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1
To make cake: Preheat oven to 350F and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by buttering them.
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2
Cut two circles of parchment paper and place in the bottom of the cake pans.
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3
Butter paper and sprinkle pans with flour.
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4
Turn and shake pans to coat surface evenly and tap out excess flour.
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5
Using an electric mixer, beat butter until light and fluffy.
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6
Gradually add sugar, beating constantly until well incorporated.
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7
Add egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition.
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8
In a separate bowl, mix/sift cake flour, baking powder and salt together.
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9
Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternating with the buttermilk in 3 additions.
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10
Beat in vanilla and lemon zest.
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11
In a separate clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the 4 egg whites with a pinch of salt until medium-firm peaks form, but don't allow whites to become dry.
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12
Fold about a third of the whites into batter to lighten, then fold in the remaining whites (don't use an electric mixer for this part).
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13
Divide batter between the two pans and bake on middle rack of oven until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean - about 30 minutes.
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14
Cool in pans on a rack for 10 minutes and then turn out onto cooling racks to cool completely.
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15
To make frosting: Combine sugar, water and lemon juice in a small saucepan.
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16
Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring only until sugar dissolves.
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17
Cook syrup until it reaches a soft-ball stage 234F on a candy thermometer.
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Cool slightly.
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19
In a clean, dry bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the 2 egg whites until frothy.
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20
With beaters running, slowing pour in the warm syrup.
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21
Beat in vanilla and continue beating until cool and thickened.
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22
To assemble cake: Arrange one cake layer on a serving platter.
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23
Spread top evening with about 1/2 cup frosting.
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24
Pat about 1/2 cup of shredded coconut over this layer.
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25
Set second layer on top.
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26
Spread top and sides of cake with remaining frosting.
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27
Gently pat the remaining shredded coconut onto the frosting and around the sides and sprinkle generously over the top.
