Rich's Coconut Cake Recipe

Step by Step Method

TO PREPARE THE CAKE

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans.

Step 2

With an electric mixer, cream shortening. Gradually add sugar, beating until fluffy.

Step 3

Sift together flour and baking powder. Add to shortening mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour.

Step 4

Stir in lemon and vanilla extracts.

Step 5

Fold in beaten egg whites.

Step 6

Pour into prepared pans.

Step 7

Bake for 25 minutes or until golden.

Step 8

Cool in pans for 10 minutes.

Step 9

Turn onto a rack and cool completely.

Step 10

When layers have cooled, brush generously with coconut milk (if using fresh coconut)

Step 11

Meanwhile, prepare lemon curd.

TO PREPARE THE LEMON CURD

Step 12

In a small bowl, combine lemon juice and cornstarch and stir until smooth.

Step 13

In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter and stir in sugar. Whisking constantly, add egg yolks until combined. Add lemon juice mixture, lemon peel and salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. (If any bits of egg cook through, remove them or pass mixture through a sieve). Remove from heat and cool completely.

TO PREPARE THE FROSTING

Step 14

In a double boiler or large bowl over simmering water, place sugar, egg whites, corn syrup, salt and water; beat and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until peaks form and hold. Remove from heat; add vanilla and beat for 1 minute.