Description
Luscious coconut layer cake brings tropical sweetness to classic dessert traditions, promising pure indulgence with each delicate bite. Creamy frosting and tender coconut-infused layers create a memorable dessert experience you’ll want to savor slowly.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups flaked coconut
Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Ingredient:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 recipe cream cheese frosting
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and preparing two 9-inch round cake pans with grease and flour coating.
- Sift dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a medium mixing bowl, setting aside for later use.
- Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until achieving a light, airy texture with significant volume.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
- Gradually introduce the sifted dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk, mixing gently to maintain a smooth, even batter consistency.
- Gently fold shredded coconut and chopped walnuts into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Evenly distribute the cake batter between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the surfaces for uniform baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, testing for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the cake’s center – it should emerge clean without wet batter.
- Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes to stabilize their structure, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack.
- Once completely cooled, apply cream cheese frosting generously between layers and across the entire cake surface.
- Optionally, garnish the exterior with additional shredded coconut for a decorative and textural finish.
- Slice, serve, and savor the tropical-inspired dessert.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smoother, more uniform cake batter.
- Toast the coconut and walnuts beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the cake.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture.
- Keep the cake moist by avoiding overmixing the batter and not overbaking, which can lead to a dry, dense texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg