Pineapple-Coconut Layer Cake
Recipe from EatingWell

In this stunning dessert, two layers of coconut-flavored cake are filled with sweet pineapple curd and topped with creamy coconut frosting, chunks of fresh pineapple and toasted coconut.


Pineapple-Coconut Layer Cake

by 2  people


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Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups
    cake flour
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  • 1 cup
    whole-wheat flour, preferably white whole-wheat (see Note)
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  • 2 teaspoons
    baking powder
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  • 1/4 teaspoon
    salt
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  • 3/4 cup
    granulated sugar
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  • 1/2 cup
    honey
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  • 1/3 cup
    canola oil
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  • 3 tablespoons
    butter, melted
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  • 3/4 cup
    nonfat buttermilk, or milk
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  • 2 tablespoons
    coconut rum, or dark rum
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  • 2 teaspoons
    coconut extract
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  • large eggs, separated (reserve 2 yolks for pineapple curd)
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  • large egg yolks
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  • 1 6-ounce can
    pineapple juice, (3/4 cup)
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  • 1/4 cup
    granulated sugar
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  • 5 teaspoons
    cornstarch
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  • 12 ounces
    reduced-fat cream cheese, (Neufchatel), at room temperature
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  • 1/3 cup
    confectioners' sugar, sifted
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  • 1 teaspoon
    coconut extract, or rum
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  •  Pinch of
    salt
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  • 1 1/2 cups
    finely diced fresh pineapple, divided
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  • 2 tablespoons
    toasted coconut, (see Tip)
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Directions
1.
To prepare cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat two 9-inch cake pans with cooking spray.
2.
Sift cake flour, whole-wheat flour, baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt into a medium bowl. Beat 3/4 cup sugar, honey, oil and melted butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Whisk buttermilk (or milk), rum and coconut extract in a small bowl. With the mixer on low speed, alternately mix the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients into the sugar mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients and scraping the sides of the bowl as needed, until just combined.
3.
Clean and dry the beaters. Beat 3 egg whites in a medium bowl with the electric mixer on medium-high until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whites into the batter in two additions until just combined. Divide the batter between the prepared pans, spreading to the edges.
4.
Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 26 to 30 minutes. Cool in the pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Turn out and let cool to room temperature, about 1 hour.
5.
To prepare curd: Whisk 2 egg yolks, pineapple juice, 1/4 cup sugar and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until thick and beginning to bubble, 3 to 5 minutes. Let cool completely.
6.
To prepare frosting & assemble cake: Beat cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, extract (or rum) and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
7.
Place one cake layer, top-side down, on a cake stand or plate. Spread evenly with the pineapple curd, stopping just short of the edge. Scatter 1/2 cup diced pineapple over the curd. Place the remaining layer, top-side up, on top. Spread the frosting over the top and sides. Decorate the top with the remaining 1 cup pineapple and toasted coconut.

Tips:
Note: White whole-wheat flour, made from a special variety of white wheat, is light in color and flavor but has the same nutritional properties as regular whole wheat. Whole-wheat pastry flour can sometimes be used as a substitute. Find it in the baking section of the supermarket or online at King Arthur Flour, (800) 827-6836, bakerscatalogue.com.
Tip: Toast coconut in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat until golden, stirring often, about 5 minutes.
MAKE AHEAD TIP: Equipment: Two 9-inch round cake pans

Nutrition information
Per serving: Calories 317, Total Fat 13 g, Saturated Fat 5 g, Monounsaturated Fat 4 g, Cholesterol 48 mg, Sodium 205 mg, Carbohydrate 45 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 6 g, Potassium 101 mg. Exchanges: Other Carbohydrate 3. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
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