Chocolate cake with coconut flakes

Chocolate Cake with Coconut Balls: An Unforgettable Delight

If you're looking for a quick and delicious dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the sweetness of coconut, you've found the perfect recipe! Chocolate cake with coconut balls is not only an excellent choice for any occasion but also an opportunity to impress your friends and family. We will ensure that every step is clear and detailed, so you achieve a perfect result every time.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 45-50 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients

Coconut Balls
- 250 g mascarpone
- 50 g shredded coconut
- 50 g sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch

Cake Base
- 4 eggs
- A pinch of salt
- 60 g sugar
- 50 g dark chocolate, melted
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/2 packet baking powder
- Vanilla extract (to taste)

Chocolate Glaze
- 120 ml milk
- 50 g sugar
- 25 g butter
- 100 g dark chocolate, broken into pieces

A Brief History of the Recipe

This cake is a delightful combination of textures and flavors, telling a story of comfort and joy. Coconut, often associated with tropical vacations, and chocolate, a symbol of indulgence, come together in a way that brings smiles to the faces of those who taste it. This recipe blends tradition with innovation, offering a modern twist on classic desserts.

Making the Coconut Balls

1. Mixing the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the mascarpone, shredded coconut, sugar, and egg yolks. Mix well until you achieve a smooth mixture.
2. Forming the Balls: With wet hands, shape the mixture into balls the size of walnuts. Ensure they are not too large so they bake evenly in the cake.
3. Preparing for Baking: Place the balls in a cake pan lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them to allow for expansion.

Preparing the Cake Base

1. Beating the Eggs: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and sugar until frothy and doubled in volume. This step is essential as it adds the necessary air for a fluffy cake.
2. Adding the Chocolate: Incorporate the melted chocolate into the egg mixture. Make sure the chocolate is not too hot to avoid cooking the eggs.
3. Incorporating the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Sift them to avoid lumps. Gradually add this combination to the egg mixture, gently folding to retain the air.
4. Adding the Vanilla Extract: Finally, add the vanilla extract and mix just until combined.

Assembling and Baking

1. Pouring the Mixture: Pour the chocolate batter over the coconut balls in the cake pan. Ensure the balls are evenly distributed.
2. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. You’ll know it’s done when the cake has risen and is beautifully browned on top.

Making the Chocolate Glaze

1. Heating the Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the milk and sugar and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until well combined.
2. Adding the Butter and Chocolate: Once the sugar has completely dissolved, add the butter and broken chocolate pieces. Continue stirring until you achieve a smooth and glossy glaze.

Finishing the Cake

1. Cooling the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then remove the edges of the pan.
2. Applying the Glaze: Pour the chocolate glaze over the cake, letting it drip down the sides. This step not only enhances the appearance but also adds extra flavor.
3. Complete Cooling: Let the cake cool completely before slicing to allow the glaze to set.

Serving and Variations

Chocolate cake with coconut balls is a versatile dessert that can be served plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. You can also add some fresh berries for a flavor contrast and a more appealing look. Additionally, feel free to experiment with the type of chocolate used in the glaze; white chocolate or milk chocolate can bring a different note.

Helpful Tips

- For a moister cake: Add a little milk or water to the batter. This will help prevent the cake from drying out.
- For a more intense coconut flavor: You can replace some of the mascarpone with coconut cream.
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- *Why did the coconut balls stick together?* Make sure to shape and place them evenly in the pan, leaving enough space between them. Also, do not mix them with the batter; pour the batter over them.
- *How can I store the cake?* Keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. It can be enjoyed even after a few days, but the flavor will be best within the first 2-3 days.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake contains nutrient-rich ingredients. Cocoa is known for its antioxidant content, while coconut provides fiber and healthy fats. Although mascarpone is a high-calorie ingredient, it adds creaminess and a unique flavor.

Whether you're making it for a party or to treat yourself after a long day, chocolate cake with coconut balls is sure to become a favorite for everyone. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent in the kitchen!