Southern Coconut Cake

INGREDIENTS

large egg whites

1 1/2 cups

(375 ml) unsweetened coconut milk, divided

1 tbsp

coconut flavoring

3 cups

cake flour

2 1/3

cups sugar

4 1/2 tsp

baking powder

1/2 tsp

salt

1 cup

unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

8 oz

cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/2 cup

unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

4 cups

powdered sugar, sifted

1 tbsp

unsweetened coconut milk or whole milk

1 tsp

coconut flavoring

1 cup

flaked or shredded coconut, toasted (see Notes)

1 cup

the Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting (above)

1 cup

heavy whipping cream