Introduction
Imagine a slice of paradise on your plate – that’s what our Heavenly Coconut Cake offers. This cake is a marvel of flavors, combining the richness of butter, the sweetness of sugar, and the exotic taste of coconut. Each bite transports you to a tropical dream, making it a perfect dessert for gatherings, holidays, or just a special treat for yourself. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the simple yet rewarding process of creating this coconut masterpiece from scratch. So, let’s embark on this culinary journey and bring a slice of tropical heaven to your table.
Ingredients
- 3/4 pound unsalted butter, room temperature (plus extra for greasing)
- 2 cups sugar
- 5 extra-large eggs, room temperature
- 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp pure almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup milk
- 4 ounces sweetened shredded coconut
For the frosting:
- 1 pound cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 pound unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp pure almond extract
- 1 pound confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 6 ounces sweetened shredded coconut
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Gradually add eggs, then vanilla and almond extracts.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to batter.
- Fold in 4 ounces of coconut. Pour batter into pans and bake for 45-55 minutes.
- Cool cakes for 30 minutes, then remove from pans to finish cooling.
How to Prepare the Frosting
- Combine cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and almond extract in a mixer.
- Gradually add confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Bake time: 45-55 minutes
- Cooling time: 30 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 1 hour 35 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings
This recipe yields one 9-inch layer cake, serving about 8-10 people.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use margarine instead of butter? A1: For the best flavor, stick to unsalted butter. Margarine may alter the taste and texture.
Q2: How do I store leftover cake? A2: Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Q3: Can I make this cake in advance? A3: Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead. Just add the frosting before serving.
Q4: Is it necessary to use extra-large eggs? A4: Extra-large eggs provide more moisture. If unavailable, use 6 large eggs instead.
Q5: Can I make cupcakes with this batter? A5: Absolutely! Adjust the baking time to 20-25 minutes for cupcakes.
Conclusion
Our Heavenly Coconut Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. With its moist, flavorful crumb and rich, creamy frosting, each slice feels like a celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at baking for the first time, this recipe is designed to be foolproof and rewarding. As you savor the tropical flavors, remember that the best recipes are those made with love and shared with others. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to wow your friends and family with this exquisite coconut cake. Let the baking begin!