Phyl'S Coconut Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A moist, coconut-flavored cake featuring creamy coconut topping, perfect for celebrations or dessert, appealing to coconut lovers and those seeking a rich, indulgent treat.

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups self-rising flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3/4 cup vegetable shortening
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

Instructions

  1. Combine flour and sugar in a mixing bowl.
  2. Add shortening and 2/3 of the milk; beat for 2 minutes.
  3. Add remaining milk, eggs, and vanilla; beat for 3 minutes.
  4. Pour batter into a greased or lined cake pan.
  5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Once the cake is out of the oven, punch holes in the top with a fork or skewer.
  7. Pour one can of cream of coconut over the hot cake, allowing it to soak in.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, sift the self-rising flour before measuring. If you don't have self-rising flour, you can make your own by combining all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt. Consider using coconut milk instead of regular milk for a richer coconut flavor. For added texture, fold in shredded coconut before baking.

Serving Suggestions

This Coconut Cake is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra touch, serve it with whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. It also makes a lovely dessert alongside Mary'S Four Layer Dessert for an indulgent gathering.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Phyl'S Coconut Cake contains roughly 457 calories, with 5g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

457 kcal 23% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.4g 11% DV
Total Fat 14g 18% DV
Carbs 55g 20% DV
Fiber 3.5g 12% DV
Sugar 5.4g 11% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 53.7mg 2% DV
Potassium 322.1mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 45.7mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 10.6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 21.9mg 24% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 60.1mg 5% DV
Iron 2.1mg 12% DV
Diet fit 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

What can I do if my cake sinks in the middle?

A sinking cake can result from underbaking, too much liquid, or not enough leavening. Ensure you measure ingredients accurately and bake until fully set. If it sinks, you can serve it with whipped cream to cover the imperfection.

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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