Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened2 cups sugar4 large eggs, room temperature1-1/2 teaspoons coconut extract3 cups all-purpose flour1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder1 teaspoon salt1 cup canned coconut milk1/2 cup cream of coconut1/4 cup sweetened shredded coconutFILLING:1 cup sugar6 tablespoons cornstarch1 can (20 ounces) unsweetened crushed pineapple, undrained2 tablespoons butterFROSTING:3-3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar1 cup shortening1/2 cup butter, softened1-1/2 teaspoons meringue powder3/4 teaspoon coconut extract1/4 teaspoon salt2 to 3 tablespoons canned coconut milk2 cups sweetened shredded coconut, toasted
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottoms of 2 greased 9-in. round baking pans with parchment; grease paper.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in extract. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with coconut milk, beating well after each addition. Fold in cream of coconut and shredded coconut.
Transfer to prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 35-40 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks; remove paper. Cool completely.
For filling, in a large saucepan, mix sugar and cornstarch. Whisk in pineapple and butter. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat to low; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat; cool completely.
For frosting, in a large bowl, beat confectioners’ sugar, shortening, butter, meringue powder, extract, salt and enough coconut milk to reach desired consistency.
To assemble cake, using a long serrated knife, cut each cake in half horizontally. Place 1 cake layer on a serving plate; spread with a third of the filling. Repeat twice. Top with remaining cake layer. Frost top and sides of cake with frosting. Gently press toasted coconut into frosting on sides of cake. Refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.
