Monday, April 21, 2014

Cake of the Month: Coconut Layer Cake


The month the Cake Slice Bakers made a Coconut Layer Cake. I love making layer cakes and I've always wanted to make a coconut cake, so I was excited about this. However, I envisioned a Sprinkles coconut cupcake in layer cake form, which probably wasn't the best idea (expectations wise). 
At first, I really did not like this cake, but the more I've eaten (haha), the more it's grown on me. The cake part itself seems dry and kind of flavorless, which was sad since it had coconut in it and usually fruit makes cake very moist. 
a side view
But forget the cake, what really threw me for a loop was the frosting! It was the strangest method I've ever encountered. The flour and milk made a thick, gluey paste that honestly kind of grossed me out. The first time I made the flour goo I apparently added it to the mixture while it was still too warm because my frosting never thickened. The goo must have melted the butter because my frosting was the consistency of cake batter. I tried adding powdered sugar, but that did not thicken it, only made it sickeningly sweet. The problem was that the instructions said to let the flour goo cool for 5-10 minutes, but not to let it cool too much or it wouldn't mix well with the other ingredients. I very judiciously let it cool for 8 minutes, but apparently that wasn't enough. When I Googled this frosting recipe, I found instructions that said to let the flour goo cool completely before adding it to the rest of the ingredients. So much more simple, Carole! 
an aerial view
It was 11 PM on the night before Easter Day when I came to the realization that I was going to have to make the frosting all over again. I was exhausted and frustrated from an already long day .Luckily, I had enough of all the ingredients except the vanilla extract. I considered just not putting any extract in it, but I thought it had a floury, bland taste by itself, so I decided to add some almond extract (and perhaps a little too much). 

Anyway, the final verdict was that this cake was a winner, crowd wise. My whole family really enjoyed it and I did too. My mother said it tasted like wedding cake (I'm pretty sure that was just because of the almond extract). However, if I made it again, I would definitely try a different frosting recipe - probably a true vanilla butter cream or maybe 7 Minute Icing would be good. 
Super delicious with berries. 
Happy Easter, Everyone!

Outtakes...
I took some pictures outside, on the patio table, and then noticed that my pup, Henry, was visible through the glass table top. Cat, Olivia, too. Also, my fashionable pajama shorts. 

Henry tail. Hehe. :)
   
   

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear you had trouble with icing, but I'm glad to hear all turned out well and you enjoyed it. It looks lovely.

The Ninja Baker said...

It was indeed a different frosting, Melanie. Wedding cake is always yummy and from your photos I can understand why your family gave the two thumbs up. Hope you and yours had a Happy Easter <3

Sandra Lee said...

The frosting was my favorite part and once the consistency is right it's a dream to work with. The red and white polka plate is super cute with the cake!

EmilyC said...

You are so brave! Well done on the frosting! BTW what's that item next to the cake on top on the glass table?

Melanie said...

Emily - that's an iron rabbit decoration. Kind of funny that it's a rabbit and it was Easter, but it's on the table year round. :)

Stacie said...

Yes, the frosting threw me, too. I thought there is no way this will work, but it did. Love your outtakes!

OvenDelights said...

I'm glad to hear it all worked out in the end!

Paloma said...

Great job! I am sorry about the issues you had with the buttercream... Glad you made it all work in the end!

ImWhisper said...

Love your outtakes!!
Sorry about the frosting mishap. Since I was making mine for Easter dinner I opted to not use the frosting because it was an unknown to me. Want to try it and knowing to let it cool more is so useful.
:)
Holly

All That's Left Are The Crumbs said...

I have to say that when I first saw the frosting recipe I also did a double take, since I had never heard of making a flour paste first. It is one thing I do love about this book - I am always learning something new. I am glad that it turned out well in the end.

Heather said...

Your cake looks beautiful!