Old Fashioned Coconut Cake from Mamaw's Kitchen

unsalted butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil adds a hint of coconut flavor, while margarine is often less expensive.

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.

granulated sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Coconut sugar offers a lower glycemic index, while brown sugar is more economical.

shredded coconut

🥗Healthier: unsweetened coconut flakes

💰Cheaper: desiccated coconut

Unsweetened flakes are healthier, and desiccated coconut is often less expensive.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 2 cups of sugar until light and fluffy.

Crack 4 eggs into a separate bowl to check for freshness, then add them to the mixture one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Add 1/4 cup of milk and about 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture.

Gradually add 3 cups of self-rising flour to the wet mixture and mix until combined.

Fold in 1/4 cup of sweetened coconut flakes until evenly distributed.

Grease two 8-inch round cake pans with lard and sprinkle with flour to prevent sticking.

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.

Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for a few minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

For the frosting, beat together 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of softened butter until smooth.

Add a cap full of vanilla extract and gradually mix in 4 cups of powdered sugar until creamy and spreadable.

Place one layer of the cooled cake on a serving plate and spread frosting on top.

Add the second layer and repeat the frosting process, then top with the final layer.

Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.

Press sweetened coconut onto the sides and top of the frosted cake.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens