Coconut Cake With Coconut Syrup Food

THROWDOWN'S TOASTED COCONUT CAKE WITH COCONUT FILLING AND COCONUT BUTTERCREAM

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
• Spread the coconut evenly onto a baking sheet and toast until lightly golden brown, stirring once, 8 to 10 minutes. Turn off the oven and let the coconut sit in the oven until very dry and crunchy, about 15 minutes longer.
• Bring water and sugar to a boil. Stir in the coconut, remove from the heat and let sit for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours. Strain the liquid into a clean saucepan, bring to a boil and let cook until the mixture is slightly reduced, about 5 minutes. Let cool.
• Combine the milks and vanilla bean and seeds in a medium nonreactive saucepan and bring to a simmer over low heat.
• Whisk together the yolks, sugar and cornstarch in a large bowl. Slowly whisk the warm milk into the egg mixture then return the mixture to the pot over medium heat and bring to a boil, whisking constantly, until thickened. Scrape the mixture into a bowl and whisk in the rum and vanilla extract. Let cool to room temperature then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold, at least 2 hours.
• Combine the custard and cream in a bowl and whip until soft peaks form.
• Beat the butter and sugar in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add the coconut custard and salt and beat until combined and smooth.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour 2 (9 by 2-inch) round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
• Whisk together the milk, egg whites, vanilla bean seeds and vanilla extract in a medium bowl.
• In the bowl of a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. With mixer running at low speed, add the butter, one piece at a time and continue beating until mixture resembles moist crumbs. Add all but 1/2 cup of milk mixture to crumbs and beat at medium speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy, about 1 1/2 minutes. With mixer on low speed, add remaining 1/2 cup of the milk mixture, increase speed to medium and beat 30 seconds more. Scrape sides of bowl and mix for 20 seconds longer. Divide the batter evenly between the cakes pan and smooth the tops using a rubber spatula.
• Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few crumbs attached, 22 to 24 minutes. Cool in the pan on baking rack for 10 minutes. Run a small knife around the side of the pan and invert cakes onto the baking rack, removing parchment paper, and let cool completely, about 45 minutes.
• Using a long serrated knife, slice each cake horizontally into 2 layers. Reserve 1 of the flat bottom layers for the top of the cake. Place another layer on a cardboard round cut side up and brush with some of the coconut simple syrup. Spoon 1/3 of the coconut filling onto the cake and using a small offset metal spatula, spread it into an even layer, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edge of the cake. Repeat with 2 more layers. Brush the cut side of the reserved cake layer with the remaining syrup. Place the layer cut side down on top of the cake.
• Frost the sides and top of the cake with the buttercream. Pat the coconut onto the sides of the cake and sprinkle the remaining coconut on the top of the cake.

COCONUT SYRUP CAKE

Steps:

• Grease a 20 cm pan, line the base with greaseproof paper.
• Using a beater, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat the eggs one at a time.
• Stir in coconut, sifted flour.
• Spread mixture into prepared pan.
• Bake in a moderate oven of 180°C for 30-40 minutes.
• Pour hot syrup over cake, cool in pan.
• Lemon syrup: Combine all ingredients in saucepan, stir over low heat without boiling until sugar has dissolved.
• Bring to the boil then simmer, uncovered, for 3 minutes.
• Strain syrup.

WHITE COCONUT CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
• Make the rum syrup. In a small saucepan heat the water, rum, coconut extract and sugar until the sugar dissolves completely. Simmer for 5 minutes then remove from heat.
• Sift together dry ingredients: cake flour, baking powder, and salt and set aside. Line and grease two 9-inch cake pans with butter then dust lightly with flour.
• In a bench-top mixer (with the paddle attachment), cream butter and sugar until pale in color and light and fluffy - about 2 to 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula then with the mixer on low add eggs 1 at a time. Mix for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the milk, coconut and vanilla extract and mix on low until combined. Gradually add the flour mixture, scraping down the sides, if necessary. Once flour is fully incorporated stop the mixer.
• Divide batter evenly amongst the 2 cake pans and bake in the center of the oven for 40 to 50 minutes until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. When done, transfer cakes to wire racks and allow to cool completely.
• Remove paper lining then carefully cut each cake in half horizontally using a bread knife. Remove the domed top off 1 of the halves so you have 3 flat disks and 1 domed disk (this will be the top layer).
• Assemble the cake directly on your platter by layering 1 of the disks on the plate as a base. Using a pastry brush, wet the layer evenly with the rum syrup then spread with a 1/2-inch of coconut cream. Repeat this process of wetting and spreading until you reach the 4th top layer which will be the domed disk. Place on top and lightly wet the entire cake with remaining rum mixture. Cover the rest of the cake with the frosting and sprinkle all over with coconut flakes.
• Set in the refrigerator for 1 hour before serving.
• In a stand mixer fitted with whip attachment, whip the butter until light and fluffy. Add the sugar, 1 cup at a time, until fully incorporated. Add the coconut and vanilla extracts and pinch salt and blend just until incorporated. Refrigerate until needed, but no longer than 20 minutes.

COCONUT CAKE WITH COCONUT SYRUP

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Grease and flour 2 9-inch layer pans.
• To make the cake: Mix the butter and sugar in an electric mixer until light, fluffy and a pale lemon color, about 3-5 minutes.
• Add the eggs and the egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Combine the flour, baking powder and salt in a separate bowl.
• Add 1/3 of the flour mixture, beat well and scrape down the sides of the bowl.
• Add 1/2 of the coconut milk, beat well.
• Add another 1/3 of the flour mixture, beat well and scrape down the sides of the bowl.
• Add the remaining 1/2 cup of coconut milk and the vanilla.
• Beat well.
• Add the final 1/3 of the flour mixture and beat well.
• Add the shredded coconut and mix to combine.
• Scrape down the sides of the bowl (that batter is always trying to escape!) and spoon the batter into the 2 prepared pans.
• Bake until lightly golden and springy on top, about 35 minutes.
• To make the syrup: Place the coconut milk, coconut and sugar in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Lower the heat to low and cook until the sugar has melted and the mixture has thickened a bit, about 4-5 minutes.
• Cool the cakes in the pans for about 5 minutes, invert onto a rack and split each one in half with a serrated knif, so you have 4 layers.
• Prick holes in the layers with a fork and drizzle each layer with the warm coconut syrup.
• While the cakes are cooling, make (or open) your icing.
• Spread the frosting on each layer.
• Re-assemble the cake and frost the outside.
• Sprinkle all over with the shredded coconut you saved for the garnish.

COCONUT CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 2 (9-inch) round cake pans, then line them parchment paper. Grease them again and dust lightly with flour.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on medium-high speed for 3 to 5 minutes, until light yellow and fluffy. Crack the eggs into a small bowl. With the mixer on medium speed, add the eggs 1 at a time, scraping down the bowl once during mixing. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and mix well. The mixture might look curdled; don't be concerned.
• In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk to the batter in 3 parts, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Fold in the 4 ounces of coconut with a rubber spatula.
• Pour the batter evenly into the 2 pans and smooth the top with a knife. Bake in the center of the oven for 45 to 55 minutes, until the tops are browned and a cake tester comes out clean. Cool on a baking rack for 30 minutes, then turn the cakes out onto a baking rack to finish cooling.
• For the frosting, in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the cream cheese, butter, vanilla and almond extract on low speed. Add the confectioners' sugar and mix until just smooth (don't whip!).
• To assemble, place 1 layer on a flat serving plate, top side down, and spread with frosting. Place the second layer on top, top side up, and frost the top and sides. To decorate the cake, sprinkle the top with coconut and lightly press more coconut onto the sides. Serve at room temperature.

COCONUT CAKE WITH 7-MINUTE FROSTING

Steps:

• For the cake:
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil 2 (9-inch) cake pans. Line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper. Oil the parchment paper and then flour the pan. Set aside.
• Place the flour, baking powder and salt into a large mixing bowl and whisk to combine.
• Combine the coconut milk and coconut cream in small bowl and set aside.
• Place the butter into the bowl of a stand mixer and using the paddle attachment, cream on medium speed until fluffy, approximately 1 minute. Decrease the speed to low and gradually add the sugar slowly over 1 to 2 minutes. Once all of the sugar has been added, stop the mixer and scrape down the sides. Turn the mixer back on to medium speed and continue creaming until the mixture noticeably lightens in texture and increases slightly in volume, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the coconut extract.
• With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture alternately with the milk mixture to the butter and sugar in 3 batches, ending with the milk mixture. Do not over mix.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Fold the egg whites into the batter, just until combined. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bang the pans on the counter top several times to remove any air and to distribute the batter evenly in the pan. Place in the oven on the middle rack. Bake for 40 minutes or until the cake is light golden in color and reaches an internal temperature of 200 degrees F.
• Cool the cake in the pans for 10 minutes then remove and transfer to a cooling rack. Once the cakes have cooled completely cut across the equator of each to form 4 layers. Place the 1/3 cup coconut water into a small spritz bottle and spray evenly onto the cut side of the 4 layers. If you do not have a spritz bottle you may brush the coconut water on with a silicone pastry brush. Allow to sit while preparing the frosting.
• For the frosting:
• Bring 1 quart of water to a boil in a 4-quart saucepan over high heat. Decrease the heat to medium to maintain a steady simmer. In the meantime, place the egg whites, sugar, coconut water, cream of tartar and salt into a medium size-mixing bowl. Place the bowl over the simmering water and immediately begin beating with an electric hand mixer set to low speed. Beat for 1 minute and then increase the speed to high and continue to beat for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and beat in the coconut and vanilla extracts for 1 minute. Allow the frosting to sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Place approximately 3/4 cup of the frosting on the first layer of cake, sprinkle with 1/2 cup coconut and top with the next layer. Repeat until you reach the top layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake and sprinkle with the remaining coconut. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

THE ULTIMATE MOIST, FLUFFY, RIDICULOUS COCONUT CAKE RECIPE - (4.4/5)

Steps:

• *NOTE ON TIMING: This cake has many steps, but none of them are particularly hard. For convenience, I'd split it up over 2-3 days. On the first day, bake the cake layers and let them cool before wrapping and freezing them. Make the coconut syrup and leave it covered in the fridge. On the second day, make the coconut pastry cream and frosting. Assemble the cake. Serve it then or on the third day. Make the cake: Set oven rack in middle position. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease or butter/flour two 9-inch cake pans very well. Add a parchment paper circle in the bottom of each and grease that too. You don't want your layers to stick! Pour milk, egg whites, and extracts into a small bowl and whisk gently until blended. In a large bowl, whisk together cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the butter and continue beating until mixture resembles moist crumbs, with no powdery streaks left. Add all but about 1/2 cup of milk mixture to crumbs and beat at medium speed for 1 1/2 minutes. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of milk mixture and beat 30 seconds more. Scrape down the sides of bowl before beating just a little longer. Divide batter evenly between two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula before dropping it from about 3 inches high to eliminate any bubbles in the batter. Arrange pans on middle rack. Bake until a thin skewer or toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs, 23 to 25 minutes. Let the cakes rest in pans for a few minutes before running a knife around the edges of the pan and inverting the cakes onto wire racks. Invert them again so they'll be right-side up and let them cool completeley, about 1 1/2 hours, before wrapping in wax paper and plastic wrap to freeze until pretty firm, about 30 minutes. Make the coconut pastry cream: Heat the coconut milk, sugar, salt and vanilla bean or extract in a medium saucepan over medium heat. In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and corn starch. Once the cream is hot, remove the vanilla bean (if used), scraping out any remaining seeds and returning them to the cream. Add 1/2 cup of the hot cream slowly to the yolks, whisking as you add, to temper the eggs so they won't cook into an omelette in the middle of your pastry cream. That would be a bummer. Then pour the yolk mixture into the pot of hot cream and whisk. Continue to whisk with heat on medium-high for 3 more minutes. The mixture will turn thick and bubble. You need to continue to whisk for the full 3 minutes or the pastry cream will separate once it is cool. After the 3 minutes, whisk in the butter. Add the coconut flakes. Pour into a shallow dish to cool. Cover with plastic wrap pressed right against the pastry cream. This will prevent a thick skin from forming on the surface. Refrigerate for at least an hour or freeze for 30 minutes. Once it is cold, stir the pastry cream to loosen. Whip the 1/2 cup cream to medium peaks. Stir in 1/3 to the pastry cream to lighten. Fold in the remaining cream until the pastry cream is nice and light. Avoid eating entire bowl of pastry cream with a spoon. To make coconut syrup: Combine the sugar, water, and coconut milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer until the sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool completely, about 20 minutes. Make Coconut Swiss buttercream icing: Combine sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Boil without stirring until syrup reaches 240° on a digital thermometer, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a stand mixer with whisk attachment, beat egg whites on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. With mixer on medium speed, gradually pour in hot syrup in a thin stream; avoid pouring syrup on whisk. Increase speed to medium-high and beat until stiff peaks form and mixture is cool, about 8 minutes. Reduce speed to medium and add butter 1 tablespoon at a time, beating after each addition. (If at any time buttercream appears curdled, beat on high until smooth, then reduce speed to medium and continue beating in butter.) Once all butter is added, beat on high speed until buttercream is smooth and fluffy, about 1 minute. Beat in vanilla and coconut extract. Assemble the cake: Carefully slice each cake layer in half with a long serrated knife. Drizzle a couple tablespoons of coconut syrup over the "inner" side (the one that seems most porous) of each layer. Spread 1/3 of the coconut pastry cream filling onto the first cake layer. Spread it almost to the edge, but pipe a thick bead of buttercream around the very outside edge of each layer to ensure no spillage. Sprinkle with flaked coconut. Repeat with the other layers. Frost the cake with a very thin crumb coat and set it in the freezer to set for about 15 minutes. Bring it out and continue frosting the rest of the cake generously. Carefully push handfuls of fluffy coconut all over the sides of the cake and on top. Keep the cake in the refrigerator, but let sit out for about 30 minutes before slicing and serving so the frosting will be soft.

OLD FASHIONED COCONUT CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans.
• Beat butter and margarine together using an electric mixer in a bowl until creamy. Add sugar gradually, beating until light and fluffy.
• Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together in a separate bowl.
• Add eggs one at a time to creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Add flour mixture alternately with coconut milk and vanilla extract, beating after each addition until smooth. Pour about 2 1/3 cups batter into each prepared cake pan.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cake layers cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely, about 30 minutes more.
• Stir sour cream, sugar, coconut, and milk together in a bowl until filling is well blended.
• Remove one cake layer from the pan and invert onto a cake plate. Poke holes approximately 1-inch apart using the end of a wooden spoon until entire cake has been poked. Spread 1/3 of the filling on the cake layer. Top with second layer; repeat process. Top with last layer and repeat process again.
• Combine sugar and egg whites in the top of a double boiler. Heat the pot over boiling water, stirring with a wire whisk until all sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Transfer sugar mixture to the bowl of an electric stand mixer and beat using the wire attachment until soft peaks form. Switch to the paddle attachment. Pour in vanilla extract and salt. Beat in butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, until fully incorporated. Beat until meringue reaches a thick buttercream consistency. Spread onto cake. Decorate with coconut as desired.

FRESH COCONUT LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Prepare coconut:
• Preheat oven to 350°F with racks in upper and lower thirds.
• Pierce softest eye of each coconut with a small screwdriver and collect liquid in 2 separate bowls to sample. If either tastes rancid, discard that coconut and liquid and Start over with another. Strain liquid from 2 coconuts through a dampened-paper-towel-lined sieve into a 1-cup measure and set coconuts aside. (You should have about 3/4 cup liquid. If not, add water.) Bring to a simmer with sugar and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Cool and reserve.
• Bake coconuts on lower rack 15 minutes. Leave oven on. Break shells with a hammer, then remove flesh with screwdriver, prying it out carefully. Peel brown membrane from flesh with a vegetable peeler. Coarsely grate enough coconut on large holes of a box grater to measure 5 cups.
• Make cake layers:
• Butter cake pans, then line bottom of each with a round of parchment paper and butter parchment. Flour pans, knocking out excess.
• Sift together flour (3 1/3 cups), baking powder, and salt.
• Stir together milk and extracts.
• Beat butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium speed until pale and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. At low speed, add flour mixture in 3 batches alternately with milk mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture and mixing until each addition is just incorporated.
• Beat egg whites in another large bowl with cleaned beaters at medium speed until they just hold soft peaks. Beat in remaining 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, then beat until whites just hold stiff, glossy peaks. Stir one third of whites into batter, then fold in remaining whites gently but thoroughly.
• Spread batter evenly in pans and rap pans on counter several times to eliminate air bubbles.
• Place 2 pans on upper rack and 1 pan on lower rack and bake 20 minutes. Switch position of pans and bake until golden and a wooden pick inserted in center of each cake comes out clean, 10 to 15 minutes more. Cool cakes in pans on racks 5 minutes, then run a knife around edges of pans and invert cakes onto racks. Discard parchment and cool completely, about 1 hour.
• Make frosting and assemble cake:
• Beat together egg whites, sugar, water, corn syrup, cream of tartar, and salt in a large deep bowl with a handheld mixer (clean beaters if necessary) until combined. Set bowl over a pot of simmering water and beat mixture at high speed until it holds stiff, glossy peaks, 5 to 7 minutes. (Humid weather may necessitate additional beating time.) Remove bowl from heat, then add vanilla and beat until frosting is cooled and very thick, 6 to 10 minutes. Transfer 2 1/3 cups frosting to another bowl and stir in 2 cups coconut to make filling.
• Put 1 cake layer on a cake stand or large plate. Brush top with one third of reserved coconut syrup, then spread with half of filling. Repeat with another layer, more syrup, and remaining coconut filling, then top with third layer. Brush top with remaining syrup, then cover cake with remaining frosting and coat with remaining coconut, gently pressing to help it adhere.

INCREDIBLE COCONUT CAKE

Steps:

• Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. , Preheat oven to 325°. In another large bowl, beat sugar, butter and oil until well blended. Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. , Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition. Stir in coconut and extracts.. , Add cream of tartar to egg whites; with clean beaters, beat on medium until stiff peaks form. Fold a fourth of the egg whites into batter, then fold in remaining whites., Transfer to 3 greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., For frosting, in a small bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add confectioners' sugar and extract; beat until smooth. , Place 1 cake layer on a serving plate; spread with 1/2 cup frosting and sprinkle with 1/3 cup coconut. Repeat. Top with remaining cake layer. Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake; sprinkle with remaining coconut. Refrigerate for 2 hours before cutting. Store in the refrigerator.

COCONUT SIMPLE SYRUP

Steps:

• Place sugar in a medium saucepan with 1 cup water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring, until sugar is completely dissolved; let boil until syrup turns golden, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in coconut extract.
• Remove from heat and let cool completely. Simple syrup can be kept in an airtight container, refrigerated, for up to 2 weeks.

COCONUT CAKE IV

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan.
• Mix flour, baking powder, and salt together and set aside.
• Beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until light and fluffy. The mixture should be noticeably lighter in color. Add the room-temperature eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to blend into the butter mixture before adding the next. Mix in coconut extract.
• Pour in the flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk, mixing until just incorporated. Fold in coconut, mixing just enough to evenly combine. Pour batter into prepared pan.
• Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.

OLD-FASHIONED COCONUT CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease three 9-inch round cake pans.
• Mix sugar, eggs, and egg yolks together in a mixing bowl using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
• Heat milk and butter in saucepan over low heat until butter melts, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
• Combine flour and baking powder in a bowl. Pour into egg mixture. Add vanilla extract and milk mixture; beat well using an electric mixer. Divide batter evenly among the prepared pans.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean, 15 to 18 minutes. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
• Meanwhile, thoroughly clean mixing bowl and beaters. Beat egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric mixer until foamy.
• Bring sugar and water to a boil in a saucepan. Boil until a candy thermometer reads 242 degrees F (116 degrees C), 3 to 4 minutes.
• Beat egg whites on high speed. Carefully pour in hot sugar mixture in the side of the bowl, avoiding the beaters; continue to beat on high until stiff peaks form, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in vanilla extract.
• Place 1 cooled cake layer on a serving platter and frost the top. Repeat with second and third layers of cake. Complete frosting the sides, top, and throughout. Sprinkle coconut on top and smooth onto sides of cake using your hands.

FRESH COCONUT CAKE FROM HEAVEN

Steps:

• SELECT FRESH COCONUT(S) WITH SOFT EYES JUST SLIGHTLY DARKER THAN THE HUSK. SHAKE COCONUT AND SELECT THE ONE(S) WITH THE MOST WATER, ESTIMATING A TOTAL YIELD FOR TWO CUPS COCONUT WATER. USE ONLY NUTIVA BRAND ORGANIC EXTRA VIRGIN COCONUT OIL. I RECOMMENDED WHALER'S BRAND "KILLER" COCONUT RUM. AVOID ANY COMMERCIAL COCONUT EXTRACTS SINCE THEY ARE TOO POTENT AND HAVE AN UNDESIRABLE ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR. (STEP 1): PREHEAT oven to 375°F with racks in upper and lower thirds; PUNCTURE soft eyes at end of coconut(s) with screwdriver using a hammer; SHAKE out coconut water into medium bowl until all is obtained (you'll need about 2 cups); PLACE coconut on low rack in oven and bake for 15 minutes; REMOVE coconut using oven mitts; REDUCE oven temperature to 350°F; FILTER retained coconut water through mesh sieve into a medium saucepan; SET aside; WRAP coconut(s) in towel and place on hard surface; HIT hard with a hammer; PRY out meat in large pieces with table knife or wide blade screwdriver; REMOVE brown skin with vegetable peeler; RINSE coconut pieces. NOTE: IF YOU PREFER A FRESH COCONUT FLAKE GARNISH RATHER THAN A GRATED ROASTED COCONUT ONE, RESERVE FRESH COCONUT NOW (TO GRATE LATER) BEFORE PROCEEDING TO THE FOLLOWING STEP.
• BAKE coconut pieces in glass baking dish on top oven rack for 40 minutes at 350°F; TURN pieces over using tongs and bake for an additional 40 minutes. REMOVE from oven; TURN oven off.
• INTO a small saucepan add the strained coconut water for the COCONUT CREAM (with additional water if necessary to make 2 cups liquid); ADD 1 cup sugar, 4 tablespoons natural coconut rum, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract and 1 pinch kosher salt; ADD coconut pieces simmer over medium heat until gently boiling; COVER and reduce heat to medium-low; SET timer for 50 minutes, simmering, stirring occasionally; CHECK coconut syrup and remove from heat when it has turned golden color and has reduced (between 50-60 minutes); REMOVE coconut pieces with tongs, shaking off syrup; STIR in 1/2 cup heavy cream; MEASURE 1 cup of prepared COCONUT CREAM, retaining extra coconut cream in saucepan; RINSE coconut pieces in a strainer with warm water.
• SELECT a grate for fine-shred on hand-held or food processor blade grater, that will create coconut flakes about the size of commercial flaked coconut; GRATE 2 cups fresh coconut; DIVIDE and set aside.
• PLACE oven rack in center position; PREHEAT oven to 325°F; GREASE three (9-by-2-inch) cake pans with organic extra virgin coconut oil; PRESS a sheet of parchment paper into the bottom of both cake pans: SCORE parchment paper around bottom perimeter of cake pan and cut a circle; LINE the bottoms of cake pans with parchment paper cut-out; GREASE surface of waxed paper insert as well; DUST the greased inserts with flour; TAP out excess flour; SET aside.
• MEASURE 2 3/4 cups flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt into a large mixing bowl: WHISK just until combined; SET aside.
• BEAT 1 cup solidified (cool) coconut oil for the COCONUT CAKE in a standing mixer bowl on medium speed until fluffy; REDUCE mixer speed to low; GRADUALLY add 2 cups baker's sugar about a tablespoon at a time; SCRAPE sides of mixer; CONTINUE creaming mixture for about 2 1/2 minutes; ADD 1 tablespoon Whaler's coconut rum; RETURN mixer to low speed; SPRINKLE about a cup of the prepared flour mixture, THEN 1/3 cup of the COCONUT CREAM mixture at a time without over-mixing (end with the the remaining COCONUT CREAM); REMOVE mixer bowl from mixer; BEAT 4 large egg whites in the empty wiped-clean flour mixture bowl using a hand-held mixer until stiff peaks form; FOLD the egg whites into the batter manually with a flexible spatula just until combined; DIVIDE the batter evenly between the pans; KNOCK the pans on counter surface several times to release trapped air bubbles and to distribute batter evenly in pan; PLACE pans in the oven on the middle rack; BAKE until center comes out clean when a wooden toothpick is inserted in centers, between about 40 minutes; PLACE cake pans on cooling racks; LOOSEN sides of cake from pan around edges using a flexible spatula.
• COOL the cake in the pans for 10 minutes; REMOVE and invert cake over to other hand; TRANSFER top-side up to cooling rack; ALLOW cakes to cool completely, misting lightly with water if needed to keep moist; BEGIN preparing the COCONUT GARNISH: PREHEAT oven to 275°F; TOSS remaining 1/2 cup coconut flakes with 2 teaspoons confectioners sugar and 1 pinch salt; TOAST coconut mixture in a baking dish on top oven rack until it is evenly light golden in color, about 20 minutes, turning coconut occasionally to avoid scorching (do not over-toast coconut); TOSS warm toasted coconut with 4 teaspoons baker's sugar; SET aside until needed.
• BRING 1 quart of water in a 4-quart saucepan over high heat for the COCONUT FROSTING; REDUCE heat to medium to a gentle simmer; INTO a standing mixer bowl add 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 6 large egg whites, 1/4 cup of the prepared COCONUT CREAM, 2 tablespoons light corn syrup and 1 pinch kosher salt; SET the bowl over the simmering water; WHISK often while mixture cooks to 160 F., using an instant-read thermometer to test; REMOVE mixer bowl from water; ATTACH bowl to standing mixer; BEAT mixture for 5 minutes with whisk attachment; BEAT in 1 teaspoon Whaler's coconut rum and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract while mixing for one minute; USE frosting immediately.
• RESERVE the mounded cake layer top and set aside; PLACE approximately a 3/4 cup dallop of the frosting on the first of the cake layers set mound-side up; SPREAD frosting evenly over top surface of cake in as few strokes as possible; SPRINKLE frosted layer with 1/2 cup COCONUT GARNISH; PLACE the second level trimmed cake layer evenly over first mound-side down; REPEAT steps to final reserved mounded top layer; FROST top and sides of the cake with the remaining icing; SPRINKLE cake evenly with with remaining COCONUT GARNISH; REFRIGERATE to set icing; CUT servings and place onto plates; TEMPER cake servings to room temperature to soften cake and icing; ENJOY a little slice of heaven!

COCONUT CAKE SUPREME

Steps:

• Prepare and bake cake according to package directions in two 9-in. round baking pans. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely. , For filling, in a large bowl, combine sour cream and sugar. Stir in coconut (filling will be soft). Set aside 1 cup of filling for frosting. , Cut each cake horizontally into two layers. Place bottom layer on a serving plate; top with a third of the filling. Repeat layers twice. Top with the remaining cake layer. , Fold reserved filling into whipped topping; frost cake. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Garnish with mint and gumdrops if desired.

SIMPLY THE BEST COCONUT CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), or 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for coated pans. Spray two 8-inch round cake pans with cooking spray.
• Stir sugar, frozen coconut, and sour cream for filling together in a medium bowl until well combined. Set aside in the fridge until ready to use.
• Combine cake mix, pudding mix, water, oil, eggs, egg whites, and vanilla for cake in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Blend on medium speed for 3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Pour batter into the prepared pans.
• Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then invert onto a parchment-lined cooling rack to cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• Use a large, serrated knife to cut each cake layer in half lengthwise; you will have 4 pieces. Flip top pieces so all cut sides are facing up. Stack layers and filling on a serving platter as follows: 1 bottom layer, 1/3 of the filling, 1 top layer, 1/3 of the filling, remaining bottom layer, remaining filling, remaining top layer. Cover and chill, 30 minutes to overnight.
• Combine sugar, corn syrup, egg whites, water, vanilla, and cream of tartar for frosting in a large heat-proof bowl; stir until well combined. Place the bowl over a double boiler and whisk using an electric hand mixer until thick and glossy, about 7 minutes. Take care that the double boiler doesn't reach higher than a slow simmer.
• Spread frosting over cooled cake immediately and sprinkle with shredded coconut.

COCONUT CAKE WITH COCONUT BUTTERCREAM

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees with a rack set in the lower third. Butter and flour two 9-by-2-inch round cake pans; set aside.
• Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cardamom; set aside. In a large measuring cup or a small bowl, stir together cream of coconut, 1/4 cup water, vanilla, and almond extract.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down sides of bowl with a rubber spatula as necessary.
• With the mixer on low, add flour mixture in thirds, alternating with the cream of coconut mixture and beginning and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined, scraping down sides of bowl as necessary.
• Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops with a spatula. Tap firmly on work surface to remove air bubbles from batter. Transfer to oven and bake until a cake tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Let cool for 20 minutes; remove from pans and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
• Using a toothpick, poke several holes in each layer of cake. Brush cake layers with simple syrup; let stand at least 15 minutes to allow syrup to absorb.
• Trim the top of one of the layers so that it is flat. Place four strips of parchment paper around perimeter of a lazy Susan or serving plate. Place layer cut side down on serving plate. Using an offset spatula, spread the top of the layer with a large dollop of buttercream; sprinkle with 1/4 cup coconut. Top with second layer, right-side up, and frost top and sides with remaining buttercream. Sprinkle coconut over top of cake and press into sides. Remove parchment paper strips and serve. Cake can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

REFRIGERATOR COCONUT CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Lightly spray a 13x9 inch pan with cooking spray, flour lightly and set aside.
• Prepare the cake mix using the water, oil and eggs as directed on package directions.
• Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes or as directed on package.
• Test cake by inserting cake tester off center, when it comes out clean cake is done.
• Bring the sugar (or sugar/Splenda mixture) and milk to a boil over medium heat; stir in coconut flavoring and remove from heat.
• With a wooden spoon handle and while cake is hot, poke holes in top of cake, pour the syrup over, allow to cool to room temperature.
• Cover and refrigerate until serving time.
• At serving time spread with cool whip and sprinkle with lightly toasted coconut.