Best 10 Best Coconut Layer Cake Recipes

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Indulge in the tropical paradise of flavors with our exquisite Coconut Layer Cake, a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes the taste buds and transports you to a beachside haven. This towering cake features layers of moist and fluffy coconut sponge cake, each lovingly frosted with a velvety smooth coconut buttercream, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you craving for more. As you delve into the heart of this culinary delight, you'll discover a hidden treasure—a luscious pineapple filling that bursts with tropical sweetness, adding a vibrant contrast to the rich coconut flavors. This enchanting cake is not just a dessert; it's an experience that will transport you to a tropical paradise with every bite.

In this comprehensive guide, we not only present the classic Coconut Layer Cake recipe, but also unveil variations that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Embark on a culinary journey as you explore our gluten-free and vegan Coconut Layer Cake recipes, crafted with the same meticulous attention to detail and bursting with the same irresistible coconut flavors. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your baking adventure, our easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips will guide you through the process, ensuring that your Coconut Layer Cake turns out perfect every time. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's embark on a tropical baking adventure!

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

COCONUT LAYER CAKE



Coconut Layer Cake image

"This dessert is my specialty - it's great for wedding or baby showers," offers Marilyn Dick, a field editor from Centralia, Missouri.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h10m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

5 large eggs, separated
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup chopped pecans
FROSTING:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted
Pecan halves

Steps:

  • Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 325°. Line bottoms of 2 greased 9-in. round baking pans with parchment; grease paper., Cream butter, shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and egg yolks, beating well after each addition. In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda; beat into creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk. Stir in coconut and chopped pecans., With clean beaters, beat egg whites on medium speed until stiff peaks form; fold gently into batter. Transfer to prepared pans., Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 40-45 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks; remove paper. Cool completely., For frosting, beat cream cheese, butter, confectioners' sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Spread between layers and over top and sides of cake. Top with coconut and pecan halves. Store in refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 571 calories, Fat 28g fat (15g saturated fat), Cholesterol 96mg cholesterol, Sodium 239mg sodium, Carbohydrate 75g carbohydrate (62g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

COCONUT CAKE



Coconut Cake image

From scratch coconut cake recipe with homemade coconut cream frosting. Hints for making a fluffy white cake with an excellent vanilla coconut flavor.

Provided by Julie Clark

Categories     Dessert

Time 42m

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 large eggs ((separated))
1 cup butter (softened)
1 3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 1/4 cups cake flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup milk ((2% or whole milk))
1 cup grated coconut ((sweetened))
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups butter (at room temperature)
2 teaspoons coconut extract
6 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream*
1 cup shredded coconut

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the egg whites only using the whisk attachment on medium-high speed until the eggs are frothed and hold stiff peaks.
  • Transfer the eggs to a separate bowl.
  • In the same stand mixer bowl using the beater blade attachment, cream the butter and sugar.
  • Add the egg yolks and continue to beat.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, salt and baking powder.
  • Add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk and vanilla extract, beating thoroughly after each addition. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.
  • Gently fold in the coconut and stiffly beaten egg whites until the egg whites are completely incorporated.
  • Grease and flour two 9" round cake pans.
  • Divide the batter equally between the two cake pans.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until the center of the cake bounces back when you touch it.
  • Cool for 10 minutes then turn the cakes out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter for 1-2 minutes until it is almost white in appearance.
  • Add in the coconut extract and mix again.
  • Add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, alternating with the heavy cream and mixing well as you go. Add in enough heavy cream to get a good spreading or piping consistency.
  • Mix in the shredded coconut just until combined.
  • Place one cake layer on a cake plate. Frost the top.
  • Place the second cake layer on top of the frosted cake.
  • Cover the sides and top of the cake with the coconut buttercream.
  • Decorate with additional coconut if desired. Be sure to do this before the frosting sets.
  • Store at room temperature until serving. Store leftovers in a airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 757 kcal, Carbohydrate 96 g, Protein 6 g, Fat 40 g, SaturatedFat 26 g, Cholesterol 138 mg, Sodium 395 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 74 g, ServingSize 1 serving

COCONUT CAKE



Coconut Cake image

Celebrate with Ina Garten's snow-white Coconut Cake recipe from Barefoot Contessa on Food Network. The cream cheese frosting is sprinkled with shredded coconut.

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     dessert

Time 1h55m

Yield 10 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

3/4 pound (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing the pans
2 cups sugar
5 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons pure almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the pans
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup milk
4 ounces sweetened shredded coconut
1 pound cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon pure almond extract
1 pound confectioners' sugar, sifted
6 ounces sweetened shredded coconut

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 2 (9-inch) round cake pans, then line them parchment paper. Grease them again and dust lightly with flour.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on medium-high speed for 3 to 5 minutes, until light yellow and fluffy. Crack the eggs into a small bowl. With the mixer on medium speed, add the eggs 1 at a time, scraping down the bowl once during mixing. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and mix well. The mixture might look curdled; don't be concerned.
  • In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk to the batter in 3 parts, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Fold in the 4 ounces of coconut with a rubber spatula.
  • Pour the batter evenly into the 2 pans and smooth the top with a knife. Bake in the center of the oven for 45 to 55 minutes, until the tops are browned and a cake tester comes out clean. Cool on a baking rack for 30 minutes, then turn the cakes out onto a baking rack to finish cooling.
  • For the frosting, in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the cream cheese, butter, vanilla and almond extract on low speed. Add the confectioners' sugar and mix until just smooth (don't whip!).
  • To assemble, place 1 layer on a flat serving plate, top side down, and spread with frosting. Place the second layer on top, top side up, and frost the top and sides. To decorate the cake, sprinkle the top with coconut and lightly press more coconut onto the sides. Serve at room temperature.

TOASTED COCONUT LAYER CAKE



Toasted Coconut Layer Cake image

Provided by Kardea Brown

Categories     dessert

Time 2h

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing the pan
2 3/4 cups cake flour, plus more for flouring the pan
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup coconut oil
1 cup sweetened cream of coconut
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
12 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
Pinch kosher salt
5 cups powdered sugar, plus more if needed
1 tablespoon milk, plus more if needed
2 cups sweetened coconut flakes, toasted

Steps:

  • For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter two 8-inch cake pans, then fit each with a parchment round. Butter and flour the parchment.
  • Separate the eggs into whites and yolks. Set the yolks aside. Beat the egg whites to stiff peaks, then set aside until ready to use.
  • Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Beat together the granulated sugar, butter and coconut oil in a large bowl with an electric mixer or with a stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg yolks, coconut cream and vanilla and beat until just combined. Alternate adding the buttermilk and flour mixture to the butter mixture, being careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the beaten whites until completely incorporated, but keeping the volume!
  • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  • Bake until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cakes comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes.
  • Let cool for about 5 minutes, then invert onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
  • For the coconut cream cheese frosting: Meanwhile, beat the cream cheese and butter in a stand mixer or in a bowl with a hand mixer until very smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the coconut extract and salt, then slowly start to add the powdered sugar, beating it in a little at a time. Beat until all the sugar is combined and the frosting is stiff but still light and fluffy. Add more sugar if it is too loose, or a little milk if it is too thick. Set aside at room temperature until you are ready to decorate.
  • If the cakes have domed at all, shave down any uneven parts to make the tops of the cakes flat and smooth.
  • Spread 1 tablespoon frosting on a cake plate or stand; this will help keep the cake in place while you decorate. Place one cake cut-side up on the plate. Dollop about 1 cup frosting on top of the cake and spread it in an even layer using a spatula, knife or spoon. Place the second cake on top of the first. Add another 2 cups frosting to the top of the cake and smooth it over the top and down the sides. Repeat with any remaining frosting until the outside of the cake is frosted and smooth. Using your hands, press the toasted coconut into the sides of the cake and sprinkle it on the top, so that the entire cake is covered in toasted coconut.
  • Slice and serve, or refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

INCREDIBLE COCONUT CAKE



Incredible Coconut Cake image

I found this coconut cake recipe in a newspaper many years ago and modified it to suit my taste. This is my all-time favorite cake, and my family and friends absolutely love it. -Lynne Bassler, Indiana, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 20

5 large eggs, separated, room temperature
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup canola oil
2-1/4 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut, chopped
1 teaspoon coconut extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
FROSTING:
11 ounces cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup butter, softened
4-1/3 cups confectioners' sugar
1-1/4 teaspoons coconut extract
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut, toasted

Steps:

  • Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. , Preheat oven to 325°. In another large bowl, beat sugar, butter and oil until well blended. Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. , Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition. Stir in coconut and extracts.. , Add cream of tartar to egg whites; with clean beaters, beat on medium until stiff peaks form. Fold a fourth of the egg whites into batter, then fold in remaining whites., Transfer to 3 greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., For frosting, in a small bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add confectioners' sugar and extract; beat until smooth. , Place 1 cake layer on a serving plate; spread with 1/2 cup frosting and sprinkle with 1/3 cup coconut. Repeat. Top with remaining cake layer. Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake; sprinkle with remaining coconut. Refrigerate for 2 hours before cutting. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 689 calories, Fat 37g fat (21g saturated fat), Cholesterol 123mg cholesterol, Sodium 353mg sodium, Carbohydrate 85g carbohydrate (64g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

COCONUT LAYER CAKE



Coconut Layer Cake image

If you love coconut, you've come to the right cake. Coconut dreams are made of this light and fluffy dessert.

Categories     Summer     baking     dessert

Time 3h

Yield 10-12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

3 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for the pans
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour, plus more for the pans
2 3/4 c. cake flour (not self-rising)
1 tbsp. plus 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
2 1/4 c. sugar
3 large eggs, plus 3 egg whites
1 tbsp. coconut extract
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 c. whole milk
2 c. sugar
8 large egg whites
6 sticks unsalted butter, cut into pieces, at room temperature
1 tbsp. coconut extract
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Pinch of kosher salt
2 c. sweetened shredded coconut

Steps:

  • Make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350˚. Butter three 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment, then butter the parchment. Dust with all-purpose flour and tap out the excess. Whisk the all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
  • Beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl with a mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the eggs and egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down the bowl as necessary. Beat in both extracts. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually beat in the flour mixture in three batches, alternating with the milk. Beat until just incorporated.
  • Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake until the cakes are golden around the edges and a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Transfer to racks and let the cakes cool in the pans for 15 minutes. Remove the cakes from the pans, remove the parchment and return the cakes to the racks to cool completely.
  • While the cakes cool, make the frosting: Combine the sugar and egg whites in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water (do not let the bowl touch the water). Whisk until warm and the sugar is dissolved, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the bowl from the pan and beat with a mixer on medium speed until thick and glossy, 5 minutes. Increase the speed to medium high and beat until stiff peaks form and the bottom of the bowl is cool, 7 more minutes. Reduce the speed to medium low; Add the butter a few tablespoons at a time, beating well after each addition. (It's OK if the frosting looks separated-just beat on medium-high speed until smooth again.) Add both extracts and the salt and continue beating until fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Trim the tops of the cakes with a long serrated knife to make them level, if necessary. Place 1 cake layer on a cake stand or platter. Spread with 1 cup frosting. Place the second layer on top and spread with another 1 cup frosting. Place the remaining cake layer on top and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Press the coconut into the sides of the cake.

COCONUT LAYER CAKE



Coconut Layer Cake image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     dessert

Time 3h

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

Nonstick cooking spray
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup cream of coconut
1/2 cup whole milk
3 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
5 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon coconut extract
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
3 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
6 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon coconut extract

Steps:

  • Make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat two 9-inch round cake pans with cooking spray and dust with flour; set aside. Whisk the flour, ginger, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk the cream of coconut and milk in a small bowl. Beat the butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until combined. Add the vanilla and coconut extract and beat until combined. Reduce the mixer speed to low; beat in the flour mixture in three batches, alternating with the milk mixture and beginning and ending with flour, until combined.
  • Divide the batter between the prepared pans and spread evenly. Bake until the cakes are golden and a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Transfer to a rack and let cool 15 minutes in the pans, then invert onto the rack to cool completely.
  • Make the frosting: Spread the shredded coconut on a baking sheet and bake, stirring halfway through, until golden, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool. Meanwhile, beat the cream cheese in a large bowl with a mixer on high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the butter and beat until fluffy, about 3 more minutes. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar and coconut extract until combined. Increase the mixer speed to high and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 more minutes.
  • Assemble the cake: Put 1 cake layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Combine 1 heaping cup frosting with 1 cup of the toasted coconut; spread on the cake. Top with the other cake layer. Spread a thin layer of frosting on the top and sides of the cake (this is the crumb coat; it doesn't have to be perfect). Refrigerate until set, about 15 minutes. Spread the remaining frosting all over the cake; top with the remaining 1 cup toasted coconut.

SIMPLY THE BEST COCONUT CAKE



Simply the Best Coconut Cake image

Incredibly moist and sweet with a delightful coconut taste that's not overwhelming, this is the best coconut cake ever. Each bite combines a cold and creamy filling, a soft cake, and a thick, sweet frosting--it melts in your mouth! And it looks fancy, like you spent all day making it, but it's actually super easy and approachable.

Provided by NicoleMcmom

Time 1h40m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 18

cooking spray
1 ½ cups white sugar
2 (6-ounce) packages frozen coconut
1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
1 (15.25 ounce) package white cake mix
1 (3.5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup water
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 large egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup white sugar
⅓ cup light corn syrup
2 large egg whites
1 tablespoon water
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
½ cup flaked sweetened coconut

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), or 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for coated pans. Spray two 8-inch round cake pans with cooking spray.
  • Stir sugar, frozen coconut, and sour cream for filling together in a medium bowl until well combined. Set aside in the fridge until ready to use.
  • Combine cake mix, pudding mix, water, oil, eggs, egg whites, and vanilla for cake in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Blend on medium speed for 3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Pour batter into the prepared pans.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then invert onto a parchment-lined cooling rack to cool completely, about 30 minutes.
  • Use a large, serrated knife to cut each cake layer in half lengthwise; you will have 4 pieces. Flip top pieces so all cut sides are facing up. Stack layers and filling on a serving platter as follows: 1 bottom layer, 1/3 of the filling, 1 top layer, 1/3 of the filling, remaining bottom layer, remaining filling, remaining top layer. Cover and chill, 30 minutes to overnight.
  • Combine sugar, corn syrup, egg whites, water, vanilla, and cream of tartar for frosting in a large heat-proof bowl; stir until well combined. Place the bowl over a double boiler and whisk using an electric hand mixer until thick and glossy, about 7 minutes. Take care that the double boiler doesn't reach higher than a slow simmer.
  • Spread frosting over cooled cake immediately and sprinkle with shredded coconut.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 610.3 calories, Carbohydrate 99.4 g, Cholesterol 47.2 mg, Fat 22.6 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 5.5 g, SaturatedFat 6.4 g, Sodium 494.2 mg, Sugar 80.4 g

COCONUT LAYER CAKE



Coconut Layer Cake image

For the coconut lover, a teetering creation of tender sour-cream cake, coconut filling, and piles of seven-minute frosting. This recipe yields a six-layer cake. However, if you prefer the look of five layers, the extra cake layer makes a delicious snack.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cake Recipes

Yield Makes three 6-inch layers

Number Of Ingredients 12

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pans
2 cups sifted cake flour, not self-rising, plus more for pans
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup superfine sugar
4 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
2/3 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Coconut Cream Filling
11 ounces (about 3 3/4 cups) sweetened angel-flake coconut
Seven-Minute Frosting for Coconut Layer Cake

Steps:

  • Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Arrange two racks in the center of the oven. Line the bottom of three 6-by-2-inch buttered round cake pans with parchment paper. Dust the bottom and the sides of the cake pans with flour, and tap out any excess. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, and set the bowl aside.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter on medium-low speed until fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually add sugar, and keep beating until the mixture is fluffy and light in color, about 3 minutes. Gradually drizzle in egg yolks, beating on medium-low speed between each addition until the batter is no longer slick. Beat until the mixture is fluffy again, about another 3 minutes.
  • Alternate adding flour mixture and sour cream to the batter, a little of each at a time, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Beat in vanilla. Divide the batter between the prepared cake pans. Bake until a cake tester inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean, 30 to 40 minutes, rotating the pans in the oven, if needed, for even browning. Transfer cake pans to wire racks to cool, about 15 minutes. Remove cakes from pans, and let cool completely on racks, tops up.
  • To assemble, remove parchment paper from the bottoms of cakes. Split each layer in half horizontally with a serrated knife. Set aside the prettiest dome; it will be used for the final layer. Place another domed layer, dome side down, on the serving platter. Sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons of flaked coconut over the cake. Spread a generous 1/2 cup coconut-cream filling over coconut flakes. Repeat sprinkling and spreading process on the remaining layers until all but the reserved domed layer are used. Top cake with the reserved domed layer. Transfer cake to the refrigerator to firm for 1 hour. Remove from the refrigerator, and frost the outside of cake with seven-minute frosting. Sprinkle remaining coconut flakes all over cake while frosting is soft; do not refrigerate. Cake can be left out at room temperature for several days.

COCONUT LAYER CAKE



Coconut Layer Cake image

At Shubox Cafe, this dessert is known as Awesome Coconut Cake, aptly named by one of the cafe's best customers. To make this recipe, you'll need to buy one 15-ounce can of sweetened cream of coconut. Some of it is used in the cake; be sure to save the rest for the Cream Cheese Frosting.

Categories     Cake     Mixer     Dairy     Egg     Dessert     Bake     Coconut     Winter     Bon Appétit     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup canned sweetened cream of coconut (such as Coco López, see note)
4 large eggs, separated
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
Pinch of salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
4 cups sweetened shredded coconut

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour two 9-inch-diameter cake pans with 2-inch-high sides. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon salt in medium bowl to blend. Using electric mixer, beat sugar, butter and sweetened cream of coconut in large bowl until fluffy. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla extract. On low speed, beat in dry ingredients and then buttermilk, each just until blended.
  • Using clean dry beaters, beat egg whites with pinch of salt in another large bowl until stiff but not dry. Fold beaten egg whites into batter.
  • Divide cake batter between prepared pans. Bake cakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Cool cakes in pans on rack 10 minutes. Run small sharp knife around pan sides to loosen cakes. Turn cakes out onto racks and cool completely.
  • Place 1 cake layer on cake plate. Spread 1 cup Cream Cheese Frosting over cake layer. Sprinkle 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut over. Top with second cake layer. Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake. Sprinkle remaining coconut over cake, gently pressing into sides to adhere. (Coconut Layer Cake can be prepared up to 1 day ahead. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Let stand at room temperature 2 hours before serving.)

Tips:

  • Ensure All Ingredients Are at Room Temperature: This allows them to blend together smoothly and evenly.
  • Prepare Cake Layers Evenly: Use a kitchen scale to measure ingredients accurately and divide the batter equally between the cake pans for consistent layers.
  • Don't Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are combined.
  • Bake the Cake Layers Thoroughly: Use a toothpick or cake tester to check if the cake is done. It should come out clean when inserted into the center of the cake.
  • Let the Cake Layers Cool Completely: This will prevent them from breaking when you assemble the cake.
  • Make the Coconut Frosting While the Cake Layers Cool: This will give the frosting time to chill and set.
  • Use a Pastry Bag or Spatula to Frost the Cake: This will help you achieve a smooth, even frosting layer.
  • Decorate the Cake with Toasted Coconut and Shredded Coconut: This will add texture and flavor to the cake.

Conclusion:

The Best Coconut Layer Cake is a delightful dessert that combines moist, fluffy cake layers with a creamy, coconut-flavored frosting. With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can create a stunning cake that will be the star of any occasion. The combination of moist cake layers, creamy frosting, toasted coconut, and shredded coconut makes this cake an unforgettable treat. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, you'll find that this recipe is easy to follow and produces a delicious and impressive cake.

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