Chocolate cake with coconut balls

Chocolate and Coconut Balls Cake: An Irresistible Delight

Total preparation time: 60 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Welcome to the world of sweet delights! Today, I will guide you step by step through the preparation of a cake that perfectly combines decadent chocolate with the exotic flavor of coconut: the chocolate and coconut balls cake. This recipe is not just a simple cake, but a culinary experience that will delight the taste buds of the whole family. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or just to indulge yourself, this quick and simple dessert will surely become a favorite.

A brief history of the recipe

Chocolate cakes have a rich history, being associated with moments of celebration and joy around the world. The combination of chocolate with coconut emerged as a way to bring a touch of exoticism to traditional recipes. The coconut balls add a soft texture and a sweet flavor that perfectly complements the rich chocolate. This cake brings together tradition and innovation, transforming each serving into an unforgettable taste journey.

Ingredients

*For the coconut balls:*
- 150 g sweet cheese
- 50 g coconut
- 50 g sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons of starch

*For the base:*
- 4 eggs
- 60 g sugar
- 50 g chocolate (preferably high cocoa content)
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 3 tablespoons of cocoa
- 1 packet of baking powder
- Vanilla or rum essence, to taste

*For the glaze:*
- A white cream from the store (we recommend Dr. Oetker)

Preparation steps

Step 1: Preparing the coconut balls

1. In a bowl, combine the sweet cheese with the sugar, coconut, and egg yolks. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.
2. Add the starch and mix again.
3. Form small balls from the obtained mixture and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Refrigerate the tray for about 30 minutes so that the balls firm up a little.

Step 2: Preparing the base

1. In a bowl, sift the flour, cocoa, and baking powder, mixing them well.
2. Separately, beat the egg whites with 60 g of sugar until you obtain a firm meringue. It is essential to ensure that the bowl is clean and dry; otherwise, the meringue will not be airy.
3. Melt the chocolate in the microwave, being careful not to burn it. Let it cool slightly, then carefully incorporate it into the egg white meringue using a spatula or wooden spoon to avoid losing air from the mixture.
4. Add the flour and cocoa mixture to the meringue, gently mixing until homogeneous.

Step 3: Assembling the cake

1. In a baking tray lined with parchment paper, place the coconut balls. Pour the base mixture over them, ensuring that the balls are evenly covered.
2. Place the tray in the preheated oven at 180°C and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cake passes the toothpick test (insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready).
3. Let the cake cool completely in the tray, then you can transfer it to a serving platter.

Step 4: Glazing the cake

1. Once the cake has cooled, apply the white cream from Dr. Oetker evenly over the surface of the cake.
2. Grate chocolate on top for an attractive appearance and to add an extra touch of chocolate.

Serving and variations

This cake is perfect to be served as a dessert at a festive meal or simply to indulge yourself. You can pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of aromatic coffee for a complete culinary experience.

If you want to explore variations, you can try adding some chopped nuts or almonds to the coconut mixture for an extra texture. Also, replacing the chocolate with white chocolate will create a different but equally delicious flavor profile.

Nutritional benefits

The chocolate and coconut balls cake is not just a treat, but it also has nutritional benefits. Coconut is rich in fiber and healthy fats, and dark chocolate contains antioxidants that can contribute to heart health. However, like any sweets, moderation is key to a healthy lifestyle.

Frequently asked questions

- *Can I use sugar-free chocolate?* Yes, if you want to reduce the sugar content, you can opt for sugar-free or reduced-sugar chocolate.
- *How can I store the cake?* The cake stores well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it to enjoy later.
- *Is it possible to replace the sweet cheese?* Yes, you can use mascarpone or even Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Now all that’s left is to get cooking! With each step, you will discover the joy of creating a dessert that not only looks splendid but also delights the taste buds. I wish you happy cooking and a pleasant tasting!