Some desserts come with legends, and the Catch a Husband Cake—also known as Bolo Pega Marido in Brazil—is one of them. This cake has a playful reputation: it’s said to be so deliciously soft, creamy, and aromatic that anyone who tastes it will instantly fall in love. While it might not truly work magic, this tropical-inspired dessert, with its silky coconut flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, could easily win hearts at any table.
Unlike traditional cakes, this one blends the richness of sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, and eggs into a custardy batter that bakes into a luscious, pudding-like delight. It’s sweet, smooth, and beautifully simple—a perfect recipe for special occasions or just to show someone how much you care.
Ingredients: Love in Every Measure
Gather your ingredients carefully—each one plays a special role in creating the cake’s smooth and creamy texture.
For the Cake:
- 1 can (14 oz / 395 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 oz / 400 ml) coconut milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup (45 g) shredded coconut (unsweetened or sweetened, as preferred)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping (optional but irresistible):
- ½ cup (45 g) shredded coconut, lightly toasted
- ¼ cup (60 ml) sweetened condensed milk, for drizzling
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare your oven and pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter or nonstick spray. This cake doesn’t rise like a sponge, so a shallow pan helps it set perfectly.
Step 2: Blend for perfection
In a large blender, add sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, whole milk, eggs, melted butter, sugar, flour, cornstarch, vanilla, and salt. Blend on medium speed until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This step is key—blending ensures a velvety texture without lumps.
Step 3: Add a touch of coconut
Stir in the shredded coconut by hand for a little texture. The coconut bits will lightly toast during baking, giving your cake a subtle chew and golden edges.
Step 4: Bake with patience
Pour the batter into the greased baking dish. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a little moisture is okay—it’s part of the charm).
Step 5: Cool with care
Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. As it cools, it will firm up slightly, developing its signature creamy center and dense, flan-like consistency.
Step 6: Add the finishing touch
Once cooled, drizzle the top with a bit of condensed milk and sprinkle toasted coconut over it. The glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and makes the cake shimmer beautifully when served.
Step 7: Serve with love
Slice into squares or small rectangles. Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature. Each spoonful should melt softly on your tongue—creamy, rich, and lightly tropical.
Conservation and Storage: Keep the Love Fresh
This cake keeps beautifully for several days. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cold helps maintain its custardy texture and enhances the coconut flavor.
If you’d like to prepare it ahead of time, you can bake it a day early. In fact, many people say it tastes even better after chilling overnight as the flavors have more time to develop.
Avoid freezing, as the creamy structure may separate when thawed.
Variations: Customize Your Love Spell
The Catch a Husband Cake is endlessly adaptable. Try these variations to match different moods and occasions:
- Chocolate Twist: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and a handful of chocolate chips for a rich, romantic version.
- Citrus Kiss: Mix in 1 tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to brighten the coconut flavor.
- Tropical Romance: Add ½ cup of crushed pineapple (well-drained) for a fruity touch.
- Caramel Dream: Drizzle caramel sauce instead of condensed milk before serving for a luscious, toffee-like sweetness.
- Mini Versions: Pour the batter into muffin tins for individual servings—perfect for parties or gifting.
Each version keeps the same irresistible charm but lets you tailor it to the moment.
Serving Suggestions: Set the Mood
Presentation matters when sharing a dessert as charming as this one. Serve it on a simple white plate to highlight its golden top and creamy center. Pair it with:
- Fresh fruit: Strawberries, mango, or kiwi slices bring color and freshness.
- A hot drink: Coffee, espresso, or a cup of tea balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Whipped cream or ice cream: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a heavenly contrast between warm and cold.
For special occasions, sprinkle a few edible flowers or a light dusting of powdered sugar to elevate its elegance.
Conclusion: A Sweet Taste of Love
The Catch a Husband Cake is more than a playful legend—it’s a tribute to the magic of simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. With every bite, you taste the rich creaminess of condensed milk, the tropical hint of coconut, and the buttery warmth that makes it so hard to resist.
Whether you bake it for someone special or simply to treat yourself, this cake delivers comfort, sweetness, and a bit of romance in every forkful. It’s proof that love doesn’t always need grand gestures—sometimes, it’s just a homemade cake shared with someone who appreciates every bite.
PrintCatch a Husband Cake: 7 Secrets to Irresistible Love
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, coconut-infused Brazilian dessert known as Bolo Pega Marido, this cake blends condensed milk, coconut milk, and butter into a smooth, pudding-like texture that melts in your mouth. Its rich tropical flavor and luscious consistency make it a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 can (14 oz / 395 g) sweetened condensed milk
1 can (12 oz / 400 ml) coconut milk
1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
4 large eggs
1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
½ cup (45 g) shredded coconut
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
(Optional Topping) ½ cup (45 g) toasted coconut + ¼ cup (60 ml) condensed milk for drizzle
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a blender, combine condensed milk, coconut milk, whole milk, eggs, butter, sugar, flour, cornstarch, vanilla, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Stir in shredded coconut by hand.
Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake for 45–55 minutes or until golden at the edges.
Cool completely before drizzling with condensed milk and sprinkling toasted coconut.
Serve chilled or at room temperature for a creamy, tropical delight.
Notes
For a firmer texture, bake an additional 5 minutes.
Avoid freezing; refrigeration preserves the creamy consistency.
Blend well to eliminate lumps and ensure a velvety finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 100 g)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
Keywords: Catch a Husband Cake, bolo pega marido, Brazilian coconut dessert, condensed milk cake, creamy coconut custard cake




