COCONUT-LIME CAKE (posted by Dawn Frank)

Dawn, I'm beginning to notice a trend in your recipes . . . this is the second one that has coconut in the title!!! LOL!

INGREDIENTS:
1-1/2 C butter, softened
2 C sugar
5 large eggs, separated
1 tsp coconu extract
1 tsp vanilla extract
3-1/2 C flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1-1/4 coconut milk
1 C buttermilk

DIRECTIONS:
1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray 3, 9-inch pans with cooking spray and then flour.
2.  In a large bowl beat butter and sugar at medium speed with a mixter until fluffy.  Add egg yolks and extracts, beating until combined.
3.  In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4.  In a small bowl, combine coconut milk and buttermilk.
5.  Gradually add flour to butter mixture alternately with coconut milk mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture, beating until just combined after each addition.
6.  In a medium bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.  Gently fold into batter.
7.  Spoon batter into prepared pans, and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8.  Let cool in pans for 10 minutes.  Remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks.
9.  Spread with Luscious Lime Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake.  Press coconut flakes around the edge of the cake.  Garnish with lime slices.  Chill until ready to serve.

LUSCIOUS LIME FROSTING

INGREDIENTS:
1 C butter, softened
1 tsp lime zest
1/4 C lime juice
5 C confectioners sugar
1 8 oz container frozen whipped topping, thawed.

DIRECTIONS:
1.  In a large bowl, beat butter, lime zest, and juice at medium speed with mixer until combined.
2.  Gradually add confectioners sugar, beating until smooth.
3.  Add whipped topping, beating until combined.