Coconut Chess Cake

12 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 35 m Total: 50 m Beginner
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Coconut Chess Cake
Chess pie has a simple filling of eggs, sugar, butter and a small amount of flour. Some recipes include cornmeal and others are made with vinegar. Brown or white sugar may be used, and buttermilk is a common ingredient. Flavorings, such as vanilla or lemon juice, may also be added to vary the basic recipe. Coconut is the added secret to this one along with a shortcut method of preparing one.

Ingredients

12 servings
  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1 stick oleo or margarine or butter
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 (8 oz) cream cheese
  • 1 box powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 cup coconut

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Let the cream cheese and oleo soften to room temperature so that they will be easier to work with and not clump. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, oleo and one beaten egg. Pat into a 9x13 pan.
  3. Combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar and the remaining eggs, vanilla, and coconut (can be optional).
  4. Pour over the first mixture and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my cake layer too thick or hard to pat out?

A: Make sure the oleo/butter is softened to room temperature before mixing with the cake mix and egg. This creates a more pliable dough that's easier to press into the pan. If it's too stiff, you can use your hands to knead it slightly or use a piece of parchment paper on top to help press it evenly.

Q: How do I know when it's done baking?

A: The cake is done when the top is golden brown and the center is set but still has a slight jiggle (it will firm up as it cools). Don't overbake or the custard layer will become dry instead of creamy. Check at 30 minutes and add time as needed.

Tips and Techniques

For best results, make sure both the cream cheese and butter are fully softened to room temperature before starting - this prevents lumps in both the crust and filling layers. The cake tastes even better after chilling in the refrigerator for a few hours, as the flavors meld and the texture becomes more cohesive.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • yellow cake mix: white or butter cake mix
  • oleo or margarine: butter
  • coconut: chopped pecans or chocolate chips

Equipment Needed

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer or whisk

Historical Context

Chess pie is a classic Southern dessert with disputed origins - some say the name comes from “chest pie” (stored in a pie chest), while others claim it’s from the response “it’s jes’ pie” when asked what kind it was. This coconut variation uses a cake mix shortcut that became popular in the mid-20th century.