Amaretto Almond Joy Coconut Cake Recipe

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Are you ready for the Amaretto Almond Joy Coconut Cake Recipe that will transport you to a tropical paradise? This delicious cake combines moist chocolate cake, flaky coconut filling, almond slivers, coconut frosting, and chocolate ganache.

It’s the perfect dessert for any celebration, and if you’re a fan of chocolate and coconut, you won’t be able to resist it! In this article, we’ll explore different recipes for this cake and learn how to make it at home. So, let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Key Amaretto Almond Joy Coconut Cake Ingredients & Why

Chocolate Cake

The cake’s chocolate base adds a rich, complementary flavor.

Almond Extract

Infusing the chocolate cake layers with almond extract enhances their nutty profile, creating a delightful harmony with coconut and almonds.

Coconut

A crucial element in the Almond Joy cake, coconut’s sweet, tropical essence perfectly complements chocolate and almonds. It’s featured in both the filling and frosting.

Almonds

Used as a garnish and for added crunch, almonds perfectly complement the cake’s soft, moist texture and creamy coconut filling.

How Do You Make The Best Amaretto Almond Joy Coconut Cake?

To get started, preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C) and prep three 8-inch cake pans with non-stick spray and parchment paper.
In a large mixer bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a medium-sized bowl, mix milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs.
Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients and beat until well mixed.
Gradually add hot water to the batter, mixing on low until fully combined. Scrape the bowl’s sides for thorough mixing.
Divide batter equally among prepared pans. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with slight crumbs.
Allow cakes to cool for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
For the coconut filling, combine shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk in a medium bowl.
To prepare the frosting, mix butter and shortening in a large mixer bowl until well combined.
Add half of the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
Incorporate coconut extract and 4-5 tablespoons of water or milk, mixing until smooth.
Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Adjust liquid as needed.
To assemble the cake, level the cake layers using a large serrated knife. Refer to my cake leveling tips for guidance.

Pro Tips For Making Amaretto Almond Joy Coconut Cake Recipe

Achieve moist perfection with 3-5 tablespoons of heavy cream in the cake batter.
Elevate the cake’s flavor with amaretto liqueur added to the batter.
Create a flakey texture with shredded coconut in the cake.
Enhance almond flavor by incorporating almond slivers into the batter.
Create a gooey coconut-chocolate layer by mixing shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk.
Drizzle chocolate ganache between layers and over the cake.
Top the cake with a glaze of confectioners’ sugar and amaretto liqueur.
Finish by dusting the cake with powdered sugar.

How to Store Amaretto Almond Joy Coconut Cake

Store uneaten Amaretto cake at room temperature for 3-4 days. Cool it completely before covering to prevent sweating. Use a cake cover for best results, or use plastic wrap or foil, but they may stick.
For longer storage, keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Bring it to room temperature before serving.

Can You Freeze Amaretto Almond Joy Coconut Cake?

Freezing Amaretto Almond Joy Coconut Cake is simple and convenient. Wrap the cake well and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the fridge before serving.

Similarly, for baked cakes, wrap them in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to keep them fresh in the freezer for up to 6 months. However, please note that it’s not advisable to freeze the custard used in recipes like Raffaello Cake (Coconut Almond Cake), which is similar to Amaretto Almond Joy Coconut Cake.

Frequently Asked Questions About Amaretto Almond Joy Coconut Cake

Should I toast the almonds first?

Enhance your dish by adding toasted nuts as a topping if that’s your preference. Although the recipe recommends raw almonds, feel free to toast them to suit your taste.

Can I make this cake without almonds?

While you can take off the almonds to make a Mounds cake, it’s not advised as the coconut and sweetened condensed milk mixture may affect the cake’s texture when frozen and thawed.

How long does this cake keep?

To maintain freshness, refrigerate the cake and wrap it in plastic for a maximum of 5 days.

What is the difference between Almond Joy and Mounds?

Almond Joy features almonds atop its coconut filling, whereas Mounds does not.