Halekulani Hotel Coconut Cake

Vseward (Chef~V)'s Note:

This fabulous cake comes from the majestic Halekulani Hotel on Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii, where it has been the hotel’s signature cake for years. It’s a light, creamy concoction that sings “spring.” The cake is a light sponge cake, filled with pastry cream, and topped off with whipped cream. I saw this in the local Relish magazine that comes with our newspaper. I had to post it and share it with my zaar friends. ;)

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 12

Sponge Cake

• 1 1/2 cups cake flour
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup water
• 8 egg whites
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

Pastry Cream

• 2 cups 2% low-fat milk, divided
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/4 cups sweetened flaked coconut
• 1/2 cup Amaretto

Whipped Cream

• 3 cups heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut

Directions:

1. To prepare the cake, preheat the oven to 350°F Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan.
2. To prepare the cake, sift together cake flour, 2/3 cup sugar, salt and baking powder in a small bowl. In separate bowl, combine oil, egg and water; add to flour mixture. Mix until smooth.
3. Whip egg whites and cream of tartar. Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar and whip until stiff peaks form. Fold egg whites into batter until just combined.
4. Pour into pan and bake about 30 minutes or until center is set. Remove from pan set aside to cool. Store in the refrigerator several hours before cutting.
5. To prepare the pastry cream, combine 1 3/4 cups milk, sugar, salt and vanilla in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat until tiny bubbles form.
6. Combine remaining milk with cornstarch; add eggs and beat several times. Add ½ cup hot milk mixture to egg mixture; mix well. Pour egg mixture back into milk mixture in saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thick. Remove from heat and stir in butter. Scrape custard into a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator.
7. To prepare the whipped cream, combine heavy cream and sugar in a mixing bowl and whip until stiff peaks form.
8. Add 1 cup of whipped cream, amaretto and 1 1/4 cups coconut to pastry cream; stir well. Set remaining whipped cream and coconut aside.
9. When cake is completely cooled, cut into three layers using a serrated knife. Place one layer on a 9-inch cake board or a serving plate. Place half the pastry cream on top and spread to edge evenly. Place second layer of cake on top of pastry cream and spread remaining pastry cream on top. Place third layer of cake on top. Frost top and sides of cake with remaining whipped cream and sprinkle with 1/2 cup coconut.

Reviews

[dangel1_12434065]

I have just returned from the Halekulani and this was our dessert. This cake is truly amazing and light, arrived today from Honolulu and I had to find this recipe. Will let you know the result shortly!

[Lalaloob]

I am "always" on a prowl for a new recipe and though I haven't made this cake, nor been fortunate enough to head out to Waikiki Beach, I hope to try this cake for a surprise "can-you-bring-something request". Sounds too good to pass up and YES, it's not for the calorie counters but sometimes you have to go a bit wild.

[Bev]

Dynamite Coconut Cake! I do suggest you watch your baking time. My cake took several minutes longer than the suggested time. The filling for this cake is incredible! Light and fluffy is the best description for the entire cake! I suggest not making this cake if you are on a diet! You won't be able to control yourself!! Thanks for this wonderful recipe, Chef Vseward!