Ingredients:
- 2.5 cups (310g) all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp (12g) baking powder
- 0.5 tsp (3g) salt
- 0.75 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) full-fat canned coconut milk
- 1 tsp (5ml) pure vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup (120ml) cream of coconut
- 2 tbsp (30ml) warm water
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 0.5 cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp (5ml) coconut extract
- 2 cups (200g) shredded sweetened coconut, toasted
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Alternate adding the flour mixture (flour, baking powder, salt) and the coconut milk to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two pans and bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cakes are still slightly warm, use a fork or skewer to poke holes across the entire surface of each layer.
- Whisk the cream of coconut and warm water together, then slowly pour the mixture over the cakes to saturate the crumb.
- Let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the frosting by whipping the chilled heavy cream, powdered sugar, and coconut extract until stable peaks form.
- Layer the cakes with the whipped frosting and finish by coating the exterior with the remaining frosting and toasted shredded coconut.
- Chill the cake for 4 hours before slicing to ensure stability.