Are you a dessert enthusiast with a penchant for the extraordinary? Look no further than Ina Garten's Coconut Cake, a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes taste buds and brings joy to every occasion. While you can purchase this delectable cake online from the Barefoot Contessa for a hefty 0, there's something truly special about creating it from scratch. Not only is it far more affordable, but it's also surprisingly easy to make. In this guide, we'll take you through the step-by-step process of crafting Ina Garten's Coconut Cake, along with some tips to ensure your homemade creation is nothing short of perfection.
### Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let's gather all the necessary ingredients. For the cake, you'll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
For the frosting, you'll require:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
### Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pans and ensure easy removal once it's baked.
### Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for now. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly combined, resulting in a light and fluffy cake.
### Step 3: Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. The creaming process incorporates air into the mixture, which helps the cake rise and gives it a tender texture.
### Step 4: Adding the Eggs and Vanilla
One at a time, add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs act as a binder, holding the cake together, while the vanilla adds a delicious flavor.
### Step 5: Alternating Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing well after each addition. This method ensures that the batter is evenly mixed and prevents overmixing, which can result in a tough cake.
### Step 6: Folding in the Coconut
Fold in the sweetened shredded coconut into the batter. The coconut adds a tropical flavor and a lovely texture to the cake.
### Step 7: Baking the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops of the batter with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cake to prevent overbaking.
### Step 8: Cooling the Cake
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, invert the cakes onto wire racks to cool completely. Cooling the cake properly is important to prevent it from falling apart when you frost it.
### Step 9: Making the Frosting
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Stir in the sweetened shredded coconut. The frosting adds a creamy and coconutty layer to the cake.
### Step 10: Assembling the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting over the top of the cake layer. Then, place the second cake layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. You can use a spatula to create a smooth finish or get creative with different frosting techniques.
### Tips for Making Ina-Style Homemade Cake
- Use high-quality ingredients. The quality of your ingredients will greatly affect the taste and texture of the cake. Opt for fresh eggs, real butter, and pure vanilla extract.
- Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting. If the cake is still warm, the frosting may melt and slide off.
- Get creative with the presentation. You can decorate the cake with additional shredded coconut, fresh coconut slices, or edible flowers to make it look even more beautiful.
Now that you have all the information you need, it's time to roll up your sleeves and start baking. Ina Garten's Coconut Cake is a delicious and impressive dessert that is sure to impress your family and friends. So, go ahead and give it a try. You won't be disappointed!