Tom Cruise Coconut Cake from Hacks | Binging with Babish

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will recreate the famous Tom Cruise coconut cake featured in the series "Hacks," as demonstrated by Babish. This cake has garnered attention for its unique flavor and impressive presentation, and we'll explore how to make it at home. Whether you're a fan of the show or just love baking, this step-by-step guide will help you whip up your own coconut cake.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start baking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients ready. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup cream of coconut (for frosting)
• 2 cups heavy cream (for frosting)

Tips

• Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
• Use fresh, high-quality coconut for the best flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well mixed.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Gradually add the vegetable oil and buttermilk to the egg mixture, mixing until combined.
5. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in the shredded coconut and vanilla extract.

Practical Advice

• Avoid overmixing the batter to keep your cake light and fluffy.
• You can use a hand mixer for a smoother batter.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Common Pitfalls

• Ensure the oven is fully preheated before placing the cakes inside to ensure even baking.
• Check for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off to prevent overbaking.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream and cream of coconut.
2. Whip the mixture until soft peaks form. This will create a light and fluffy frosting.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary by adding powdered sugar.

Real-World Applications

• This frosting can be used on other cakes or desserts for a tropical twist.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one layer of the cooled cake on a serving plate or cake stand.
2. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top of the first layer.
3. Carefully place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
4. Garnish with additional shredded coconut if desired.

Practical Tip

• For a more polished look, use a cake scraper to smooth out the frosting.

Conclusion

You've now created a delicious Tom Cruise coconut cake inspired by "Hacks"! This cake is perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat at home. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and consider experimenting with different flavors or toppings in future baking adventures. Happy baking!