Aunt Irene’s Top Secret Coconut Cake

🍰 Aunt Irene’s Top Secret Coconut Cake 🥥

History:
Aunt Irene’s Top Secret Coconut Cake is a beloved family recipe passed down through generations. It has been a treasured dessert at family gatherings, and its origins date back to the early 20th century when Irene’s great-grandmother first created this delightful treat. This cake has become a symbol of love and togetherness in the family, and it’s known for its rich, coconut-infused flavor.

Components:
The cake consists of several key components, each contributing to its heavenly taste:

1. Cake Layers: Moist and fluffy coconut-flavored cake layers.
2. Coconut Cream Filling: A luscious coconut cream filling that adds richness and flavor.
3. Cream Cheese Frosting: A creamy and tangy cream cheese frosting with a hint of coconut.

Ingredients:
To make Aunt Irene’s Top Secret Coconut Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp coconut extract

For the Coconut Cream Filling:

• 1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp coconut extract

Steps to Prepare Aunt Irene’s Top Secret Coconut Cake:

1. Prepare the Cake Layers:
   a. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   b. Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
   c. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
   d. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
   e. Mix in the coconut extract.
   f. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
   g. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
   h. Fold in the shredded coconut.
   i. Divide the batter evenly between the three cake pans.
   j. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
   k. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Coconut Cream Filling:
   a. In a saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk and shredded coconut.
   b. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan.
   c. Remove from heat, add vanilla extract, and let it cool.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
   a. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
   b. Gradually add the powdered sugar and coconut extract, continuing to beat until well combined.

4. Assemble the Cake:
   a. Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
   b. Spread a portion of the coconut cream filling over the first layer.
   c. Add the second cake layer and repeat with the filling.
   d. Place the final cake layer on top.

5. Frost the Cake:
   a. Frost the entire cake with the cream cheese frosting.
   b. You can garnish the cake with additional shredded coconut for a decorative touch.

6. Chill and Serve:
   a. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Preparation Time:
The total preparation time for Aunt Irene’s Top Secret Coconut Cake is approximately 2-3 hours, including baking and cooling times. It’s a labor of love, but the end result is absolutely worth it!

Enjoy this delectable, time-honored dessert that carries with it the warmth of family traditions and the delightful taste of coconut in every bite! 🍰🥥😊

Certainly, let’s take a look at the nutrition facts and some health information for Aunt Irene’s Top Secret Coconut Cake. Please note that the following information is approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts for Aunt Irene’s Top Secret Coconut Cake (Per Serving, Assuming 12 Servings):

• Calories: Approximately 480 calories
• Total Fat: About 25 grams
  • Saturated Fat: Approximately 15 grams
• Cholesterol: Around 100 milligrams
• Sodium: Roughly 320 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: About 58 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: Approximately 1 gram
  • Sugars: Approximately 45 grams
• Protein: Around 4 grams

Health Information:

1. Caloric Content: Aunt Irene’s Coconut Cake is relatively high in calories, primarily due to the sugar and fat content. It’s a dessert that should be enjoyed in moderation.

2. Fat: The cake is rich in fat, with a significant portion of it being saturated fat from butter and cream cheese. Saturated fats can contribute to heart health concerns when consumed in excess, so it’s best to enjoy such cakes as an occasional treat.

3. Cholesterol: The cake contains a significant amount of cholesterol, primarily from eggs and dairy products. High cholesterol intake can impact heart health, so individuals with cholesterol concerns should consume it sparingly.

4. Sugar: The cake is high in sugar, which can lead to a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. People with diabetes or those watching their sugar intake should be cautious.

5. Carbohydrates: The majority of the cake’s calories come from carbohydrates, mainly from sugar and flour. It’s essential to be mindful of portion size to control carbohydrate intake.

6. Fiber: The cake is not a significant source of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health.

7. Protein: The cake provides a small amount of protein, primarily from the eggs and dairy. While protein is necessary for the body, this cake is not a substantial source.

In summary, Aunt Irene’s Coconut Cake is a delicious but indulgent dessert that should be enjoyed in moderation due to its high calorie, fat, and sugar content. It’s not a suitable option for those with specific dietary restrictions or health concerns. A smaller portion size may help control calorie and sugar intake.