KWANZAA COCONUT CAKE 

Kwanzaa, which means "first fruits of the harvest" in Swahili, is celebrated the week following Christmas. This unique celebration focuses on Africa and African-inspired cultures. Like other holidays, food plays a big role when family and friends gather.  So my sisters and I decided to change the name of the cake recipe.

1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix or use the cake recipe in Jelly Cake
1 (3.5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 1/3 cups water
4 eggs
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 cups flaked coconut
1 cup chopped walnuts
4 tablespoons butter, melted
2 cups flaked Baker's coconut
2 teaspoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar


DIRECTIONS:
 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F . Grease a 9x13 inch pan. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, water, eggs and oil. Blend for 4 minutes. Stir in 2 cups coconut and the chopped nuts. Pour into a greased 9x13 inch pan.
   
• Bake at 350 degrees F  for 30 minutes or until done. Allow to cool.
   
• To Make Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting:  Cream 4 tablespoons softened butter with cream cheese. Alternately add milk and powdered sugar. Add vanilla. Stirring in 1 cup coconut.
   
• Spread Icing on cake and sprinkle the other cup of coconut over cake.