Glazed Coconut-Raspberry Bundt Cake

This glazed cake ... a vanilla almond cake dotted with coconut and raspberries... it’s so good.

I used a standard Bundt pan to make this cake.

The “secret” ingredient?? I use freeze-dried raspberries to impart raspberry flavor without adding too much moisture.  I purchased freeze-dried raspberries from Target.  

Raspberry-Coconut Cake, Karri Perry-Blue Ribbon Favorites

Makes one standard Bundt cake serves 10-12

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup vegetable oil

3/4 cup buttermilk

3 large eggs-room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

2 cups sweetened shredded coconut

2 cups freeze-dried raspberries (I purchase from Target, available on line or in the granola/nut aisle)

Glaze:

2 cups confectioner's sugar

3 Tablespoons water

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Optional- fresh raspberries and extra shredded coconut for garnish

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Set racks to the middle position

Butter and flour the Bundt pan, set aside.

In a medium bowl combines the flour, salt and baking powder, set aside

In a mixing bowl add the sugar and vegetable oil, using a stand or hand mixer, mix well.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition.

Add the extracts.

Add in 1/3 of the flour mixture, followed by 1/3 of the buttermilk, alternate each until all of the ingredients are incorporated.  Mix gently and just until combined.

Gently fold in the shredded coconut, followed by the freeze-dried raspberries.

Pour batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan.  Smooth the top and then bake on the middle rack for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out cleanly from the center.

Allow to cool for 5 minutes in the pan before inverting the cake onto a cooling rack.  Cool the cake completely before glazing.

 

(You can glaze the cake on a baking sheet and then transfer your finished cake to a pretty plate or a cake stand once the glaze sets up.  OR you might choose to glaze the cake on a cake stand or pretty plate--be sure your serving piece has a rim to catch any drips-if you go this route.) 

For the glaze: in a bowl add the confectioner's sugar, water and extracts.  Using a pastry brush, coat the cooled cake on all sides.  The glaze will harden as it sets up.  If using coconut for garnish sprinkle onto the wet glaze, before it sets.

Hope you enjoy this cake as much as our family does! 

Xo,

Karri

 

Book Club Menu: "But Where Do I Put the Couch?"

Friends!!

I have a confession of sorts when it comes to books...

My favorite kinds of books are?

 A. Romance Novels

B. True Crime and Mystery Books

C. Movie Star Autobiographies 

D. History

E. None of the Above

It's true... the answer is "E"... 

None of the above... Did I fool you??  

  

I do enjoy those books above (really, I do)    

 but, my true-blue favorites...

Let's just say, I am a practical gal...

If you find me in a bookstore, 

I will be in one of two places...

 Obviously, I can be found in the cookbook section...

but, my other very favorite section is the
Home Décor section!

I love a good home makeover...I am all about before and after photos.

 I love learning new things (from baking to gardening to decorating), especially if the “new things” I’m learning enhance my life or my home.

When it comes to home decor, there is no shortage of  DIY dilemmas, from finding your style to picking the perfect paint color:

Can a room have more than one focal point?? 

(I think that's part of a problem I have in our family room...)

 Is it ok to mix gingham pillows with my plaid pillows?? Is too much pattern-mixing a thing??

How do I display a collection of favorite finds??

I absolutely LOVE books that spark my creativity and make me feel excited to rearrange the furniture...

I love books that give me the courage try something new— to paint something...like a thrift-store hutch, kitchen cabinets (I really did this)...or even to paint a whole room... and add a sassy accent wall!

Here’s where this story gets fascinating...

This is where the universe combined my love of DIY home decor and food...

Not too long ago... 

I was invited to create a menu 

for a virtual book club!!

Not just any book club... 

a "Home Décor" book club.

A book club devoted to my kind of books!!

And here's the best part... You're invited to join the fun!

 If you like home décor, design, fresh ideas, 

and also really good food...

(And really cute menus with clever names)

THIS is the free virtual Book Club for you.

Yes, free... and fun!!

As you might imagine, when this fabulous opportunity to

 create a home décor themed menu arrived,

I jumped at the chance!!

Wait until you read the menu...  "Couch Cake"  "DIY Dip and Paint Chips"

and more... (This menu would be great for ANY party, and I love a creative menu)

Valentine’s Day Snack Mix

This is just the sweetest!! —truly it is—and also very delicious!

What a cute snack mix for the sweetest folks in your life!  A neighbor, the mail-carrier, the delivery driver, a bus driver, teachers... for friends and family too!

Here’s the recipe:

SWEET VALENTINE SNACK MIX

6 cups corn or rice Chex cereal 

4 cups Very Berry Cheerios

1 1/2 cup peanut butter

1 cup chocolate chips-milk or semi-sweet

3 cups confectioner’s sugar

Add Ins:

Dried cherries, cranberries or salted nuts

Candies: Valentine’s M &Ms or Candy hearts

Directions:

Measure the Chex cereal in a large bowl-set aside.

In a small saucepan over low heat melt the peanut butter and chocolate chips together. Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter over the Chex cereal, gently stir to coat.  Once coated, add the confectioner’s sugar 1 cup at a time to coat.  Spread on a baking sheet and let cool.  

Once cooled, add the prepared Chex cereal to a large bowl or container, mix in the Very Berry Cherries, and any add-ins like candy, nuts or dried fruit. Stir.  

For gift-giving, portion into cellophane bags, tie with cute ribbons. Because this mix contains peanut butter, I always label the ingredients.

Please Enjoy!! 

I am wishing you and yours a sweet Valentine’s Day weekend.  We’re expecting snow... so, cozy hot chocolates and movies are in order! What are your plans?

Peanut Butter Cup Footballs

 

Are you ready for a Super Bowl winning secret?! 

The easiest football dessert ever... ??

Peanut Butter “Egg” Footballs.