Coconut Layer Cake

This layered coconut cake is an adaptation from a Bobby Flay throwdown episode. I have used a lot of "cheats" to minimize the prep time and cost while still delivering a great cake for those who love coconut.

• Ready In: 1 hr 30 mins
• Serves: 8
• Yields: 8 large pieces

Ingredients

• 1  cup water
• 2  tablespoons sugar
• 1  teaspoon  coconut extract
• 18  ounces  white cake mix
• 3  egg whites (or as called for by your cake mix)
• 1⁄3 cup  oil (or as called for by your cake mix)
• 1 1⁄3 cups water (or as called for by your cake mix)
• 1  teaspoon  coconut extract
• 1  cup  whole milk (or half and half)
• 3 1⁄2 ounces instant coconut cream pudding mix
• 1  tablespoon  coconut rum (Malibu)
• 1⁄2 cup heavy cream
• 1  cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3  cups powdered sugar
• 1 1⁄2 cups coconut flakes (sweetened)

Directions

1. Syrup: Make a simple syrup by adding the water and sugar together, bring to a gentle boil for 5 minutes and then remove from heat to cool.
2. After the mixture is cool, stir in the coconut flavoring.
3. This will be used later during the assembly step.
4. Cake: Prepare the boxed cake mix as described and add the coconut flavoring.
5. Split the batter into two 9" cake pans and bake as directed.
6. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes and then allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
7. Custard: Prepare the instant pudding mix using the package directions but use only 1 cup of whole milk.
8. After the pudding is set, stir in the coconut rum and allow to chill.
9. Filling: Combine half of the custard with the heavy cream and whip until soft peaks form.
10. Buttercream Frosting: Beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, add the remaining custard and beat until smooth.
11. Toasted coconut: Place coconut on a baking sheet and place into a 325 oven for 10 minutes, stirring once.
12. Turn off oven and let coconut sit in the oven until dry and crunchy, remove and allow to cool.
13. Assembly: Using a serrated knife, trim off any crown from each cake.
14. Place one cake onto a plate and brush with the syrup mixture.
15. Cover the cake with the filling and spread evenly around cake with a spatula.
16. Apply more of the syrup to the second cake's cut side.
17. Place the second cake onto the filling, cut side down.
18. Brush any remaining syrup onto the sides of the cake.
19. Using a spatula, frost the cake with the buttercream frosting.
20. Sprinkle the toasted coconut onto the sides and top of the cake.