Lemon-Filled Coconut Cake

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3-1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/2 cups 2% milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup water
• 4 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 2 large egg whites
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition.
2. Transfer to three greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350u0b0 for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
3. For filling, in a small saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch and water until smooth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer or until thickened and bubbly. Remove from the heat.
4. Stir a small amount of hot mixture into egg yolks; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat; gently stir in lemon juice and butter. Cool to room temperature without stirring.
5. Place one cake on serving plate; spread with half of the filling. Repeat layers. Top with remaining cake.
6. For frosting, in a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, egg whites, water and cream of tartar. With a portable mixer, beat on low speed for 1 minute. Continue beating on low over low heat until frosting reaches 160u0b0, about 10 minutes.
7. Transfer to a large bowl; add vanilla. Beat on high until stiff peaks form, about 7 minutes. Frost top and sides of cake. Sprinkle with coconut. Store in the refrigerator.

butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, baking powder, salt, milk, sugar, cornstarch, water, egg yolks, lemon juice, butter, sugar, egg whites, water, cream of tartar, vanilla, coconut

Taken from www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/lemon-filled-coconut-cake/ (may not work)