Stately Coconut Layer Cake

Prep: 30 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A luxurious three-layer coconut cake featuring tender vanilla sponge layers infused with almond and vanilla extracts, coated with luscious white frosting, and sprinkled with fresh grated coconut, perfect for celebrations and special occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 3 cups sifted cake flour
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Luscious White Frosting
  • 1 small fresh coconut, grated

Instructions

  1. Cream shortening; gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
  2. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  3. Combine sifted cake flour, baking powder, and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix well after each addition.
  4. Stir in almond and vanilla extracts.
  5. Pour batter into three greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans.
  6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool in pans for 10 minutes.
  8. Remove from pans and let cool completely.
  9. Spread Lemon-Orange Filling between layers.
  10. Spread white frosting over the top and sides of the cake, then sprinkle with grated coconut.

Tips & Substitutions

For a fluffier cake, ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. If you don't have almond extract, you can substitute with an equal amount of vanilla extract. For a unique twist, consider adding shredded pineapple to the frosting or using coconut milk instead of regular milk for a more pronounced coconut flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Stately Coconut Layer Cake pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. For a delightful addition, serve it alongside a scoop of Neapolitan Ice Cream Sandwich Cake. A light fruit salad can also complement the richness of the cake, making it a perfect dessert for gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, the cake can be frozen; just ensure it's well wrapped to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Stately Coconut Layer Cake contains roughly 346 calories, with 3g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 806mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).

346 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3g 6% DV
Total Fat 3.6g 5% DV
Carbs 40.7g 15% DV
Fiber 1.3g 5% DV
Sugar 19.4g 39% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 806.5mg 35% DV
Potassium 174.9mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 0.8mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3.3mcg
Vitamin C 6.2mg 7% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 122.1mg 9% DV
Iron 2.1mg 12% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 the cake layers dome in the middle?

If your cake layers dome, it may be because of overmixing the batter or baking at too high a temperature. To fix this, you can level the tops with a serrated knife once cooled. In the future, ensure you mix just until combined and check your oven temperature with a thermometer for accuracy.

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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