Coconut Cake with Cream Cheese Pecans Recipe

Indulge in the tropical flavors of coconut combined with the richness of cream cheese and the nuttiness of pecans with this delightful Coconut Cake with Cream Cheese Pecans recipe. Moist and flavorful, this cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering or celebration.

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

For the cream cheese pecans:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the coconut milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
6. Fold in the sweetened shredded coconut until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
9. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

For the cream cheese pecans:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until creamy and well combined.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract until incorporated.
4. Fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.

To assemble:

1. Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one cake layer on a serving platter or cake stand.
2. Spread a layer of the cream cheese pecan mixture over the top of the cake layer.
3. Place the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining cream cheese pecan mixture over the top.
4. Optionally, sprinkle some additional shredded coconut and chopped pecans on top for garnish.
5. Slice and serve your Coconut Cake with Cream Cheese Pecans, and enjoy the heavenly combination of flavors and textures!

This Coconut Cake with Cream Cheese Pecans is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to holidays. With its moist coconut-infused layers and creamy pecan frosting, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.