Grandma’s Sticky Coconut Milk Cake
Have you ever pulled a cake out of the oven and known, just by the aroma, that it would become a family legend? That is exactly what happens with Grandma’s Sticky Coconut Milk Cake. It starts with a simple boxed cake mix, but coconut milk and melted butter transform it into something rich, tender, and gloriously sticky.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box yellow or white cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup melted butter
For the Sticky Coconut Glaze
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14 ounces
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, coconut milk, and melted butter until smooth and fully blended.
- Add the cake mix. Stir gently with a spatula or hand mixer on low speed until no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- While the cake bakes, make the sticky coconut glaze. In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and coconut milk. Warm it gently for 3 to 4 minutes. Do not let it boil. Stir in the shredded coconut if using.
- As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, poke holes all over the top using a skewer, chopstick, or fork. Space the holes about 1 inch apart.
- Slowly pour the warm glaze over the hot cake, letting it seep into the holes. Use a spoon to help spread the glaze evenly.
- Let the cake rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing. The cake will absorb the glaze and become sticky and tender.
- Pour the glaze in two or three passes rather than all at once. This gives the cake time to absorb the liquid evenly.
Notes
Use full-fat canned coconut milk for the richest texture. Shake the can well before measuring. If you use salted butter, reduce any added salt called for on the cake mix box. White cake mix gives a lighter crumb, while yellow cake mix adds a buttery color and taste. For extra depth, add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract to the wet ingredients.