Mom'S Coconut Cake

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: American

Mom's Coconut Cake is a delightful dessert featuring a moist, tender crumb infused with rich vanilla flavor. Perfect for celebrations or everyday treats, its light sweetness and subtle coconut undertones appeal to all ages and make for a versatile, crowd-pleasing dessert.

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Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter until smooth and fluffy.
  2. Gradually add the sugar, beating until the mixture is light and airy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
  6. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing gently after each addition.
  7. Pour the batter into a prepared cake pan and bake at the appropriate temperature until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, make sure to cream the butter well until fluffy before adding sugar. If you don't have cake flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour by removing 2 tablespoons of flour per cup and replacing it with cornstarch. Make sure to sift the dry ingredients for a well-mixed batter. You can also add shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the coconut cake plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple touch. Pair it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert experience. It also pairs beautifully with Brian'S Raspberry-Chocolate Pie for a delightful dessert spread. Fresh fruit or a fruity compote can add a refreshing contrast to the cake's richness.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover coconut cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold. The cake maintains its moisture well even after refrigerating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mom'S Coconut Cake contains roughly 1097 calories, with 18g protein, 215g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (44% of the Daily Value), calcium (44% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2471mg per serving (107% of the Daily Value).

1097 kcal 55% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 18.5g 37% DV
Total Fat 13.8g 18% DV
Carbs 214.9g 78% DV
Fiber 5.4g 19% DV
Sugar 4.7g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2471.2mg 100% DV
Potassium 1324.3mg 28% DV
Cholesterol 468.3mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 119.3mcg 13% DV
Vitamin C 39.3mg 44% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 568.7mg 44% DV
Iron 7.8mg 44% DV
Diet fit High-fiber 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 margarine instead of butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for butter in this coconut cake recipe. It will still create a fluffy texture, but the flavor may be slightly different. Ensure to choose a high-quality margarine for the best results.

How can I make this cake more coconut-flavored?

To enhance the coconut flavor, consider adding shredded coconut into the batter. You can also replace part of the milk with coconut milk for an even richer flavor. Topping the cake with coconut frosting or a coconut glaze will further intensify the taste.

Can I freeze this coconut cake?

Yes, you can freeze the coconut cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best texture.

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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