Sour cream and chocolate pudding make these chocolate layers irresistibly moist. Browning the butter for the frosting adds a nutty undertone that blends well with toasted nuts and coconut.
1 (18.25-ounce) package chocolate or devil's food cake mix
1 (3-ounce) package chocolate instant pudding mix
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup water
4 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup butter
1 (1-pound) package confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup coconut, toasted
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Recipe
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans. Combine cake mix, pudding mix, oil, water, eggs and sour cream in a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer at low speed until just moistened.
2. Beat batter at high speed until smooth, about 2 minutes; pour into prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean; cool. Remove from pans; cool completely.
3. Meanwhile, brown butter in a skillet over medium heat. Blend in confectioners' sugar. Add milk and vanilla; remove from heat. Mix until creamy. Stir in coconut and pecans.
4. Spread frosting between cake layers and over top of cake. Refrigerate until ready to serve.