Almond Joy Layer Cake - Dixie Crystals

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour*
• 3/4 cup Dutched cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 cups Dixie Crystals Extra Fine Granulated Sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons almond extract
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup Dixie Crystals Extra Fine Granulated Sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• Pinch salt
• 3 1/2 cups finely shredded unsweetened coconut (not flaked coconut)
• 1 cup heavy cream or 7/8 cup canned coconut milk
• Double recipe: Chocolate Ganache or Sauce
• 2/3 cup whole almonds
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds