Delicious Coconut Cake Recipe

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Ingredients

FOR THE CAKE:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup coconut milk (or regular milk)
  • 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

FOR THE FROSTING:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3-4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional for a fluffier consistency)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Method

STEP 1: PREPARE THE CAKE BATTER

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

  1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

  1. Add the Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

  1. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Mix in the vanilla extract and coconut milk until well combined.

  1. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix.

  1. Add Coconut: Gently fold in the shredded coconut for that tropical flavor.

  1. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  1. Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

STEP 2: MAKE THE FROSTING

  1. Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes.

  1. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue beating until fluffy and smooth.

  1. Add Vanilla and Heavy Cream: Stir in the vanilla extract and heavy cream (if using) to achieve your desired frosting consistency. Beat for another 2 minutes.

  1. Taste and Adjust: Taste the frosting and add more powdered sugar if you prefer it sweeter or thicker.

STEP 3: ASSEMBLE THE CAKE

  1. Layer the Cake: Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one layer of cake on a serving plate or cake stand.

  1. Frost the First Layer: Spread a generous amount of frosting on top of the first cake layer.

  1. Add the Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the frosted cake.

  1. Frost the Entire Cake: Spread frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake. Don’t be afraid to make it as thick as you like!

  1. Add Coconut Topping: Sprinkle sweetened shredded coconut on top of the cake and gently press it into the frosting for extra texture and flavor.

Tips for Success

  • Cake Consistency: Ensure the cake batter is not over-mixed; this helps keep the cake light and fluffy.

  • Coconut Milk: For a richer coconut flavor, use coconut milk in the cake batter. You can substitute with regular milk if necessary.

  • Frosting Texture: If your frosting is too thick, add heavy cream or a splash of milk to adjust the texture. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until you reach the right consistency.

  • Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

Variations

  1. Coconut Flavored Cake: For an even stronger coconut flavor, add coconut extract to the cake batter and frosting.

  1. Pineapple Twist: Add crushed pineapple to the cake batter for a tropical twist that complements the coconut flavor beautifully.

  1. Layered Coconut Cake: If you want an even more decadent cake, make it a multi-layered coconut cake by baking the batter in three pans instead of two.

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