Coconut Layer Cake is a moist, fluffy cake with a delicious coconut flavor.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon coconut extract (optional for more coconut flavor)
1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (for the batter)
For the frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup coconut milk (or regular milk)
1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut (for the frosting)
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. Make the cake:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and coconut extracts.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
Stir in the shredded coconut to the batter.
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
3. Make the frosting:
In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, alternating with the coconut milk. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Once the cakes are cooled, spread a thin layer of frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second layer of cake on top.
Frost the top and sides of the cake with the coconut frosting.
Press the remaining shredded coconut into the frosting on the sides and top of the cake for added texture and decoration.
Enjoy your light and flavorful two-layer coconut cake!