Luscious Coconut Cake

Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients

• 3 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 2/3 cups sugar
• 1 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons coconut extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 large eggs
• 1 (6 ounce) package frozen flaked coconut, thawed
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 (6 ounce) packages frozen flaked coconut, thawed
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• toasted coconut, shavings
• 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 3 (16 ounce) packages powdered sugar
• 1 cup coconut milk
• toasted coconut, shavings

Recipe

• 1 cake: beat together the first seveningredients at medium speed until mixed well.
• 2 add the extracts and mix well.
• 3 add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• 4 stir in coconut.
• 5 pour batter into 4 greased and floured 9-inch round cakepans.
• 6 bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• 7 cool pans on a rack 10 minutes before removing.
• 8 continue to cool on the rack until room temp is reached.
• 9 coconut filling: cook together the sugar, flour, milk, and eggs in a large saucepan over medium low heat, whisking constantly, for 15 minutes.
• 10 you want it thick and bubbly.
• 11 remove from heat.
• 12 stir in coconut and vanilla-mix well and cool completely.
• 13 (makes 5&1/2 cups) spread coconut filling between layers.
• 14 beat whipping cream on high until foamy.
• 15 gradually add powdered sugar, beating until soft peaaks form.
• 16 spread on top and sides of cake.
• 17 garnish with toasted coconut flakes.
• 18 or.
• 19 coconut milk frosting: beat together the butter, salt, vanilla and almond extract until fluffy.
• 20 add sugar alternately with coconut milk, beating until smooth.
• 21 frost cake and garnish with toasted coconut.
• 22 (makes 9 cups).