Holiday Snowflake Cake

  Desserts

The coconut sprinkled on this old-fashioned, fluffy white cake gives the impression of snow, without the cold. It's a beautiful dessert that is a fitting end to a delicious winter meal. It’s best to frost the cake just before serving as the frosting may soften over time.

Holiday Snowflake Cake

Average Rating: 4.25

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 40 min. Bake: 15 min. + cooling
YIELD: 12 servings.

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs plus 4 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 1-1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup 2% milk
  • 1/2 cup butter, cubed
  • 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts, optional

  • FROSTING:
  • 1-3/4 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 4 large egg whites
  • 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

  • 1. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, egg yolks and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. In a small saucepan, heat milk and butter until butter melts. Combine flour and baking powder; add to egg mixture alternately with milk mixture. Beat until well mixed. Add vanilla. Fold in nuts if desired.
  • 2. Pour into 3 greased 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 15-18 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.
  • 3. For frosting, in a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil; cook over medium-high heat until a thermometer reads 244° (firm-ball stage).
  • 4. Meanwhile, beat egg whites and cream of tartar in a bowl on high speed until foamy. Slowly pour the hot sugar syrup over the egg whites while beating continuously. Continue beating on high until stiff glossy peaks form, about 7 minutes. Add vanilla; beat until frosting cools slightly and reaches desired consistency.
  • 5. Place 1 cake layer on a serving plate; spread with 3/4 cup frosting. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup coconut. Repeat layers. Top with remaining cake layer. Frost top and sides of cakes with remaining frosting; sprinkle with remaining coconut.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 376 calories, 12g fat (8g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 195mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.

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