#58 Coconut Fudge Cake

I dug deep in my recipe file and came up with this easy but delicious from-scratch cake for my daughter-in-law's birthday. I clipped it out of the Trib many, many years ago. Everyone loved it!

Cake:
2 c. sugar
2 eggs
3/4 c. cocoa
2 tsp baking powder
1 c. hot water
1 tsp vanilla
1 c. vegetable oil
3 c. flour
1 tsp salt
2 tsp soda
1 c soured milk or buttermilk
1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Filling:
1/4 c. sugar
1 8 oz pkg cream cheese, softened
1 egg
1/2 c. flaked coconut
1 c. chocolate chips (I used the mini ones)
1 tsp vanilla
Beat cram cheese until fluffy. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla, and continue to beat until well blended. Stir in coconut and chips.

In large bowl, combine sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla, and beat one minute at high speed. In another bowl, sift dry ingredients, then add alternately with combined hot water and sour milk. Stir in nuts, if desired.

Generously grease and flour 10" bundt pan or tube pan. Pour half the batter into prepared pan. Carefully spoon filling over batter, then top with remaining batter. Bake at 350 for 70 to 75 minutes or until a thin knife inserted comes out clean. Cool and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.