Name: Catch a Husband Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk; 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk; 1 cup whole milk; 4 large eggs; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s guaranteed to wow a crowd, you have to try Catch a Husband Cake! This creamy, dreamy cake has a cult following for a reason: with its ultra-moist coconut custard texture and lush tropical flavor, it tastes like pure magic straight from grandma’s kitchen. Best of all, this cake comes together with just a blender and a handful of pantry staples, making it as approachable as it is mouthwateringly delicious. There’s a reason it’s said to win hearts—serve this at your next gathering and watch the compliments roll in!

Catch a Husband Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each one plays a vital role in the irresistible texture and flavor of Catch a Husband Cake. Gather these humble basics and prepare to turn them into something extraordinary!

Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds rich, creamy sweetness while helping create that luscious custard texture.
Coconut Milk: Delivers a subtle coconut richness and keeps the cake incredibly moist.
Whole Milk: Balances out the flavors and gives the cake an even, soft crumb.
Eggs: Bind all the ingredients together and add structure without making the cake too dense.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides just enough stability for the cake to hold its shape while staying tender.
Sugar: Offers the perfect sweet counterpoint to the creamy, nutty flavors.
Butter (Melted): Adds richness and a beautiful golden finish.
Vanilla Extract: Brings a gentle warmth that ties all the flavors together.
Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise ever so slightly for that iconic custard meets cake texture.

How to Make Catch a Husband Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s fully hot before your batter goes in. Grease a bundt pan very thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray—this step is key so every beautiful slice releases perfectly.

Step 2: Blend the Batter

Into your blender, add the sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, whole milk, eggs, flour, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and baking powder. Blend on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. This one-step blending results in a silky batter that will bake up into that signature custardy crumb.

Step 3: Pour and Prepare the Water Bath

Pour the batter into the greased bundt pan. To ensure that famed creamy consistency and prevent cracking, set the cake pan inside a larger roasting pan and fill the outer pan with enough hot water to reach halfway up the sides of your bundt pan. This gentle water bath helps the cake bake slowly and evenly.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Carefully slide your water bath setup into the oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know your Catch a Husband Cake is ready when the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a little moisture is fine, since this cake sets more as it cools).

Step 5: Cool, Chill, and Finish

Remove your cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes—patience pays off here! Then, carefully invert the cake onto a platter and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chilling time allows the custard to set fully, giving you clean, beautiful slices. Before serving, sprinkle generously with shredded coconut for the perfect finishing touch.

How to Serve Catch a Husband Cake

Garnishes

A snowy layer of shredded coconut on top is a must for Catch a Husband Cake, adding extra tropical flair and a lovely texture. For a touch of color, try candied cherries or a scattering of toasted coconut flakes. The garnish is where you can get creative and make your cake truly photo-worthy!

Side Dishes

While this cake shines on its own, it pairs beautifully with fresh tropical fruits like mango or pineapple. For a more indulgent twist, serve alongside a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream—the contrast of cold and creamy will make every bite even more delightful.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve slices on elegant dessert plates with a drizzle of caramel or a dollop of whipped cream. For special occasions, cut the cake into cubes and arrange as parfaits layered with fresh fruit or fruit compote. Mini individual cakes, made in single-serve molds, also make for a fun, party-ready take on the original Catch a Husband Cake.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Catch a Husband Cake tightly covered in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 4 days—if it lasts that long! The flavors actually deepen after a day, making that second slice dangerously irresistible.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this cake. Slice it, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and foil, and store them in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready for a sweet treat.

Reheating

If you prefer your Catch a Husband Cake a little warmer, microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds. Don’t overheat—just enough to take the chill off and bring back that lovely, rich texture.

FAQs

Can I make Catch a Husband Cake without a bundt pan?

Absolutely! While the bundt shape is traditional and looks impressive, you can use a standard round, square, or even loaf pan. Just make sure to grease it well and adjust the baking time as needed—thicker cakes may take a bit longer.

Is it really necessary to use a water bath?

Yes, the water bath is the secret to that ultra-creamy, velvety texture in Catch a Husband Cake. Baking in a water bath keeps the heat gentle and even, so the cake cooks smoothly and doesn’t crack or get rubbery.

Can I substitute low-fat ingredients?

You can swap in reduced-fat milk or coconut milk, but keep in mind that some richness and creaminess might be lost. For the classic, indulgent result, stick with full-fat ingredients if you can.

How do I know when Catch a Husband Cake is done?

The cake is done when the edges are set and slightly golden, but the center still has a subtle jiggle. A toothpick should come out mostly clean, and remember that it will firm up more as it chills.

Can I flavor Catch a Husband Cake differently?

Definitely! The base recipe is wonderfully versatile. Try adding a little citrus zest, a splash of rum, or a sprinkle of cardamom to the batter before baking. It’s an easy way to personalize this classic.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Catch a Husband Cake, now’s the perfect time. This legendary dessert is a total showstopper—luxuriously creamy, bursting with coconut flavor, and almost impossibly easy to make. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your signature sweet treat!

Catch a Husband Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling)
Yield: 1 bundt cake 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Catch a Husband Cake is a decadent and moist dessert that is sure to impress. This cake gets its rich and creamy texture from a combination of sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, and whole milk. Perfect for any special occasion or when you’re craving a sweet treat!

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder

Liquid Ingredients:

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
1 cup whole milk
4 large eggs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan.
Blend ingredients: In a blender, combine all ingredients until smooth.
Pour batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and place it in a water bath.
Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool and refrigerate: Let the cake cool for 15 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with shredded coconut before serving chilled.