Coconut Cream Cake

Coconut Cream Cake

Ingredients:

**For the Cake:**
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ cup coconut milk
– 1 cup shredded coconut

**For the Filling:**
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup coconut milk
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– 3 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

**For the Topping:**
– ½ cup shredded coconut, toasted

Instructions:

1. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a round 9-inch cake pan.

2. **Make the Cake:**
– In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
– In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
– Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture alternately with coconut milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. Fold in the shredded coconut.
– Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
– Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. **Prepare the Filling:**
– In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, coconut milk, and sugar. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
– In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little water to form a slurry, then add to the saucepan. Cook while stirring until the mixture thickens.
– Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Allow to cool completely.

4. **Assemble the Cake:**
– Once the cake and filling are cooled, slice the cake in half horizontally to create two layers.
– Spread the coconut cream filling over the bottom layer of the cake, then place the top layer over the filling.

5. **Top the Cake:**
– Sprinkle the toasted shredded coconut over the top of the cake.

6. **Serve:**
– Slice and serve the cake. Enjoy!

This cake is perfect for coconut lovers and makes a delicious dessert for any occasion.