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Chocolate Coconut Cake

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A rich chocolate cake topped with a creamy coconut marshmallow sauce and finished off with a layer of chocolate frosting. My husband's absolute favorite cake!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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!

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.

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.

 

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

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.
5 from 2 votes
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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
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 394 kcal
Author Dinner at the Zoo

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

Recipe Notes

Make Ahead: The entire cake can be made a day in advance.

Little Helpers: Sprinkle time! Let your kids do the decorating

Nutrition Facts
Chocolate Coconut Cake
Amount Per Serving (1 g)
Calories 394 Calories from Fat 135
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 15g 23%
Saturated Fat 9g 45%
Cholesterol 9mg 3%
Sodium 392mg 16%
Potassium 251mg 7%
Total Carbohydrates 64g 21%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Sugars 47g
Protein 3g 6%
Vitamin A 2.4%
Calcium 8.3%
Iron 12.2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Comments

  10. Hello Sara! Great to have connected on Facebook and to have spoken to you. 🙂 You KNOW I just love your site — I think this is my…. I’m not sure how many times I’ve commented. ANYWAY, You had me at chocolate, then you had me again at marshmallows, and then you just make me want to break into the zoo, free all the animals, and then sit down like a deviant and make myself one of these as the cops come to arrest me. And I’ll tell them “Arrest me? I’m ALREADY arrested — arrested by the flavors of this dessert, that is!” They’d look at me strange and I’ll smile with chocolate still in my teeth.

    This is how awesome this recipe is! THANKS FOR ZE AMAZINGNESS! <3

    Reply

    • Hey Levan! I hereby award you the unofficial “Most Creative Commenter” award :). Thanks for stopping by, let’s chat again soon.

      Reply

  15. I have never tried a marshmallow and coconut combination before and this scrumptious chocolate cake is the perfect reason why I should! I fancy a slice or 2 right now. 🙂

    Reply

    • Thanks Susan, the marshmallows make it creamy and help to bind everything together, it’s like an instant sauce!

      Reply

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

    Reply

  28. 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

  29. 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

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