Gooey Coconut Cake Recipe: 5-Minute Prep For An Amazing Buttery Treat.

There’s something magical about a gooey, buttery cake packed with coconut flavor. This Gooey Coconut Cake is soft, rich, and melts in your mouth with every bite. Inspired by classic Southern butter cakes, this recipe brings the best of both worlds—gooey texture and a tropical twist.

If you love coconut desserts, this cake is a must-try. Its combination of a buttery cake base and a creamy, coconut-infused topping makes it irresistible. It’s one of those desserts that disappears fast at gatherings, so don’t be surprised if you need to make two!

The best part? This is an easy, no-fail recipe that even beginners can master. With a simple boxed cake mix as the base and a rich coconut topping, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert in no time. Whether making it for a party, a holiday, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this cake will not disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Gooey Coconut Cake

There are plenty of cakes out there, but this one stands out for a few reasons:

Incredibly moist and Buttery, every bite is rich, soft, and melts in your mouth. If you love indulgent cakes like a classic Italian Cream Cake with its creamy coconut and pecan goodness, this one will be right up your alley.
Loaded with Coconut Flavor – Sweetened shredded coconut and coconut cream give it an authentic tropical taste.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a holiday or a casual get-together, this cake is just as crowd-pleasing as an Oreo Dirt Cake—another easy, fun dessert that disappears fast.
Beginner-Friendly – No complicated steps, just like Brownie Cheesecake—another must-try treat for lovers of rich, gooey desserts.
Customizable – Add pineapple, chocolate, or nuts for your own twist.

This cake perfectly balances chewy, creamy, and crunchy textures. The gooey coconut topping blends beautifully with the buttery cake base, creating a dessert that keeps people coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is made with simple ingredients, most of which you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you need:

For the Cake Base:

1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional, but adds a nice crunch)

For the Gooey Coconut Topping:

1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup coconut cream (for extra richness)
4 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut

Ingredient Variations:

Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix.
Lower Sugar Version – Reduce powdered sugar to 3 cups and use unsweetened coconut.
Dairy-Free Alternative – Swap cream cheese for dairy-free cream cheese and butter for margarine.

How to Make Ooey Gooey Coconut Cake (Step-by-Step)

Making this cake is as simple as mixing, baking, and enjoying. Follow these steps for perfect results:

Step 1: Preparing the Cake Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg in a large bowl. Stir until the batter is thick and fully incorporated.
If using, fold in the chopped pecans for a little extra crunch.
Spread the batter evenly into the greased baking dish, pressing it down slightly with a spatula.

Step 2: Making the Creamy Coconut Topping

In another bowl, use a hand mixer to smooth the cream cheese.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating until fully incorporated.
Mix in the coconut cream and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Fold in the shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture.

Step 3: Assembling and Baking

Pour the creamy coconut mixture over the cake base, spreading it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is slightly gooey.
Remember that the middle will still be a bit soft—it will firm up as it cools.

Step 4: Cooling and Serving

Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. This helps it set properly.
Cut into squares and serve as-is or with a dollop of whipped cream.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Tips for the Perfect Gooey Coconut Cake

Want to make sure your cake turns out perfect every time? Keep these tips in mind:

Use Room-Temperature Ingredients – This helps everything blend smoothly, especially the cream cheese.
Don’t Overbake. When you take it out, the center should still be slightly soft. It will set as it cools.
Choose the Best Coconut – Look for high-quality sweetened shredded coconut for maximum flavor.
Adjust the Sweetness – If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the powdered sugar by 1 cup.
Storage Tips: Store in the refrigerator for a firmer texture or at room temperature for a softer bite.

Variations and Add-Ins

Looking to switch things up? Here are some delicious ways to tweak this recipe:

1. Pina Colada Gooey Cake

Add 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained) to the topping.
Replace vanilla extract with a splash of rum extract for a tropical kick.

2. Chocolate Coconut Gooey Cake

Melt 1/2 cup chocolate chips and swirl into the topping before baking.
Sprinkle shredded coconut mixed with cocoa powder on top.

3. Gluten-Free Version

Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this recipe celiac-friendly.
Check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free.

4. Dairy-Free Option

Swap cream cheese for coconut yogurt or dairy-free cream cheese.
Use margarine instead of butter for a completely dairy-free treat.

This Gooey Coconut Cake is already a star on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can take it to another level. Here are a few delicious ways to serve and enjoy this dessert:

1. Serve Warm with Ice Cream

A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melts perfectly into the gooey layers.
Coconut ice cream enhances the tropical flavors even more.

2. Add a Whipped Cream Topping

Lightly sweetened homemade whipped cream balances out the richness of the cake.
For extra flair, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top.

3. Drizzle with Caramel or Chocolate Sauce

A drizzle of salted caramel adds a buttery depth.
Melted dark chocolate creates a decadent contrast to the coconut.

4. Pair with a Drink

Tropical cocktails like piña coladas or coconut mojitos complement the flavors.
A cup of strong coffee balances out the sweetness beautifully.

Common Baking Mistakes & Fixes

Even easy recipes can go wrong if certain details are overlooked. Here are some common mistakes and how to fix them:

1. Cake Too Runny?

The center should be slightly gooey, but if it’s too wet, it might need a few more minutes in the oven.
Fix: Reduce the amount of coconut cream if you prefer a firmer texture.

2. Cake Too Dense?

If your cake base turns out too heavy, the batter might not have been mixed enough.
Fix: Beat the egg longer before adding it to incorporate more air.

3. Overbaked and Dry?

This cake is supposed to be moist, so overbaking will ruin its signature texture.
Fix: Check at 40 minutes—the center should still be soft when removed.

4. Topping Sinks into the Cake?

If your gooey topping disappears into the base, it might be too thin.
Fix: Make sure your cream cheese mixture is thick and spread it evenly over the cake.

Occasion-Based Suggestions

Wondering when to make this cake? Anytime is the right answer, but here are some perfect occasions:

1. Holidays & Special Gatherings

A Christmas favorite alongside pecan pie and fudge.
A Thanksgiving dessert table is a must-have.
A great Easter treat with its light and sweet coconut flavor.

2. Potlucks & Parties

Easy to transport and serve, making it a top choice for office parties.
A hit at football game gatherings—just cut into squares and serve!

3. A Tropical Summer Treat

Brings a vacation vibe to BBQs and outdoor dinners.
Perfect with iced coffee or fresh fruit punch on a warm day.

FAQs

What is another name for Ooey Gooey cake?

This cake is also called Gooey Butter Cake or Coconut Cream Cake, depending on the ingredients used.

What is Paula Deen’s Ooey Gooey Cake?

Paula Deen’s version is a Southern-style butter cake with cream cheese and powdered sugar topping, similar to this recipe.

Where does Tom Cruise get his famous coconut cake from?

Tom Cruise gifts a white chocolate coconut bundt cake from Doan’s Bakery in California every year.

What makes a cake too gooey?

Underbaking or adding too much liquid can make the cake excessively soft. Let it cool completely for the perfect consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Gooey Coconut Cake is everything a dessert should be—buttery, creamy, and loaded with coconut goodness. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this recipe is guaranteed to please.

It’s simple, foolproof, and incredibly delicious. Once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this cake is such a favorite.

Try this recipe, and let me know how it turns out! Tag me on social media, leave a comment, or share your own variations. Happy baking!