Vegan Coconut Cake

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup coconut milk (from a can)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the frosting:

• 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup coconut milk (from a can)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, for decorating

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, shredded coconut, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, mix together the coconut milk, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry:
   • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Bake:
   • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
6. Cool:
   • Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare Frosting:
   • While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the vegan butter until creamy.
   • Gradually add the powdered sugar, coconut milk, and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and creamy.
8. Assemble the Cake:
   • Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
   • Spread a layer of frosting over the top of the cake layer.
   • Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
9. Decorate:
   • Press shredded coconut onto the top and sides of the cake for decoration.
10. Serve:
    • Slice and serve the cake. Enjoy your delicious vegan coconut cake!