Page 85 - Chocolate Cake Doctor

L U S C I O U S L A Y E R S 67

constantly, until thickened and golden
R brown in color, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove

from the heat. Stir in the toasted pecans
the Cake Mix Doctor says and coconut. Cool to room temperature and
spreading consistency, 30 minutes (see “the
The pecans and coconut need to be Cake Mix Doctor says” on this page).
toasted, and the cooked frosting needs
to cool down for 30 minutes before 4. Meanwhile, generously grease two 9-
you are able to spread it on the cake. If inch round cake pans with solid vegetable
you need to speed the cooling process, shortening, then dust with flour. Shake
place the pan of frosting in a bowl of out the excess flour. Set the pans aside.
ice water. Stir constantly, and the
5. Place the cake mix, buttermilk, oil, eggs,
frosting will cool in 15 minutes. Or
and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Blend
pour the frosting out into a shallow
with an electric mixer on low speed for 1
pan and stir until cool. The increased
minute. Stop the machine and scrape down
surface area will speed cooling.
And since it is easier to frost cooled the sides of the bowl with a rub ber spatula.
cake layers, place the layers in the Increase the mixer speed to medium and
refrigerator to chill if they are not beat 2 minutes more, scraping down the
completely cool. sides again if needed. The batter should
look well combined. Divide the batter
between the prepared pans, smoothing it
out with the rubber spatula. Place the pans
1. Place a rack in the center of the oven
in the oven side by side.
and preheat the oven to 350°F.
6. Bake the cakes until they spring back
2. For the frosting, spread the pecans and
when lightly pressed with your finger, 32
coconut on a baking sheet, and toast in the
to 34 minutes. Remove the pans from the
oven for 7 minutes, or until the pecans
oven and place them on wire racks to cool
deepen in color and the coconut turns
for 10 minutes. Run a dinner knife
golden brown. Remove the baking sheet
around the edge of each layer and invert
from the oven and set aside.
each onto a rack, then invert again onto
3. Place the evaporated milk, sugar, but- another rack so that the cakes are right
ter, egg yolks, and vanilla in a large sauce - side up. Allow to cool completely, 30 min-
pan over medium heat. Cook, stirring utes more.