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Southern Coconut Layered Cake

Freshly grated coconut and pineapple (optional) cake with the right amount of sweetness!
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Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:24 minutes
Total Time:39 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: desserts, Southern
Servings: 12 healthy slices
Author: admin

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Rubber Spatula

Ingredients

  • 4 eggs
  • 6 egg whites
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 4 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 4 tsp vanilla
  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • 4.5 cups cake flour (King Arthur)
  • 2 tbsp baking powder
  • 1.5 tsp salt
  • 2 cups unsalted butter (softened, cubed)
  • 1 16 oz can crushed pineapple

Ingredients for the Frosting

  • 2 cups salted butter (softened)
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 6-8 cups powdered sugar (varies, depending on preference)
  • 4 tsp vanilla or vanilla bean paste
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 package unsweetened, young coconut (grated) see my notes on where to find

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    In a small bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla.
    In a stand mixer, stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
    Beat the butter into the flour mixture, one cube at a time. Continue to beat until it resembles coarse crumbs.
    Add the 1/2 of the egg-milk mixture and beat the batter is light and fluffy.
    Add remaining egg-milk mixture and mix just until combined.
    Lightly spray two 8-inch or 9-inch cake pans with non-stick cooking spray. Pour batter evenly between the cake pans.
    Bake for 20-24 minutes, depending on the depth of cake pans.
    Remove cakes from oven when toothpick or cake tester comes out clean.
    Let cool before removing from pans.
    To assemble the cake layers, use a fork and poke the bottom layer and soak the cake with pineapple juice and crushed pineapple. (optional)
    For the Frosting:
    In mixing bowl, cream together butter and cream cheese for 4 minutes.
    Add powdered sugar and beat for 2 more minutes.
    Add vanilla and milk (if needed).
    Once the cake cools, frost the cake.
    Gently, with a handful of coconut, pat the side of the cake with the grated coconut.
    You're all done and ready to host a Southern Dinner Party with your layered coconut cake sure to impress!