Catch a Husband Cake
Introduction
Catch a Husband Cake is a soft, moist butter cake made with simple pantry ingredients and finished with a luscious warm milk-and-coconut topping that soaks into the cake as it bakes. The result is a tender crumb with a lightly caramelized surface and a flavor that feels nostalgic, cozy, and indulgent. It’s perfect for tea time, family gatherings, or when you want a no-fuss dessert that always impresses.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
Topping Bake Time: 10–15 minutes
Cooling Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs (room temperature)
1 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
For the Coconut Milk Topping:
1 cup whole milk
½ cup granulated sugar
1 cup desiccated coconut
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
Prepare the Oven & Pan
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Grease a 9-inch square or round baking pan and lightly dust with flour. Set aside.
Make the Cake Batter
In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
Mix just until smooth—do not overmix.
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from oven but leave the oven on.
Prepare the Topping
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine:
Milk
Sugar
Butter
Desiccated coconut
Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened and glossy.
Add the Topping & Finish Baking
Poke holes all over the warm cake using a skewer or fork.
Pour the hot coconut mixture evenly over the cake.
Return the cake to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and bubbling.
Cool & Serve
Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool for 15–20 minutes.
Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
Extra moist: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk in the topping.
Richer flavor: Add ½ teaspoon nutmeg or cinnamon to the batter.
Elegant touch: Sprinkle extra toasted coconut on top before serving.
Storage: Keeps well covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Final Thoughts
Catch a Husband Cake is the kind of dessert that wins hearts quietly—soft crumb, creamy topping, and comforting sweetness in every bite. Whether you’re baking it for loved ones or just treating yourself, this cake truly lives up to its name. Simple, timeless, and unforgettable.