# Easy Coconut Cream Pie Dump Cake Recipe

- Link: https://lifeandwork.blog/coconut-cream-pie-dump-cake/
- Published: 2026-07-19T10:19:53-05:00
- Author: Bert Swope

This **coconut cream pie dump cake** is a straightforward **one-pan coconut dessert**
built from pantry ingredients, a box of cake mix, and a simple pudding layer. The
result sits between a **coconut pudding cake** and a traditional dump cake: soft
underneath, golden on top, and rich enough for a potluck or casual dinner dessert.
It fits neatly into a **9×13 dessert recipe** format and uses **sweetened condensed
milk** for body and sweetness without requiring a separate custard.

If you want a dessert that tastes like coconut cream pie but asks for very little
active work, this is a practical version. It is also easy to adapt into a **tropical
potluck dessert** with toasted coconut or fruit. For another easy crowd-pleaser,
see [holiday dump cake variations for a crowd](https://lifeandwork.blog/holiday-dump-cake-variations-for-a-crowd/).

## Essential Concepts

 * Box coconut cake mix, instant coconut pudding, sweetened condensed milk.
 * Assemble in a 9×13 pan.
 * Bake until golden and set.
 * Cool before slicing.
 * Serve plain or with whipped topping.

## Ingredients

### For the 9×13 pan

![Illustration of Easy Coconut Cream Pie Dump Cake with Sweetened Condensed Milk](
https://i0.wp.com/lifeandwork.blog/wp-content/uploads/easy-coconut-cream-pie-dump-
cake-with-sweetened-condensed-mi-1784333628.png?resize=790%2C1185&ssl=1)

| Ingredient | U.S. Amount | Metric Amount | Notes | 
| Coconut cake mix | 1 box, 15.25 oz | 432 g | White or yellow cake mix also works | 
| Instant coconut cream pudding mix | 1 package, 3.4 oz | 96 g | Vanilla pudding can be substituted | 
| Whole milk | 2 cups | 480 mL | Cold | 
| Sweetened condensed milk | 1 can, 14 oz | 396 g | Not evaporated milk | 
| Unsalted butter, melted | 1 cup | 226 g | Divided or drizzled evenly | 
| Sweetened shredded coconut | 1 1/2 cups | about 130 g | Reserve some for topping | 
| Coconut extract | 1 teaspoon | 5 mL | Optional, for stronger coconut flavor | 
| Fine salt | 1 pinch | 1 pinch | Optional, helps balance sweetness |

### For serving

 * Whipped topping or lightly sweetened whipped cream
 * Toasted coconut, optional

## Instructions

 1.  
     **Heat the oven.**Preheat to 350°F, or 177°C. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish,
     or 23 x 33 cm.
 2.  
     **Make the pudding layer.**In a medium bowl, whisk the coconut pudding mix with
     the cold milk for about 2 minutes, until it begins to thicken. Stir in the sweetened
     condensed milk and coconut extract, if using.
 3.  
     **Assemble the base.**Pour the pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish 
     and spread it into an even layer.
 4.  
     **Add the coconut.**Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded coconut over the pudding layer.
 5.  
     **Add the cake mix.**Scatter the dry coconut cake mix evenly over the top. Do
     not stir.
 6.  
     **Add the butter.**Drizzle the melted butter over as much of the surface as possible.
     Try to cover the dry mix evenly so the topping bakes into a cohesive crust.
 7.  
     **Finish with remaining coconut.**Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded coconut
     over the top. If you prefer a deeper toasted finish, save all or part of this 
     coconut for after baking and toast it separately.
 8.  
     **Bake.**Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center
     looks set with only a slight wobble.
 9.  
     **Cool before serving.**Let the cake rest for at least 20 to 30 minutes. The 
     filling thickens as it cools, which makes slicing easier and improves the texture.
 10. 
     **Serve.**Spoon into bowls or cut into squares. Add whipped topping and toasted
     coconut if desired.

## What Makes This Recipe Work

The structure of this dessert depends on contrast. The pudding layer supplies a 
soft, creamy base. The condensed milk adds sweetness and density, which helps the
cake taste closer to coconut cream pie than to a standard sheet cake. The dry cake
mix and butter form the upper layer, which bakes into a tender crust rather than
a fully mixed batter.

A few small details make a big difference. Using cold milk helps the pudding thicken
correctly before it goes into the pan. Spreading the melted butter as evenly as 
possible helps the top bake into a more uniform crust. Cooling the dessert before
slicing keeps the layers neat and gives the filling time to finish setting.

## Serving Ideas

This coconut dessert works well for spring gatherings, summer cookouts, and holiday
dessert tables. It pairs nicely with fresh pineapple, sliced strawberries, or a 
spoonful of extra whipped cream. If you want more coconut flavor, finish each piece
with toasted coconut for a little crunch.

For readers who enjoy easy desserts with cake mix, you may also like [How to Make a 3-Ingredient Cake Mix Cobbler](https://lifeandwork.blog/3-ingredient-cobbler-cake-mix/),
which follows the same low-effort, high-comfort approach.

## Helpful Variations

 * **Extra coconut flavor:** Add the optional coconut extract and top with toasted
   coconut.
 * **Fruity version:** Add a layer of drained crushed pineapple between the pudding
   and cake mix.
 * **Less sweet version:** Use unsweetened whipped cream for serving and skip the
   extra coconut topping.
 * **Vanilla swap:** Use vanilla pudding if coconut cream pudding is not available.

## Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The dessert can be
eaten cold, at room temperature, or lightly warmed. If reheating individual portions,
use short bursts in the microwave so the topping stays soft instead of drying out.

According to the [FDA safe food handling guidance](https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/safe-food-handling),
dairy-based desserts should be refrigerated promptly after serving and kept cold
until needed again.

## Final Thoughts

This easy dump cake gives you the flavor of coconut cream pie with a much simpler
method. It is creamy, sweet, and reliable for potlucks, family dinners, or any time
you want a dessert that feels special without adding extra steps.

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