Name: Speckled Malted Coconut Cake
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Baking spray; 6 cups cake flour; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/2 cup malted milk powder; 2 tsp kosher salt; 2 cups canola oil; 2 cups half-and-half (at room temperature); 2 cups sugar; 2 tsp pure vanilla extract; 2 tsp pure coconut extract; 2 large eggs; 4 large egg whites (at room temperature); Coconut buttercream frosting (recipe provided); Brown gel food coloring; Phyllo nest (for garnish); Robin's egg candies

Description

This Speckled Malted Coconut Cake is a stunning Easter dessert with layers of moist coconut cake, velvety coconut buttercream, and a robin’s egg-inspired speckled effect. The addition of malted milk powder gives it a unique twist, and the phyllo nest garnished with robin’s egg candies makes it the perfect centerpiece for spring celebrations.

Ingredients

Baking spray
6 cups cake flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 cup malted milk powder
2 tsp kosher salt
2 cups canola oil
2 cups half-and-half (at room temperature)
2 cups sugar
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 tsp pure coconut extract
2 large eggs
4 large egg whites (at room temperature)
Coconut buttercream frosting (recipe provided)
Brown gel food coloring
Phyllo nest (for garnish)
Robin's egg candies

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: Whisk together cake flour, baking powder, malted milk powder, and salt in a bowl.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together oil, half-and-half, sugar, vanilla extract, and coconut extract. Add whole eggs and whisk until smooth.
Mix the Batter: Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form and gently fold them into the batter.
Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the pans. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool for 15 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Assemble the Cake: Place one layer on a cake plate and spread with 1 1/4 cups of coconut buttercream. Repeat with the second layer, then frost the sides with the remaining buttercream.
Add Speckles: Mix brown gel food coloring with 2 drops of water. Using a stiff paintbrush, flick the mixture onto the iced cake to create speckles.
Garnish: Place a phyllo nest around the base of the cake and nestle robin’s egg candies inside.

Notes

Different Toppings: You can use other types of candy eggs or edible flowers for a seasonal touch.
Flavor Variations: Add lemon zest or almond extract for a unique twist.
Make It Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free alternatives for half-and-half and buttercream.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American