Raspberry Swirl Coconut Snowball Cake

Steps

1. 1For the Coconut Cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F). Generously grease the bottom and sides of three 9-inch round cake pans; line with parchment paper rounds and set aside until needed.
2. 2In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. 3In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl using a handheld electric mixer, beat the butter on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
4. 4Gradually add in the sugar. Once all of the sugar has been added, beat on high speed for 2 minutes. or until light and fluffy.
5. 5Beat in the vanilla extract, coconut extract, and almond extract.
6. 6Reduce the speed to low and add in the beaten egg whites, in three additions, beating well after each addition, and scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl frequently.
7. 7In a spouted measuring cup, combine the coconut milk and sour cream. Mix until evenly combined.
8. 8On low speed, add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating it with the coconut milk/sour cream mixture, beginning and ending with the flour, and mixing until just combined.
9. 9Add in the oil and beat until just combined. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the coconut, mixing just until combined.
10. 10Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the tops. It should be around 510 grams of batter per pan.
11. 11Bake for 20 minutes, or until lightly brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean.
12. 12Cool the cakes in the pans places on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Then invert the cake layers onto cooling racks and cool completely.
13. 13For the Cream Cheese Frosting: In the bowl of a stand-mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl using an electric handheld mixer, beat the butter and cream cheese on medium-high speed until completely smooth; about 2 minutes.
14. 14Beat in the vanilla, salt, coconut extract, and coconut milk.
15. 15Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the sifted confectioners' sugar, adding 1/4 cup at a time, and beating well before adding the next addition.
16. 16Once all of the ingredients have been incorporated, increase the speed to high and beat for 2 minutes, or until super fluffy.
17. 17Assembly: Using a long, serrated knife, trim any domed part off the top of each cake layer. If there's no dome, simply skip this step.
18. 18Place one cake layer on a large plate or cake stand. Spread 1 cup of the frosting on top of the cake, covering it completely. Then spread a 1/4 cup of raspberry preserves on top of the frosting.
19. 19Top with another cake layer, and repeat the layering process, ending with the last cake layer on top. Spread all remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
20. 20Using your hands, gently press shredded coconut around the sides of the cake. Then generously sprinkle any remaining coconut on top of the cake.
21. 21Allow the cake to set for 30 minutes before slicing. Then slice and serve.