This classic Danish cake is called “dream cake” for a reason–it’s an absolute dream to bake and eat! With a fluffy vanilla cake base and a sweet, sticky coconut caramel topping, it’s undeniably delicious. Drømmekage was originally created by a family from a small Danish town, who won a local baking contest, and it has now grown to become one of Denmark’s favorite cakes.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 10-12

Ingredients

Vanilla Cake:

• 1 cup milk
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Coconut Topping:

• 8 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp milk
• 2 3/4 cups coconut flakes, unsweetened

Preparation

Vanilla Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Butter a 9x13 inch pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
3. Melt the butter and milk together on the stove. Let the mixture cool until it’s no longer burning hot but just a bit warm.
4. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
5. Beat eggs and sugar together, either in a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, with a hand mixer, or by hand with a whisk.
6. Once the eggs and sugar have doubled in volume and become light in color, add the vanilla extract and mix together.
7. Sift half of the dry ingredients into the egg/sugar mixture and fold together gently or run the mixer for just 10-15 seconds on low.
8. Add half of the wet ingredients (butter and milk) and mix gently again.
9. Sift in the rest of the dry ingredients, mix, then add the last of the wet ingredients and mix again. There should be no dry spots in your batter.
10. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and a cake tester comes out clean. Move onto the next steps while the cake bakes.

Coconut Topping:

1. Prepare the topping by combining butter, brown sugar, and milk in a saucepan and place on the stove over medium heat.
2. Once the mixture bubbles, give it 1-2 minutes until it gets thicker, then remove from the heat and add in the coconut flakes, mixing well until the flakes are fully coated.
3. When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F (205 C).
4. Spread the topping on the cake in one even layer, and bake for just 5 more minutes until the topping is golden brown.
5. Let it cool, cut a slice, and enjoy!

Recipe by Skandibaking