Louisiana Crunch Cake
🧁 Cake Ingredients
- 2½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) sour cream or buttermilk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional but traditional)
- Zest of 1 lemon (adds brightness — optional)
🥥 Crunch Layer (for pan base)
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup (30g) sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
🍥 Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 12-cup Bundt pan generously.
In a small bowl, combine the crunch layer ingredients: sugar, shredded coconut, and melted butter.
Sprinkle this evenly into the bottom of the pan.
2. Make the Cake Batter
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Mix in vanilla, almond extract (if using), and lemon zest.
- Add flour mixture in 3 parts, alternating with sour cream, starting and ending with flour. Do not overmix.
3. Bake
- Pour batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan over the coconut-sugar layer.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack or serving plate.
4. Make the Glaze
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle glaze over warm (not hot) cake for the best absorption.
✨ Tips for Success
- The crunch topping goes on the bottom of the pan so it becomes the top once flipped.
- Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- For more crunch, toast the coconut lightly before adding it to the pan.
🍋 Optional Variations
- Lemon Crunch Cake: Add 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and extra zest to the batter and glaze.
- Toasted Almond Topping: Mix chopped almonds with the coconut crunch layer.
- Stuffed Version: Add a layer of sweetened cream cheese in the center for a surprise filling!
