Almond Coconut Date Cake from Meghan McNamara dishes as eaten around the world Holiday Dessert bake-off Christmas Special recipe. Best Misc dessert 2010 recipe. 

Ingredients 

1 yellow cake mix

1 t coconut extract

1 container Cool Whip

1 pkg. pitted dates (chopped)

1 cup sliced almonds (toasted)

1 1/3 cup evaporated milk

1 1/3 cup sugar

4 slightly beaten egg yolks

1/2 cup butter

1 t vanilla extract

1 pkg. shaved coconut (toasted)

Method 

Bake the yellow cake as directed adding coconut extract. 

Prepare the filling by combining dates, almonds, evap. milk, sugar, egg yolks, butter, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. 

Cook over medium heat until thickened.

Split the cake layers and spread the filling on each layer. 

Frost the entire cake with Cool Whip and top with toasted coconut.