Fresh Coconut Layer Cake

Directions

1. Prepare the filling by placing the heavy cream, 3/4 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons coconut cream in a heavy saucepan over medium heat; bring to a simmer. Whisk together the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon coconut milk. Stir into the simmering cream until smooth; cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add the 1/2 cup butter and 1 cup shredded coconut; continue cooking, stirring 3 minutes longer. Cool to room temperature and then refrigerate until thickened, about 2 hours. Keep refrigerated until ready to assemble cake.
2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease three 9 inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. Grease the paper and then flour the pans lightly, tapping out any excess. Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
3. Place the 1 1/2 cups sugar and eggs in a large mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer for 1 minute. Gradually add the 3/4 cup butter, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract and 1 cup coconut milk; continue beating for 2 minutes. Add the flour mixture and beat for 1 minute.
4. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the center of the oven for 20 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cakes in the pans on a rack for 20 minutes. Unmold the cakes, carefully peel off the paper and allow to cool completely on a rack.
5. Prepare the icing by beating together the cream cheese and 1/2 cup butter. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt, confectioners sugar, 3 tablespoons coconut milk and 1 tablespoon vanilla; beat until smooth.
6. Prepare the syrup by placing the 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and continue to boil, while stirring for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and brush the top of each cake layer with the syrup using a pastry brush. You don't have to use all of the syrup.
7. Assemble the cake by placing one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread it with a layer of the reserved filling and top with another cake layer. Spread the cake with the filling and top with the remaining cake layer. Ice the top and sides of the cake and sprinkle the top with 1/2 cup shredded fresh coconut.

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Reviews (20)

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19

MEADOWSTAR

Jul. 5, 2005

"This cake is fabulous....However, I would change a few things next time. The frosting is overwhelmed with the taste of butter. I would cut the butter in half and add more cream cheese. I believe th..." See moree filling would benefit from lemon flavoring and grated lemon peel. I did have to use twice the amount of cornstarch...luckily, I followed my hunches as the filling would have been too runny otherwise. The cake itself was exceptional...I only made two layers instead of three and they were ready in exactly 20 minutes. Overall, I would reduce the amount of sugar all around as it seemed far too sweet for my taste. Grating the coconut by hand was a chore....but oh, so worth it! This cake looked beautiful when it was presented and people were literally gushing....A true "suzy homemaker moment"!"

13

ALI311

Nov. 15, 2003

"WONDERFUL CAKE! I made this for my brother's birthday and had rave reviews. I have already been requested to make it again for a family gathering. The coconut is in everything- cake batter, frostin..." See moreg, filling, so there is no lack of flavor. This is not a white cake with coconut frosting, but a true coconut dessert!"

12

DANA NIC

Mar. 8, 2004

"The filling part is worth doing- for the rest of the recipe try making it simple. White box cake made according to directions on box except add coconut milk instead of water. Use filling from this rec..." See moreipe and for the frosting try French Vanilla Cool-Whip. I made this for my mom's birthday and it turned out great!!"