Old-Fashioned Layered Coconut Cake

Step 1

Line three 8" cake pans with parchment paper. OR lightly oil and flour the bottom and sides of your cake pans.

Step 2

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 3

Combine flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium-size bowl and set aside.

Step 4

Using your mixer, cream the butter.

Step 5

Add sugar and mix well.

Step 6

Add the eggs one at a time and combine well after each addition.

Step 7

Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the mixing bowl until both are completely incorporated.

Step 8

Add vanilla and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.

Step 9

Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans and bake for 20-25 minutes, until cake springs back when lightly touched in the middle and the cake is golden.

Step 10

Cool cakes in the pans for 5 minutes on a cooling rack.

Step 11

Then remove the cakes from the pans and allow to cool on rack until completely cooled.

Step 12

Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a heavy saucepan.

Step 13

Cover and bring to a rolling boil over medium heat.

Step 14

Remove the lid and continue boiling for 6 - 10 minutes. Do not stir.

Step 15

Check the mixture using a 1 cup glass measuring cup filled with cold water sitting on the counter next to the pot.

Step 16

At the 6 minute mark, drop a small amount of the syrup into the cold water. If a firm ball forms, it's ready.

Step 17

If a firm ball forms, it's ready. If it drops flat or drizzles to the bottom of the cup, cook for 30 seconds more and check again.

Step 18

If you have a candy thermometer, you want the temperature to be 245 degrees F.

Step 19

While the mixture is boiling, use the whisk attachment of your mixer to beat the egg whites on high until stiff peaks form.

Step 20

Once your syrup is ready, turn your mixer on medium speed and slowly (SLOWLY) stream the hot mixture into the egg whites.

Step 21

When all of the syrup is incorporated into the egg whites, add the vanilla.

Step 22

Beat on high speed for about 10 minutes or until stiff peaks form.

Step 23

Spread a little of the fluffy white frosting on top of the bottom layer and sprinkle with coconut.

Step 24

Add the second layer and spread frosting on top of it and sprinkle with coconut.

Step 25

Add your third layer and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake and add coconut.

Step 26

Gently press the coconut into the frosting

Step 27

Now, lick the bowl! Your cake is ready to serve.