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1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 2 (9-inch) round cake pans, then line them parchment paper.
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2
Grease them again and dust lightly with flour.
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3
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on medium-high speed for 3 to 5 minutes, until light yellow and fluffy.
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4
Crack the eggs into a small bowl.
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5
With the mixer on medium speed, add the eggs 1 at a time, scraping down the bowl once during mixing.
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6
Add the vanilla and almond extracts and mix well.
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7
The mixture might look curdled; don't be concerned.
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8
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
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9
With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk to the batter in 3 parts, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
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10
Mix until just combined.
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11
Fold in the 4 ounces of coconut with a rubber spatula.
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12
Pour the batter evenly into the 2 pans and smooth the top with a knife.
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13
Bake in the center of the oven for 45 to 55 minutes, until the tops are browned and a cake tester comes out clean.
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14
Cool on a baking rack for 30 minutes, then turn the cakes out onto a baking rack to finish cooling.
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15
For the frosting, in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the cream cheese, butter, vanilla and almond extract on low speed.
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16
Add the confectioners' sugar and mix until just smooth (don't whip!
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17
).
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18
To assemble, place 1 layer on a flat serving plate, top side down, and spread with frosting.
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19
Place the second layer on top, top side up, and frost the top and sides.
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20
To decorate the cake, sprinkle the top with coconut and lightly press more coconut onto the sides.
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21
Serve at room temperature.