Coconut Cake

(Reply to a request) This is an old recipe from my M-I-L which was frequently used for birthday cakes. The coconut is in the batter, not on the frosting.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 8-10
• Yields: 2 "9 inch round layers"

Ingredients

• 3  cups all-purpose flour
• 2  cups sugar
• 1  tablespoon baking powder
• 1 1⁄2 cups milk
• 1⁄2 cup butter, softened
• 1  teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  coconut extract or 1⁄2 teaspoon  coconut flavoring
• 2  eggs
• 3⁄4 cup  shredded unsweetened coconut

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
3. In a bowl combine flour, sugar and baking powder.
4. Add milk, butter, vanilla and coconut flavoring.
5. Beat with mixer on low speed until combined.
6. Beat on high speed for 2 minutes.
7. Add eggs and beat 2 minutes more.
8. Gently stir coconut into batter.
9. Pour batter into two prepared pans.
10. Bake at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
11. Cool wire on racks for 10 minutes.
12. Remove from pans and cool completely on racks.
13. When completely cooled, frost with your favorite frosting.