If you’re on the lookout for a show-stopping treat that’s as sweet, warm, and inviting as Dolly herself, you’ve got to try this Dolly Parton Dessert. It’s a rich, golden bar layered with gooey cream cheese, pecans, and coconut, capturing all the delectable comfort of a true Southern classic. With its soft, tender crust and irresistibly creamy topping, every bite feels like a celebration—perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just because you deserve something special today. The Dolly Parton Dessert is charmingly simple to put together, and you’ll love the wild applause it gets every time it hits the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Dolly Parton Dessert lies in its easy, everyday ingredients—each one is essential in building the luscious layers, rich flavor, and perfect balance of textures that make this treat unforgettable. You won’t need anything fancy, but every component brings its own sparkle.
- Yellow cake mix: The trusty boxed favorite provides a fast, flavorful, golden foundation that stays soft and moist, every single time.
- Unsalted butter (melted): This delivers rich flavor and helps create a chewy, decadent crust that holds up beautifully.
- Large eggs: Give both the base and the topping structure and richness for a dessert that slices clean yet stays gooey inside.
- Cream cheese (softened): The starring ingredient in the topping—smooth, tangy, and utterly creamy for the signature gooey layer.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely, sweet aroma and a warm note that makes everything taste homemade.
- Powdered sugar: Brings that melt-in-your-mouth sweetness and smooths out the texture of the cream cheese layer.
- Shredded sweetened coconut: Sprinkled on top for a delightful chew and tropical sweetness; it toasts up golden and fragrant.
- Chopped pecans: Finish it all off with a nutty crunch that pairs perfectly with every creamy, buttery bite.
How to Make Dolly Parton Dessert
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and generously grease it—this will keep your Dolly Parton Dessert from sticking and makes serving those perfect squares so much easier later.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a large bowl, combine your box of yellow cake mix with the melted butter and one egg. Mix just until everything comes together into a soft dough; don’t overmix! Then press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form your chewy, buttery crust. It’s the comfy stage that lets the gooey topping shine.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Layer
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s super smooth and creamy. Add the remaining two eggs and vanilla extract, blending until well incorporated. Now, gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the mixture is thick, fluffy, and luscious. This is your ooey-gooey crown for the Dolly Parton Dessert.
Step 4: Assemble and Add Toppings
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over your crust, smoothing to all corners. Sprinkle the shredded coconut and chopped pecans right over the top. Each one brings color, texture, and a little bit of happiness in every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’re looking for golden edges and a center that’s set but still ever-so-slightly gooey—just the way Dolly would want it. Resist the urge to cut while warm; let it cool completely so each square holds together perfectly.
How to Serve Dolly Parton Dessert
Garnishes
Dress up your Dolly Parton Dessert with a final sprinkle of extra coconut, a handful of toasted pecans, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar. Want to make it truly showy? A dollop of whipped cream or a cherry on top can turn these bars into a real Southern party.
Side Dishes
These bars are rich and satisfying on their own, but if you want a festive spread, serve them alongside fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a fruity salad. The light, tangy sides help balance the dreamy sweetness of this classic treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut your Dolly Parton Dessert into diamonds instead of squares for a bit of glitz, or stack the bars on a tiered platter with bright napkins. You can even make mini versions in muffin tins for bite-sized delights at parties or picnics. However you serve them, these are bound to become a crowd favorite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Dolly Parton Dessert squares tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and scrumptious at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for about five days—if they last that long!
Freezing
This dessert freezes beautifully. Layer squares between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll keep for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before serving to get that signature creamy texture back.
Reheating
If you prefer these slightly warm, pop individual bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm a full tray (covered with foil) in a low oven. This brings back the gooey magic without making them too soft to eat by hand.
FAQs
Can I make Dolly Parton Dessert without coconut?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of coconut or have allergies in the family, just leave it out or swap with a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips for a different twist.
Do I need to bring the cream cheese to room temperature?
Yes, softened cream cheese ensures the topping blends smoothly and bakes up extra creamy—if it’s cold, your mixture may turn out lumpy.
Is it possible to use another type Dessert
Of course! Walnuts are the best substitute, but you can use almonds, hazelnuts, or leave the nuts out entirely for a nut-free Dolly Parton Dessert.
Can I prepare Dolly Parton Dessert in advance for a party?
Yes, this dessert is perfect for prepping a day ahead. Store in the fridge, then allow to come to room temperature before cutting and serving for the best texture and flavor.
How do I know when the dessert is fully baked?
The edges should look golden brown and set, while the center jiggles just slightly—it will continue to set as it cools, so don’t overbake or you’ll lose that gooey middle everyone loves!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like whipping up a batch of Dolly Parton Dessert—each bite is creamy, buttery, and packed with Southern charm. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or looking for your next sweet hit, I promise this recipe will delight you (and anyone lucky enough to share it). Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request in your house!
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Dolly Parton Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and creamy goodness of this Dolly Parton Dessert, a decadent treat that combines a buttery cake base with a rich cream cheese topping, sprinkled with coconut and pecans.
Ingredients
Cake Base:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Cream Cheese Topping:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Additional Toppings:
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Cake Base: In a bowl, mix the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg to form a dough. Press the dough into the baking dish to create a crust.
- Make the Cream Cheese Topping: Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add the eggs, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Spread this mixture over the crust.
- Add Toppings and Bake: Sprinkle coconut and pecans over the cream cheese layer. Bake for 40-45 minutes until set. Cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- This dessert is a twist on the gooey butter cake style, with a Southern inspiration from Dolly Parton’s favorite treats.
- Variations: Try with walnuts instead of pecans or omit the coconut for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
