Are you dreaming of a moist, tender cake bursting with the sweet, tropical essence of coconut? Then look no further! This Southern Living Coconut Cake recipe is your ticket to pure dessert bliss. It’s a classic for a reason – easy to follow, irresistibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight treats to elegant dinner parties. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade masterpiece! This recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special, perfect for those seeking easy recipes and healthy meals (with a little indulgence!).
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
For the Coconut Cream Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. This simple step ensures your cake layers release easily and bake evenly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combines the dry ingredients for a consistent batter.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Combining the wet ingredients separately prevents the flour from clumping.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so mix gently.
- Fold in the shredded coconut. Gentle folding ensures the coconut is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Baking the Cake Layers:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Make sure the batter is evenly distributed for even baking.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the cakes completely is crucial for easy frosting.
Making the Heavenly Coconut Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air and creates a light and airy frosting.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined. Gradually adding the sugar prevents it from clumping.
- Stir in the coconut, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Assembling Your Coconut Cake Masterpiece:
- Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of frosting.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake. You can use a spatula or offset spatula for a smooth finish.
- Garnish with extra shredded coconut, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use coconut milk instead of buttermilk.
- Add some crunch: Fold in chopped toasted pecans or macadamia nuts to the batter.
- Make it a layer cake: Use three 8-inch pans instead of two 9-inch pans for a taller cake.
- Adjust sweetness: Reduce the sugar in the cake or frosting if you prefer a less sweet cake.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion size. For accurate nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients and serving size. This cake is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
This Southern Living Coconut Cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for showcasing your homemade cooking skills. It's a delicious dish that's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas or impressive desserts for any occasion. Enjoy!