Name: Creamy No-Bake Coconut Layer Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups milk (1 liter); 1 (3.4 oz) package vanilla pudding mix dry (74g); 2 tablespoon cornstarch (or potato flour); ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 g); 10 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened (200 g); 2 1/4 cup shredded coconut flakes (200 g); 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar or vanilla extract

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If you or your family are a fan of coconut, then this no-bake coconut layer cake recipe is sure to be a hit. Layered with sweet cookies, a perfect creamy filling, and just enough coconut to make your mouth water, this is that one easy recipe you will make over and over again.

No-Bake Coconut Layer Cake

A coconut layer cake is a delicious dessert that can be made in many different ways. While you may automatically think of a traditionally baked layer cake, this is definitely not that. Using simple ingredients and refrigeration, you can build a dessert that slices like a cake, tastes like a cake, and never requires you to turn on the oven to bake.

If coconut cake is your favorite, you can however make this traditional coconut cake with coconut cream cheese frosting instead. While it is delicious, it takes a good bit more time and of course, requires baking. Or, you can make a homemade coconut cream pie complete with homemade meringue if you really want to impress the coconut lovers at your dinner table.

Can I Make Variations of This No-Bake Layer Cake?

The best part of this recipe is that it is very easy to add your own spin with textures and flavors. While you will want to follow the basics of a pudding mixture, cookie, and layering, you can adjust this to suit the different flavors you prefer or have on hand. Some ideas for making this a bit different are below.

Toast the coconut before topping the cake.
Stir in or add a layer of chopped walnuts or pecans between cookies and pudding layers or on top of the finished product.
Use different flavors of pudding to create new cake flavors. Pistachio, chocolate, butterscotch, lemon, or cheesecake are all excellent choices.
Add layers of blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, or raspberries throughout the cake.
Replace the vanilla pudding mix with coconut pudding mix.
Top with dollops of homemade whipped cream.

Can I substitute regular sugar for vanilla sugar?

While you could substitute regular granulated sugar for vanilla sugar, the rich vanilla flavor really makes this recipe something special. Vanilla sugar is made of sugar and vanilla beans, or sugar mixed with vanilla extract. It can be easily made at home with sugar and vanilla beans, and although vanilla beans can be pricey, you only need one bean per 2 cups of sugar.

If you don't want to be bothered with making vanilla sugar, you can replace it in the recipe with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. It will give the same general flavor and shouldn't affect the setting up of the pudding mixture at all.

What Cookies Should I Use for the Layers?

This version uses a classic digestive biscuit. Since this is not as commonplace in the United States, you will likely want to try a different option for your coconut cake. Below are some great ideas that work excellently as the cookie layer in this no-bake recipe.

Graham crackers
Vanilla wafers
Sugar cookies
Shortbread cookies
Coconut macaroons

Can This No Bake Coconut Cake Be Frozen in Advance?

You can definitely freeze this if you wish. While it is best when made fresh, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to one month.

Since this is such a simple and fast recipe to make, it is typically best to just prepare when you are wanting to serve. However, if you should decide to make it ahead of time, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week making it easy to prepare in advance without freezing.

What Size Dish Should I Make This Cake In?

Since you are not baking, this could be layered in any container you have or the baking dish you prefer. It works wonderfully in a traditional 9"x13" baking dish with three layers. However, if you prefer to use a trifle bowl or just layer in a refrigerator storage container with a lid, you can also do that.

There is no right or wrong way to layer this, so use what you have on hand. Just remember that if placed into a bowl or trifle dish, you won't be able to slice into squares like a traditional baking dish. It serves wonderfully when scooped out like a pudding, so don't let that worry you!

Ingredients:

Eggs
Milk
Vanilla pudding mix
Cornstarch (or potato flour)
Granulated sugar
Digestive biscuits (or graham crackers)
Unsalted butter
Shredded coconut flakes
Vanilla sugar or vanilla extract

Handy Kitchen Tools

How to Make a No-Bake Coconut Layer Cake

In a small bowl, add 1 cup milk and the packet of dry vanilla pudding mix.

Whisk or beat until it is completely incorporated. Set aside.

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour 3 cups of milk and bring to a simmer over low heat. You do not want it to boil or scald, just get hot.

Pour the pudding mixture into the warm milk, whisking to combine.

Add in the cornstarch, sugar, and vanilla sugar or extract.

Cook over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly until thickened.

Remove from heat, and set aside to cool for at least 1 hour.

In a large bowl, beat the butter for 1 minute to soften.

Pour in the pudding a little at a time, until the mixture is completely incorporated with the butter.

Once the butter and pudding are combined, add in the coconut and stir to combine completely.

In the 9"x13" dish or trifle bowl, begin layering the mixture by placing a layer of biscuits or cookies into the bottom.

Add ⅓ of the pudding layer over the cookies, and spread evenly.

Repeat this process with cookies, then pudding for a total of 3 layers.

Once layered, sprinkle additional coconut flakes over the top.

Chill until ready to serve.

Slice and top with a dollop of whipped cream!

More No-Bake Dessert Recipes

No-bake desserts are a favorite of mine since they don't require heating up the house in the hot summer months. Whether you want a cake, pie, or something yummy like a pudding, I have great ideas below that are sure to suit your needs and be show-stoppers when shared with friends and family. Make sure to bookmark, pin, or print these recipes to make soon!

📖 Recipe

Yield: 12