Evelyn'S Old-Fashioned Coconut Cake

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

A moist, fluffy coconut cake with rich vanilla flavor, perfect for celebrations or special occasions, loved by coconut enthusiasts and dessert lovers alike.

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Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Cream butter and sugar together until well combined.
  2. Add egg yolks and beat well.
  3. Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
  5. Stir in vanilla extract.
  6. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
  7. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter.
  8. Pour the batter evenly into three well-greased and floured 9-inch cake pans.
  9. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes.
  10. Allow the cakes to cool completely before icing.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and adding a pinch of coconut extract. If you find yourself short on eggs, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce. Make sure to sift the flour mixture well to ensure a light cake. You could also top the cake with toasted coconut for added texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This coconut cake is delightful on its own, but you can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. It pairs beautifully with Sour Cream And Cucumber Salad(Serves 12, Kinda) for a refreshing contrast. Consider serving it at celebrations or casual get-togethers for a nostalgic touch.

Storage & Reheating

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

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Evelyn'S Old-Fashioned Coconut Cake contains roughly 519 calories, with 5g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is a good source of calcium (18% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 495mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).

519 kcal 26% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.2g 10% DV
Total Fat 24g 31% DV
Carbs 63.1g 23% DV
Fiber 1.8g 6% DV
Sugar 2.2g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 494.9mg 22% DV
Potassium 450.1mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 214.8mg 72% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 38.2mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 14.8mg 16% DV
Calcium 237.6mg 18% DV
Iron 1.7mg 9% DV
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 coconut milk instead of regular milk?

Yes, substituting coconut milk for regular milk will enhance the coconut flavor of the cake. Just make sure to use the same amount, and it should work perfectly in this recipe.

How can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make this coconut cake gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Also, ensure that your baking powder is gluten-free, and you should achieve a similar texture and taste.

What type of frosting goes best with this cake?

A cream cheese frosting or a light coconut buttercream frosting pairs wonderfully with this cake. The creaminess complements the cake’s texture, while coconut frosting enhances its flavor. Feel free to add toasted coconut flakes on top for an extra touch!

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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