SOUTHERN COCONUT CAKE

Makes an 8-inch triple layer cake

INGREDIENTS:

For the cake:
•5 large egg whites.
•1/2 cup of milk.
•2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
•3 cups of cake flour.
•2 and 1/3 cup sugar.
•4 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder.
•1/2 teaspoon of salt.
•2 sticks of unsalted butter [8ounces] at warm room temperature.
•1 cup unsweetened coconut milk.
•2 1/2 cups of sweetened flaked coconut for garnishing cake.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.Preheat the oven to 350F degrees. Butter the bottoms of three 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottom of each pan with a parchment circle and butter the circle.
2.Put the egg whites in a bowl and whisk slightly. Add the 1/2 cup of milk and the vanilla and whisk to mix thoroughly; set aside.
3.In a large mixer bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. With the mixer on low, beat dry ingredients well in order to break up any lumps. Add the butter and coconut milk on low speed and beat just to combine. Raise the speed to medium and beat until light and fluffy about 2 minutes.
4.Add the egg white mixture in 2 or 3 additions, scraping the sides of the bowl after each addition. Divide the batter among the pans.
5.Bake for 30 minutes or until a cake taster inserted in the middle comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Then turn the cakes out and place on a wire rack to cool completely.
6.To assemble the cake, place one layer, flat side up, on an 8-inch cake round. Cover this layer with 1 cup of the buttercream frosting. Spread it evenly all the way to edge of the cake. Then sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded coconut on top. Add the second layer and repeat the process. Top with the final layer of cake and frost the top and sides of the cake.
7.Place the remaining 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut on a large baking tray. Pick up the cake and hold it on the palm of one hand over the tray. Using the other hand scoop up the coconut and press it to the sides of the cake. Continue with this process until the sides of the cake are covered. Set the cake on a serving plate and sprinkle any remaining coconut on top of cake. Chill cake for at least one hour to allow frosting to firm up a bit.

INGREDIENTS:

Cream cheese buttercream frosting
•12 ounces of cream cheese slightly chilled
•1 stick of butter plus 6 tablespoons of butter [7ounces] unsalted butter at room temperature

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