The Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy E. Reichert & a Recipe

July 22nd, 2015 Kimberly Feature, Review 81 Comments

22nd Jul

RecipeBookRec

Have I got a lovely recipe and book recommendation for you today! The Coincidence of Coconut Cake by debut author Amy E. Reichert is a wonderful, captivating foodie romance that will delight its readers. In the back there is a recipe for Coconut Cake made from scratch and I decided to bake and share this wonderful recipe with all of you. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy today’s Recipe and Book Recommendation!

 

Grandma Luella's Coconut Cake

Grandma Luella’s Coconut Cake

Recipe


Cake:

  • 5 large egg whites
  • 3/4 cup Cream of Coconut (check liquor area of grocery store)
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk (mix well before measuring)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp coconut extract
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract (real not imitation)
  • 2 1/4 cups of Cake flour
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1 Tbsp Baking Powder
  • 3/4 tsp table salt
  • 12 tbsp unsalted, soften butter cut into 12 pieces


Icing:

  • 2 tbsp coconut milk
  • 1 tsp coconut extract
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • pinch of table salt
  • 16 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4  cup cream of coconut
  • 3 cups of powdered sugar
  • 2 cups toasted coconut

ingredients for Coconut CakeBaking Directions:
Coconut Cake-

  • Preheat Oven to 325. Brush or rub butter onto two 9-inch cake pans. Line bottom of pans with parchment paper.
  • In  medium bowl whisk the egg whites, cream of coconut, coconut milk, whole egg, and extracts together until combined. Set Aside.
  • In  large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. With mixer on low speed, beat in the butter, one piece at a time, until mix resembles coarse crumbs. About 2-5 minutes.
  • Increase the speed to medium-high and add 1 cup of the egg mixture. Beat until light and fluffy, about 45 seconds. Add remaining egg mixture in a steady stream and continue to beat until batter is combined. Scrape down sides of bowl as needed.
  • Divide the batter evenly between 2 cake pans and smooth tops with a spatula. Bake until wooden skewer inserted into center comes out with a few cake crumbs. About 30-35 minutes. (rotate the cake pans 1/2 way through baking)
  • Allow cake to cool for 10 minutes on wire rack. Run a knife along edges then flip out onto the racks. Remove parchment paper, flip the cakes upright, and let them cool completely before frosting.

Coconut Frosting-

  • Stir coconut milk, extracts and salt together until the salt dissolves. Set aside.
  • Beat butter and cream of coconut in a large mixing bowl at medium-high speed until smooth, about 20 seconds. Reduce speed to medium-low and slowly add powdered sugar. Beat until smooth, about 2-5 mins. Beat in extract mixture. Increase speed to medium-high and beat until the mixture is fluffy, about 4 to 8 minutes.

Once cake is cooled, place first layer upside down on cake plate. Take one cup frosting spread over bottom layer, sprinkle with toasted coconut. Set second layer on top of first. Scoop out remaining icing and cover top and sides. Press toasted coconut to sides of cake and sprinkle remaining on top.

slice of coconut cake

 

This cake was positively decedent.  The author warns to hide a slice for yourself, but my son-in-law and I are the only ones who like coconut. Fearful of one-more-slice syndrome I send 3/4th of the cake with him  when they went to his parents for dinner. Needless to say..no one turned down a slice.

*recipe from the Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy E. Reichert and shared with permission from Simon & Schuster.

Book Recommendation

The Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy E. Reichert & a Recipe
The Coincidence of Coconut Cake
by Amy E. Reichert
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star
Heat Level: One FlameOne Flame

YOU'VE GOT MAIL meets HOW TO EAT A CUPCAKE in this delightful novel about a talented chef and the food critic who brings down her restaurant—whose chance meeting turns into a delectable romance of mistaken identities. In downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lou works tirelessly to build her beloved yet struggling French restaurant, Luella’s, into a success. She cheerfully balances her demanding business and even more demanding fiancé…until the morning she discovers him in the buff—with an intern. Witty yet gruff British transplant Al is keeping himself employed and entertained by writing scathing reviews of local restaurants in the Milwaukee newspaper under a pseudonym. When an anonymous tip sends him to Luella’s, little does he know he’s arrived on the worst day of the chef’s life. The review practically writes itself: underdone fish, scorched sauce, distracted service—he unleashes his worst. The day that Al’s mean-spirited review of Luella’s runs, the two cross paths in a pub: Lou drowning her sorrows, and Al celebrating his latest publication. As they chat, Al playfully challenges Lou to show him the best of Milwaukee and she’s game—but only if they never discuss work, which Al readily agrees to. As they explore the city’s local delicacies and their mutual attraction, Lou’s restaurant faces closure, while Al’s column gains popularity. It’s only a matter of time before the two fall in love…but when the truth comes out, can Lou overlook the past to chase her future? Set in the lovely, quirky heart of Wisconsin, THE COINCIDENCE OF COCONUT CAKE is a charming love story of misunderstandings, mistaken identity, and the power of food to bring two people together.


Do you ever start a novel and immediately slip into the tale? Within the first chapter you slip completely away from reality? That is exactly what happened to me as I began The Coincidence of Coconut Cake. Reichert delivered a romance set in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin with memorable characters that you will fall for. For Foodie book lovers, prepare to drool and oh lord she made cooking sexy.

“Ingredients in baking were mixed in a specific way to create a specific result; a lot like relationships. If people didn’t blend well together, you’d never get the outcome you wanted.”

I love foodie books, and the cover and synopsis are not just a pretty promise. Lou owns Luella’s French restaurant and the dishes and desserts mentioned in this book will have you drooling.
Al Waters writes under a pseudonym for the local paper. He is a restaurant critic whose column has the town all-abuzz. They love his scathing, witty reviews. He considers himself a food snob, and this Brit sees Milwaukee as a stepping stone to more important venues.

Lou is about to have the worst day of her life when she shares a brief conversation with Al at the local farmers market. After receiving an anonymous tip Al dines at Lucella’s on that very same evening.  He writes one of the most scathing reviews of his career. When the review publishes, Al again stumbles into Lou at a pub. She is drowning her sorrows and he is celebrating his latest success. Chance has them agreeing not to discuss work and a friendship begins..a beautiful friendship that slowly transforms both characters as it moves slowly toward romance. Reichert brought these characters to life, flaws and all. Their romance while low on heat still managed to sizzle as my heart did flip-fops. Theirs is the types of romances we dream about as little girls. It was awkward, adorable and genuine. She made rain beautiful, magnets enchanting and cooking so incredibly sexy-it should be illegal.

“He obliterates every restaurant he reviews. But he does it in the most entertaining way.”

Secondary characters gave this story an unexpected depth. I found myself caring for them and wanting to know more. John the awkward, delightful co-worker at the paper had me smiling and Lou’s second chef and pastry chef need their own story. This is a standalone, but Reichert has characters here worth writing about and I want to go back to Milwaukee. She made the town chic and a place I now want to visit. An older German couple who frequented the restaurant stole my heart and even made me weep. The author gave the story a small-town feel and I loved that none of her characters were cardboard.

While one could argue it was predictable, the romance and characters were not.  I closed the novel with a smile.  I totally recommend you pick up, The Coincidence of Coconut Cake. This is Reichert’s debut novel and her writing is magic from the flow to the characters I could find no fault.

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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81 Responses to “The Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy E. Reichert & a Recipe”

  1. Christina T

    I absolutely loved this book! I agree about the food descriptions and characters being fantastic. I want to try making that cake too so I will be pinning the recipe on Pinterest. Fantastic review!

  2. Elizabeth

    I haven’t had a yummy coconut cake since my aunt passed away last year, and it is one of my faves. I don’t think I could handle making it from scratch, though, and I don’t even have the round cake pans, but I could borrow or buy some.
    I’ve had this on my list since I first read about it, but you’ve pushed up my desire to read it soon.

  3. Sharon

    Oh yummy that cake looks delicious I’m salivating just admiring your handywork.
    Book doesn’t sound too bad either. 😉
    Hope you’re having a lovely week.

  5. Shari

    Love coconut! I might try the recipe and the book of course. Maybe this will be my way out of my reading slump. I need a good foodie romance!

  7. Lindy

    First, let me say that your coconut cake looks amazing! What a lovely review Kim. It sounds like all of these characters we really beautifully written. I love that even though this wasn’t a spicy romance, it made your heart do flip flops, and you compared it to the romance we as little girls dream about 🙂 I have this book for review, and you have made me want to pick it up and give it a read ASAP!!!

  8. Paij Slater

    It’s 11:30 pm here right now, and now all I can think about is coconut cake. YUUUUMMMY! This is definitely going in my recipe book! Oh, and the book sounds good too 😉

  10. Naomi

    OMG!!! I opened the page and wanted to drool! That cake looks soooooo good!
    And the book sounds great too. Glad you were swept away immediately! Lou and Al sound like fun and I love it when an author introduces side characters for greater depth. Nice review!

    Naomi @ Naomi’s Reading Palace

  12. Angela Adams

    That cake looks delicious! A huge slice of cake, a cup of coffee, and a great book is an ideal way to spend a lazy afternoon! Thanks for the recipe!!

  13. Sophia Rose

    I wish I liked coconut b/c your cake looks delicious. However, even though I would refuse a slice of cake, I would definitely pick up the book. It also sounds delicious. Fun review with recipe!

  15. Kathy

    That cake looks absolutely delicious and decadent! I completely agree that the secondary characters need their own book. I so hope she writes one for them because I would certainly read it. I want more of this crew.

  16. Cindy

    I just reviewed this book for my blog and I really loved the book- and coconut as well:) maybe I will make the cake, it does look good…….

  17. Melissa (Books and Things)

    I’ve been wanting to read this one. I so need that slice of cake to have next to me when I start this one. See what you do to me? Not only do I want to devour the book, but the cake as well. Bad blogger! 😉

  19. Eva

    Great review! I liked this one too and have been dying for some coconut cake since reading it! I also agree that this was a story that was easy to slip into and a very quick read!

    my review here

  20. Maureen Beatrice

    This book sounds so good!! It’s definitely going on my TBR!!
    And that cake…. It looks so delicious. I really need to taste that cake. Thanks for the recipe 😉

  21. Ramona

    The book sounds sweet, despite the predictability. But it’s your CAKE that steals the show! But sadly, I can’t get some of the ingredients over here, so I’ll just be salivating forlornly instead 🙁 GREAT post!!!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Well that is a bummer, are you sure they aren’t just called something else. We need a website that says if American product called this, use that.

      • Ramona

        Lol, that would be helpful. But, yeah, I’m pretty sure. Getting coconut milk around these parts would probably entail growing your own coconut trees!

  22. Haniya

    God!!!!! This cake though Never read a foodie book before! awesome review and thanks for the fabbbbb recipe!

  23. Kristin

    I don’t care if it’s predictable! I WANT another “You’ve Got Mail”!!!! I freakin’ loved that movie and I can watch it on repeat for days on end. I love that story idea!! I’ve got to get the library to get this book (or make sure they have it!!!)

    Woo hoo – You’re cake looks fantastic!! I am a baker and for a “from scratch” recipe, you rocked it on first try!!! Mine might not have risen 🙁

  25. Laurel-Rain Snow

    I am a big fan of coconut, from coconut ice cream to coconut cakes…so the cover of this one has been calling to me. I love foodie books, too, and I could hungrily immerse myself in this one. Thanks for sharing!

  26. Stormi

    Not a big fan of the genre, but I do dabble from time to time and this one sounds like it could be a good one. 🙂

  27. Debbie Haupt

    Oh Kim definitely trying the cake recipe and I just happen to have an interview scheduled w/Amy next month and I’ll link this wonderful post with mine.
    I have to admit it was the blurb and the cover that had me drooling 🙂
    I can’t wait to read my copy.

  28. Lisa

    Man do I want cake right now!!!! That looks amazing!!! I’ve been seeing this book everywhere, and every time I see it, it makes me want coconut cake!! LOL Great post! 🙂

  30. Nick

    Oh yum!! This was the perfect recipe to share with this book. I’ve been drooling over this book cover ever since I saw it on a blog, but now I’m double drooling. 😀
    I’m glad that the book was just as delicious as that cake on the cover, Kim! I love foodie books too, so I’ll be looking out for this one.

  31. Jenny

    Ummmmm YES Kim. I’m not typically a huge fan of coconut, but this cake looks too good not to try. I’m not the best baker, but I’m going to give it a whirl! So glad the story and the recipe were winners!!!

  32. Felicia The Geeky Blogger

    Everyone is LOVING this 🙂 I did put a hold on it at my library but I am 24th in line so it will be awhile LOL I will have to pass the coconut recipe on to my family. I am odd and don’t like coconut.

  33. Maja (The Nocturnal Library)

    Oh yes, please! This looks just charming and perfect and summer-y. Plus, who doesn’t love coconut cake? I was just trying to decide which cake to bake for my mother’s birthday, and I think this might be it.

  34. kindlemom1

    Yummy! That looks so good!
    I saw a review for this the other day and they loved it as well. I never would have picked this up on my own so I’m glad to see such positive reviews for it.

  35. Grace

    I am really excited for this one. I love food in books and this one sounds adorable. Definitely one I will be picking up. The recipe looks very YUMMY. Great review and recipe!!

  38. Christy

    Freaking hell! I saw this book on Grace’s blog not too long ago and it had me craving. And now you torment me with an actual coconut cake? Evil! I think I’m going to break down and make one. Or buy one. Mmm … a coconut cream pie from Marie Callender’s sounds good. I wonder if they’re still open … Dammit, they’re closed. Yes, I checked. Oh well, I’ll eat some Hot Tamales instead. How depressing. I want to read this, but I’m definitely having coconut on standby when I do.

  39. Melliane

    It looks like a nice read and now I’m hungry! It’s the first time I see a cake like that. We don’t have any like that in France but now I’m so curious to taste that.

  40. Ro

    Not a fan of coconut, but my goodness I can’t wait to get my hands on this novel! Totally love foodie romances and this one sounds like a keeper. Even the title sounds fun! Thanks for the awesome review, Hugs…