Recipe Talk

Helpdesk email from Ellie:

Had a simply delicious coconut cake in Aruba at the Marriott in the restaurant"Simply fish" and was wondering if I could obtain the recipe?

Could I suggest a substitute recipe?

RAVE REVIEWS COCONUT CAKE

1 pkg. (2 layer size) yellow cake mix
1 pkg. (4 servings) vanilla instant pudding & pie filling
1 1/3 c. water
4 eggs
1/4 c. oil
2 c. coconut
1 c. chopped walnuts or pecans
Blend cake mix, pudding mix, water, eggs and oil in large mixing bowl. Beat at medium speed 4 minutes. Stir in coconut and nuts. Pour into 3 greased and floured 9 inch layer cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Cool in pans 15 minutes. Remove and cool on racks. Fill and frost with coconut-cream cheese frosting.

COCONUT - CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:

4 tbsp. butter
2 c. coconut
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese
2 tsp. milk
3 1/2 c. sifted confectioners' sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in skillet. Add coconut; stir constantly over low heat until golden brown. Spread coconut on absorbent paper to cool. Cream 2 tablespoons butter with cream cheese. Add milk and sugar alternately beating well. Add vanilla; stir in 1 3/4 cups of the coconut. Spread on tops and sides of cake layers. Sprinkle top with remaining coconut.