Looking for a classic dessert that will transport you to the South? Try this Old Fashioned Southern Coconut Cake Recipe - moist, delicious, and easy to make!

If you're looking for a dessert that's both comforting and indulgent, there's nothing quite like an old-fashioned Southern coconut cake. This classic recipe has been passed down through generations of Southern families, and it's easy to see why. From the tender layers of moist cake to the sweet and creamy frosting, every bite is a heavenly experience. But what makes this cake truly special is the coconut, which adds a tropical twist to this quintessential Southern treat. So if you're ready to transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of the South, let's get baking!

Introduction

Coconut cake is a dessert that can be enjoyed all year round, but it is especially popular during the spring and summer months. This Old Fashioned Southern Coconut Cake Recipe is perfect for those who love the classic flavor of coconut. It is a deliciously sweet and fluffy cake that has a rich coconut flavor throughout. This recipe is easy to follow and requires just a few ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.

Ingredients

To make this Old Fashioned Southern Coconut Cake, you will need the following ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup coconut milk
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven and prepare pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and set aside.

Step 2: Cream butter and sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add eggs and vanilla extract

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 5: Add dry ingredients to wet mixture

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the coconut milk, and mixing until just combined.

Step 6: Fold in shredded coconut

Fold in the shredded coconut until well combined.

Step 7: Pour batter into prepared pans

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.

Step 8: Bake the cakes

Bake the cakes for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean.

Step 9: Let cakes cool

Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 5-10 minutes. Remove the cakes from the pans and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 10: Frost and decorate the cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, frost and decorate them as desired. You can use a classic buttercream frosting or a cream cheese frosting. Top the cake with additional shredded coconut to give it a beautiful finishing touch.

Conclusion

This Old Fashioned Southern Coconut Cake Recipe is a classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion. It is moist, fluffy, and full of delicious coconut flavor. The recipe is easy to follow and requires just a few simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you are baking this cake for a special occasion or simply to enjoy with family and friends, it is sure to be a hit. So go ahead and give this recipe a try – you won't be disappointed!

A Taste of Southern Tradition: Introduction to Old Fashioned Southern Coconut Cake

Coconut cake has been a staple dessert in the American South for generations. It’s a classic, comforting dessert that brings back memories of family gatherings and special occasions. The old-fashioned Southern coconut cake recipe is one of those desserts that never goes out of style. It’s a perfect combination of sweet, moist cake layers, creamy coconut filling, and fluffy buttercream frosting. Making this cake from scratch is an art form that has been passed down through generations. It's a labor of love that requires patience and precision, but the end result is worth every second.

The Sweetness of Old Times: Ingredients for the Perfect Coconut Cake

To make an old-fashioned Southern coconut cake, you’ll need a few basic ingredients like all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, butter, milk, and vanilla extract. But what sets this cake apart is the addition of coconut milk and shredded coconut. These ingredients provide a rich, creamy flavor and texture that can’t be replicated with anything else. For the filling, you'll need sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, and heavy cream. And for the frosting, you'll need butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a touch of milk.

The Art of Tender Fluffiness: Preparing the Cake Layers

The key to a perfect old-fashioned Southern coconut cake is achieving tender fluffiness in the cake layers. Start by creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. In a separate bowl, sift together the dry ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the coconut milk and vanilla extract. Fold in the shredded coconut. Divide the batter evenly between three prepared cake pans and bake until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cake layers to cool completely before moving on to the filling and frosting.

The Flavors of the South: Making the Coconut Filling

The coconut filling is what really takes this cake to the next level. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, and heavy cream until well combined. Spread the filling evenly between each layer of cake, making sure to leave a small border around the edge of each layer. This will help prevent the filling from oozing out when you stack the layers.

Frosting Like a Pro: Whipping Up a Delicious Buttercream

The final touch to this old-fashioned Southern coconut cake is the buttercream frosting. Cream the butter until light and fluffy, then gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Add a touch of milk to achieve the desired consistency. Mix until smooth and creamy. Frost the entire cake with the buttercream frosting, making sure to cover the sides and top evenly. Use a spatula to create swirls or peaks for added texture.

The Magical Touch: Assembling the Layers and Filling of the Cake

To assemble the cake, place one cake layer on a cake stand or plate. Spread a generous amount of coconut filling over the top, making sure to leave a small border around the edge. Repeat with the second layer, then top with the third layer. Spread a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake to create a crumb coat. This will help seal in any loose crumbs and provide a smooth surface for the final layer of frosting. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before adding the final layer of frosting.

Letting it Rest: Tips for Keeping Your Cake Moist and Flavorful

Once the cake is fully assembled, it’s important to let it rest before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and ensure that the cake stays moist and flavorful. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. When you’re ready to serve, take the cake out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before slicing.

A Cake to Remember: Decorating Your Southern Coconut Cake with Style

Decorating an old-fashioned Southern coconut cake is all about showcasing its beauty and simplicity. You can add a few fresh flowers or a sprinkle of shredded coconut on top for a classic look. Or, use a piping bag to create intricate designs or patterns on the sides and top of the cake. The possibilities are endless, but remember to keep it simple and elegant.

Serving up Southern Charm: Presentation Ideas for a Showstopper Dessert

Presentation is key when it comes to serving up an old-fashioned Southern coconut cake. Place the cake on a beautiful cake stand or platter and garnish with fresh fruits or flowers. Serve alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea for the perfect finish to any meal.

Sharing the Love: Why Old Fashioned Southern Coconut Cake is Perfect for Any Occasion

Old-fashioned Southern coconut cake is a dessert that brings people together. It’s a symbol of tradition and love that has been passed down through generations. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, wedding, or just a special occasion, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So why not share the love and make an old-fashioned Southern coconut cake for your next gathering?

As I sit here in my Southern kitchen, I can't help but think about my grandmother's Old Fashioned Southern Coconut Cake Recipe. The memories of her making this cake for every special occasion flood my mind. From birthdays to holidays, this cake was always the star of the show.

From my point of view, there is something truly magical about this recipe. It's not just the delicious taste of the coconut flakes or the moist texture of the cake itself. It's the love and tradition that goes into making it.

Here's how to create this masterpiece:

Gather all the ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and shredded coconut.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
Mix in the vanilla extract and fold in the shredded coconut.
Pour the batter into three greased and floured 9-inch cake pans.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool before frosting.

The frosting is just as important as the cake itself. Here's the recipe:

Cream together 1 cup of butter and 4 cups of powdered sugar until smooth.
Add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk.
Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Assemble the cake, spreading frosting between each layer and on top. Then, sprinkle with more shredded coconut for a beautiful finish.

This Old Fashioned Southern Coconut Cake Recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, and it's easy to see why. It's not just a cake, it's a tradition. So, next time you're looking for a dessert to bring to a special occasion, give this recipe a try. I promise it will be a hit.

Well, folks, we've reached the end of our journey together in discovering the Old Fashioned Southern Coconut Cake Recipe. I hope you enjoyed reading through this blog post as much as I did writing it. Before we part ways, let me just say that this cake recipe is not for the faint-hearted. It requires time, patience, and a whole lot of love. But trust me, the end result is worth every effort.

If you're looking to impress your guests at your next dinner party or simply want to indulge in something truly special, this cake should definitely be on your list. The combination of fluffy white cake layers, rich coconut filling, and creamy frosting is nothing short of divine. And the best part? You can customize it to your liking by adding or subtracting ingredients according to your taste.

As I bid you farewell, I'd like to leave you with one final piece of advice. Don't be intimidated by the complexity of this recipe. Take it one step at a time and remember that practice makes perfect. Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, you can create a masterpiece with this Old Fashioned Southern Coconut Cake Recipe. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know how it turns out. Happy baking!

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People also ask about Old Fashioned Southern Coconut Cake Recipe:

What makes a southern coconut cake different?

Southern coconut cake is different from other coconut cakes because it has layers of moist, tender coconut cake filled with a rich, creamy coconut frosting and topped with flaked coconut.

How do you make a moist coconut cake?

To make a moist coconut cake, use coconut milk instead of regular milk in the recipe. This will give your cake a richer, more tropical flavor and texture. Also, be sure to not overbake your cake as this can dry it out.

What is the best flour to use for coconut cake?

The best flour to use for coconut cake is cake flour. It has a lower protein content and finer texture than all-purpose flour, which results in a lighter, more delicate cake.

Can you freeze a coconut cake?

Yes, you can freeze a coconut cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to serve, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

What can I use instead of coconut extract?

If you don't have coconut extract, you can substitute vanilla extract or almond extract. However, keep in mind that this will give your cake a different flavor profile.

Now that you have answers to some of the most common questions about Old Fashioned Southern Coconut Cake Recipe, you can confidently bake this classic dessert for your next gathering or special occasion.