Southern Coconut Cake

Southern Coconut Cake is a classic dessert that brings a taste of the South to your table. In this article, we’ll explore the joy of creating this delectable treat, from the essential ingredients to the step-by-step instructions for a perfect result.

Ingredients

To embark on the Southern Coconut Cake adventure, gather the following ingredients:

For the cake:

• 5 large egg whites
• ½ cup of milk
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 3 cups of cake flour
• 2 and 1/3 cup sugar
• 4 ½ teaspoons of baking powder
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• 2 sticks of unsalted butter (8oz.) at warm room temperature
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
• 2 ½ cups of sweetened flaked coconut for garnishing cake

Cream cheese buttercream frosting:

• 12 ounces of cream cheese (slightly chilled)
• 1 stick of butter plus 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter (7 ounces) at room temperature
• 1 cup of confectioners sugar, sifted after measuring
• 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar
• ¼ cup of water
• 3 egg whites

Instructions – Crafting the Masterpiece

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350F degrees. Butter the cake pans, line with parchment, and butter the circles.
2. Egg White Elegance: Whisk egg whites, milk, and vanilla. Set aside.
3. Dry Dance: Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add butter and coconut milk, beat until fluffy.
4. Blend and Divide: Incorporate egg white mixture, divide batter among pans.
5. Bake Brilliance: Bake for 30 minutes or until a cake taster comes out clean. Cool cakes on a wire rack.
6. Assemble Artistry: Layer cake, buttercream, and shredded coconut. Repeat. Frost the top and sides.
7. Coconut Cascade: Press remaining shredded coconut onto the cake sides. Chill for at least one hour.

Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting:

1. Creamy Prelude: Beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add butter, confectioners sugar, and vanilla. Set aside.
2. Syrupy Symphony: Boil granulated sugar and water. Pour into egg whites while beating until a stiff meringue forms.
3. Frosting Finale: Add cream cheese mixture, whip until smooth and fluffy.

In conclusion, the Southern Coconut Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that captivate the senses. Whether for celebrations or a sweet indulgence, this cake embodies the warmth of Southern hospitality on your plate.