Atkins Coconut Layer Cake Recipe

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease two 8-inch cake pans; line bottoms with parchment paper; grease again.

With an electric mixer on high, beat eggs, sugar substitute, and extract until ribbons form, about 5 minutes.

In three additions, sift bake mix (or substitute) over egg mixture; fold in with a rubber spatula to combine. Fold in butter. Pour batter into prepared pans.

Bake 22 minutes until cake springs back in middle when lightly touched. Cool in pans on wire racks 5 minutes. Line racks with paper towels and invert cake layers. Gently peel off parchment. Cool completely.

For Frosting:
In a double boiler or a bowl placed over simmering water, whisk egg whites, sugar substitute, and salt until temperature reaches 130 degrees. Transfer whites to mixing bowl and beat on high speed until cool. Reduce speed to medium and beat in butter until well combined.

Place one cake layer on serving plate. Mix 1 cup frosting with half the coconut. Frost bottom layer. Place top cake layer over bottom layer. Cover top and sides with remaining frosting. Pat remaining coconut over frosting.

Yield: 12 servings

Nutrition information per serving: 451 calories, 11 grams protein, 44 grams fat, 4 grams carbohydrate, 2 grams fiber, 229 milligrams cholesterol, 165 milligrams sodium

Recipe Source: Dr. Atkins' New Diet Cookbook: With Dr. Atkins' New Carbohydrate Gram Counter by Robert Atkins and Fran Gare (M. Evans & Co.)
Reprinted with permission.