Favorite Coconut Cake

Ingredients

• 4 large egg whites
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 1-1/2 cups sugar, divided
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3/4 cups cake flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• frosting:
• 5 large egg whites
• 1-2/3 cups sugar
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-1/2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes
• Colored sprinkles, optional

Directions

1. Place 4 egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Line bottoms of 3 greased 9-in. round baking pans with parchment; grease parchment. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Cream butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes; beat in extracts. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk.
3. Transfer to prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 13-17 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks; remove paper. Cool completely. 
5. For frosting, in a large heatproof bowl, whisk 5 egg whites, sugar, water and cream of tartar until blended. Place over simmering water in a large saucepan over medium heat; whisking constantly, heat mixture until a thermometer
6. reads 160°, 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat; add vanilla. Beat on high speed until stiff glossy peaks form, about 7 minutes.
7. Spread between layers and over top and sides of cake. Cover with coconut. If desired, decorate with sprinkles. Store, uncovered, in refrigerator.

Unsweetened Coconut

Look for unsweetened coconut in the baking or health food section.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 400 calories, 16g fat (11g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 341mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.