1-2-3-4 Coconut Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A moist and fluffy coconut cake featuring rich butter, sweet sugar, and creamy milk, topped with shredded coconut. Perfect for celebrations and coconut lovers alike.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3 cups flour
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup milk

Instructions

  1. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together.
  2. Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. Alternately add the flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour.
  5. Pour batter into three greased 9-inch cake pans.
  6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure your butter is at room temperature before creaming it with sugar. You can substitute unsweetened coconut milk for regular milk for added flavor. If you want to enhance the coconut flavor, consider adding shredded coconut to the batter or topping the cake with it after baking. This cake pairs beautifully with Creamy Strawberry Punch for a refreshing dessert experience.

Serving Suggestions

This coconut cake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh fruit, like strawberries or raspberries, can add a refreshing contrast to the sweet cake. It also pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover coconut cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it chilled for a different taste.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of 1-2-3-4 Coconut Cake contains roughly 287 calories, with 2g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value) and calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 797mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).

287 kcal 14% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.1g 4% DV
Total Fat 1.7g 2% DV
Carbs 32g 12% DV
Fiber 1.8g 6% DV
Sugar 7.6g 15% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 796.6mg 35% DV
Potassium 279.2mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 44.3mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 10.7mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 14.6mg 16% DV
Calcium 143.3mg 11% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free option. Just ensure the blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum, as it helps maintain the cake's structure.

How can I make this cake more flavorful?

Consider adding coconut extract to the batter for a more intense coconut flavor. You can also mix in some shredded coconut or top the cake with a coconut frosting to enhance the overall taste.

Is there a way to make this cake healthier?

You can reduce the sugar by substituting some of it with applesauce or mashed bananas. Using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour can also add some nutritional benefits while still keeping the cake moist.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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