:18 am

      Hello, making this cake today, a day in advance of my husband’s birthday. Do I put it in refrigerator once it’s done or leave it outside?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        February 6, 2019 at 10:25 am

        I typically refrigerate it, you may want to leave it out for about 30 minutes before you plan to serve it.

        Reply
    4. Tammy L says

      July 9, 2017 at 8:19 am

      5 stars
      I just made this cake but I made it into a poke cake with homemade chocolate pudding. It’s in the fridge right now cooling, so I hope it turn out yummy!

      Reply
      • Tammy l says

        July 9, 2017 at 6:24 pm

        Update: so good!ots going to be hard. Otnto eat the whole thing by myself!

        Reply
        • Sara says

          July 9, 2017 at 9:30 pm

          So glad to hear you enjoyed it, thanks for reporting back!

          Reply
    5. Terri says

      June 16, 2017 at 10:33 pm

      Making this lovely cake for Fathers Day! I have some dads who are coconut and chocolate lovers. Don’t think I can go wrong!

      Reply
    6. Bettie Swaims says

      May 29, 2017 at 4:32 pm

      I have got to make this cake

      Reply
    7. Cathy@LemonTreeDwelling says

      July 13, 2015 at 2:49 pm

      I’m not usually a huge chocolate cake person, but THIS one…..is a different story!

      Reply
      • Sara says

        July 13, 2015 at 10:36 pm

        I promise you’ll like it!

        Reply
    8. Andi @ The Weary Chef says

      July 13, 2015 at 4:55 am

      Yumm! So many delicious flavors in the one cake. Must have a slice (or five)!

      Reply
    9. Matt @ Plating Pixels says

      July 12, 2015 at 7:41 pm

      That marshmallow sauce does sound magical. I don’t only used the store bought creme so I’m intrigued!

      Reply
    10. Mariah @ Mariah's Pleasing Plates says

      July 12, 2015 at 2:29 pm

      This cake looks AMAZINGGG! I am a huge coconut fan! Pinned! Can’t wait to try this one out!

      Reply
    11. Tonia from TheGunnySack says

      July 11, 2015 at 9:52 am

      Oh my goodness! I can see why your husband loves this cake!

      Reply
    12. Meg @ The Housewife in Training Files says

      July 11, 2015 at 6:22 am

      I am raising my hand so high right now! I love anything with coconut, chocolate and marshmallow!

      Reply
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