Coconut Cross Cake

This cake is an Easter tradition in our home. We enjoy it very much. During this special season, its nice to be able to incorporate some of the symbolism into everyday things, even into your baking.

This cake is moist and delicious, and guess what? There are no fats in it whatsoever. No butter, no oil, no shortening, no nothing. Believe me though, you won't miss it...

Coconut Cross Cake

Adapted from Paula Deen

Serves 16

6 eggs, separated and at room temperature

1/2 cup cold water

2 cups sugar (or honey sucanat)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons coconut extract

1 1/2 cups cake flour (or 7 oz. Soft White wheat flour + 3 tbls. cornstarch)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

1 batch frosting (recipe below)

1 (14 oz.) bag shredded coconut

Blue and green food coloring

Preheat oven to 325°. Grease 9 x 13 baking pan and line bottom with parchment paper. Dust with flour and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat egg yolks until foamy and light. Add water. Slowly beat in the sugar and extracts. Beat until mixture is pale and thick (can take up to 7 minutes). Sift together flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold into yolk mixture.

In a separate mixing bowl beat egg whites until foamy. Add cream of tartar and a pinch of salt. Increase mixer speed and beat until whites form glossy peaks. Slowly add yolk mixture. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for about 1 hour or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. (The cake usually falls slightly around 50 minutes - so don't worry). Once cake is cool, color the coconut and set aside. Frost cake and sprinkle coconut on top creating the hill, sky, and cross design. Enjoy!

Coconut Frosting

Adapted from Wilton

Makes about 3 cups

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

1 teaspoon coconut extract

4 cups (or 1 lb.) sifted confectioners' sugar

Pinch of salt

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter until smooth. Stir in extract. Add confectioners' sugar gradually. After all the sugar is added, beat for 1 minute. Scrape bowl as needed. Once mixed, if frosting appears dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk.