Giant Coconut Layer Cake

Giant Coconut Layer Cake
Giant Coconut Layer Cake
"I've had some unforgettable meals during my travels," writes Chris Forney of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, "but I've never felt compelled to request a recipe from Bon Appétit until now. While in Charleston, South Carolina, recently, my wife and I ate at the Peninsula Grill. I can't stop thinking about the coconut cake I had for dessert there." This impressive-looking cake will delight coconut-lovers. The filling needs to chill overnight, so be sure to begin preparing this dessert a day ahead of time.
  • Preparing Time: -
  • Total Time: -
  • Served Person: Makes 12 servings
Cake Egg Dessert Bake Kid-Friendly Southern Cream Cheese Coconut Sour Cream Bon Appétit Small Plates
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 cups sugar
  • 5 large eggs
  • 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 1/4 cups whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • Carbohydrate 122 g(41%)
  • Cholesterol 280 mg(93%)
  • Fat 83 g(128%)
  • Fiber 5 g(22%)
  • Protein 12 g(23%)
  • Saturated Fat 54 g(272%)
  • Sodium 508 mg(21%)
  • Calories 1258

PreparationFor filling: Stir cornstarch, 2 tablespoons water, and vanilla in small bowl to dissolve cornstarch. Bring cream, sugar, and butter to boil in heavy medium saucepan. Add cornstarch mixture and bring to boil. Remove from heat and stir in coconut. Cool completely. Mix in sour cream. Cover and refrigerate overnight. For cake: Preheat oven to 325°F. Butter and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. Whisk flour, baking powder and salt in large bowl to blend. Using electric mixer, beat sugar and butter in another large bowl to blend. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in cream and vanilla. Stir flour mixture into butter mixture. Divide batter equally among pans. Bake until tester inserted into center of cakes comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Cool completely. For frosting: Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese and butter in large bowl to blend. Beat in powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Place 1 cake layer on cake plate. Top with half of filling. Place second cake layer atop filling. Top with remaining filling. Place third cake layer atop filling. Spread frosting over top and sides of cake. Pat toasted coconut over top and sides of cake, pressing gently to adhere. (Can be prepared up to 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Let stand at room temperature 3 hours before serving.)

PreparationFor filling: Stir cornstarch, 2 tablespoons water, and vanilla in small bowl to dissolve cornstarch. Bring cream, sugar, and butter to boil in heavy medium saucepan. Add cornstarch mixture and bring to boil. Remove from heat and stir in coconut. Cool completely. Mix in sour cream. Cover and refrigerate overnight. For cake: Preheat oven to 325°F. Butter and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. Whisk flour, baking powder and salt in large bowl to blend. Using electric mixer, beat sugar and butter in another large bowl to blend. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in cream and vanilla. Stir flour mixture into butter mixture. Divide batter equally among pans. Bake until tester inserted into center of cakes comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Cool completely. For frosting: Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese and butter in large bowl to blend. Beat in powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Place 1 cake layer on cake plate. Top with half of filling. Place second cake layer atop filling. Top with remaining filling. Place third cake layer atop filling. Spread frosting over top and sides of cake. Pat toasted coconut over top and sides of cake, pressing gently to adhere. (Can be prepared up to 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Let stand at room temperature 3 hours before serving.)