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


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Prep Time: 1 hr 15 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Servings: 16 servings
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Ingredients
 
savings in
 
  • 1 1/2  cups  cake flourOn Sale
  • 1  cup  whole-wheat flour, preferably white whole-wheat (see Note)On Sale
  • 2  teaspoons  baking powderOn Sale
  • 1/4  teaspoon  saltOn Sale
  • 3/4  cup  granulated sugarOn Sale
  • 1/2  cup  honeyOn Sale
  • 1/3  cup  canola oilOn Sale
  • 3  tablespoons  butter, meltedOn Sale
  • 3/4  cup  nonfat buttermilk, or milkOn Sale
  • 2  tablespoons  coconut rum, or dark rumOn Sale
  • 2  teaspoons  coconut extractOn Sale
  • 3    large eggs, separated (reserve 2 yolks for pineapple curd)On Sale
  • 2    large egg yolksOn Sale
  • 1  6-ounce can  pineapple juice, (3/4 cup)On Sale
  • 1/4  cup  granulated sugarOn Sale
  • 5  teaspoons  cornstarchOn Sale
  • 12  ounces  reduced-fat cream cheese, (Neufchatel), at room temperatureOn Sale
  • 1/3  cup  confectioners' sugar, siftedOn Sale
  • 1  teaspoon  coconut extract, or rumOn Sale
  •   Pinch of  saltOn Sale
  • 1 1/2  cups  finely diced fresh pineapple, dividedOn Sale
  • 2  tablespoons  toasted coconut, (see Tip)On Sale

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
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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