BAKED COCONUT CAKE RECIPES

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.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Generously grease bottoms and sides of 2 (8-inch) round cake pans with shortening. Line pans with cooking parchment paper; grease paper, and lightly flour.
• In large bowl, beat cake mix, butter, coconut milk, water and eggs with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes. Pour batter evenly into pans.
• Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Remove cakes from pans to cooling racks; remove cooking parchment paper. Cool completely, about 45 minutes.
• In medium bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups of the coconut, the sugar and sour cream. Spoon 1 cup of the mixture into large bowl; set aside.
• Cut each cake horizontally into 2 layers. Spread 1/2 cup of the remaining coconut-sour cream mixture on cut side of 1 layer. Repeat layers twice. Top with remaining layer, cut side down.
• In bowl of reserved coconut-sour cream mixture, stir in whipped topping, 1/2 cup of the coconut and the coconut extract until well mixed. Frost top and side of cake with mixture. Gently press remaining coconut onto top and side of cake. Cover; refrigerate at least 6 hours before serving.