- Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. 
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. 
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract. 
- In a small bowl, combine buttermilk and coconut milk. 
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat until just combined. 
- Stir in 1 cup of the shredded coconut. 
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. 
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. 
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely. 
- Frosting Instructions 
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth. 
- Gradually add coconut milk and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy. 
- Frost the cooled cake with the coconut frosting. 
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded coconut over the frosted cake. 
- Cut, serve, and enjoy! 
- Tips: 
- For a more intense coconut flavor, toast the shredded coconut before adding it to the batter. Buttermilk can be substituted with 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, let stand for 5 minutes before using. If coconut milk isn't available, use regular milk, but the overall coconut flavor will be less pronounced.