Classic Cakes, Just for Two, with Recipes

Coconut Cake with Key Lime Filling
Key lime and coconut are a refreshing combination in this elegant cake. You'll need two pans to make this cake.

• 3/4 cup cake flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons sour cream
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut milk
• 2 teaspoons coconut-flavored rum
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/3 cup shredded coconut, toasted
• Key Lime Filling (see recipe)
• 1 recipe Vanilla Buttercream (scroll to bottom for recipe)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour two 4-inch springform pans; set aside. In small bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside. In medium bowl beat butter with electric mixer for 30 seconds. Add sugar, beat until combined. Add egg, sour cream, coconut milk, coconut rum, and vanilla. Beat until just combined. Gradually add flour mixture, beating until just combined. Fold in toasted coconut.

Pour batter into prepared cake pans. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire rack 10 minutes. Loosen sides of pans; remove sides. Remove cakes from pans; cool thoroughly on wire rack.

To assemble cake, trim tops of cake layers so they are level. Split cake layers horizontally to make four layers. Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread one-third of Key Lime Filling on top. Top with second cake layer. Repeat, alternating filling and remaining two cake layers. Frost with Vanilla Buttercream, using offset spatula or dough scraper to smooth frosting on sides and top. Place remaining buttercream in pastry bag fitted with small round tip. Pipe design around sides of cake. Makes 1 cake (2 servings).

Key Lime Filling:
In small saucepan whisk together 1 egg yolk, 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 teaspoons key lime juice. Cook and stir until thickened. Stir in 2 tablespoons butter, 1/4 teaspoon finely shredded lime peel and 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk. Cover; chill until ready to assemble cake.