Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
For the Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
Special equipment needed:
- 2 9-inch round cake pans
- Electric mixer
- Offset spatula
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the coconut milk, until everything is well combined. Fold in the shredded coconut.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
6. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and shredded coconut.
8. Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then place the second cake layer on top. Spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake, using an offset spatula to smooth it out.
9. Garnish the cake with additional shredded coconut, if desired.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
- 12 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 530
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 290mg
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 56g
- Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- If you don't have coconut milk, you can use whole milk instead.
- If you don't have sweetened shredded coconut, you can use unsweetened shredded coconut and add an additional 1/4 cup of sugar to the cake batter.
Variations:
- Add chopped macadamia nuts to the cake batter for a tropical twist.
- Use pineapple juice instead of coconut milk for a pineapple-coconut cake.
- Add a layer of sliced bananas between the cake layers for a banana-coconut cake.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure your butter and cream cheese are both softened before starting the recipe to ensure a smooth frosting.
- Toast the shredded coconut before adding it to the cake batter for extra flavor.
- Use a serrated knife to level the cake layers before frosting for a more even cake.
Storage instructions:
- Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Let the cake come to room temperature before serving.
Presentation ideas:
- Top the cake with fresh flowers or a sprinkle of edible glitter for a festive touch.
Garnishes:
- Shredded coconut
- Fresh flowers
- Edible glitter
Pairings:
- Serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Coconut rice
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cake layers are sticking to the pan, run a knife around the edges to loosen them before removing them from the pan.
- If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
- If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar until it thickens up.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to properly store the cake in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.
Food history:
- Coconut cake is a popular dessert in the southern United States, where coconut is a common ingredient in many dishes.
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, coconutty, creamy
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the cake as a dessert after a meal or as a special treat for a celebration.
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Taste: Sweet, Coconutty, Creamy, Rich, creamy, rich, tropical, nutty