Chocolate cake with raisins, almonds, and coconut

Chocolate cake with raisins, almonds, and coconut – a delight that combines a fluffy texture with intense flavors, perfect for any time of the day! This quick and easy dessert is sure to become everyone's favorite, thanks to its irresistible taste and carefully chosen ingredients. Get ready to be surprised by this combination of ingredients that will melt in your mouth and bring a touch of joy in every bite.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25-35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients
- 3 egg whites
- 70 g sugar (preferably powdered)
- 50 g flour
- 4 tablespoons of oil
- 4 tablespoons of milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt
- Grated zest of one orange
- 3 tablespoons of coconut
- 100 g raisins (soaked)
- A few almonds (for decoration)
- 4 squares of dark chocolate

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the raisins are soaked in warm water for about 10-15 minutes to soften and flavor them. After soaking, drain them well and place them on a towel to absorb the excess water. This step will prevent the raisins from making the cake wet.

2. Preheating the oven
Set the oven to 160°C. It is important to bake the cake at a lower temperature to allow for even baking and to avoid browning the surface too quickly.

3. Beating the egg whites
In a clean bowl, add the 3 egg whites along with a pinch of salt. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This step will add air and make the cake fluffier.

4. Adding the sugar
Continue mixing and gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla sugar. Continuing to mix will help dissolve the sugar and create a delightful foam.

5. Incorporating the wet ingredients
Add the milk and oil, gently mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon to avoid losing the air from the egg whites.

6. Combining the dry ingredients
In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet composition, gently mixing until everything is well combined. It is essential to avoid overmixing, as we want a light and fluffy cake.

7. Flavoring
Incorporate the grated orange zest and coconut, giving the cake a fresh and tropical note. Then, add the drained raisins, mixing gently.

8. Preparing the pan
Line a loaf pan with baking paper or grease it with oil and sprinkle a little flour. This will prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the cake from the pan.

9. Adding the chocolate
Pour half of the cake mixture into the pan, then place the squares of dark chocolate in the center of the mixture. They will melt during baking, giving the cake a delicious texture in the middle. Cover with the remaining mixture.

10. Baking
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-35 minutes. In the first 15-20 minutes, avoid opening the oven door, as temperature changes can affect the cake's structure.

11. Testing and cooling
After this time, check the baking using a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready! Remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and variations
The chocolate cake with raisins, almonds, and coconut can be served warm or at room temperature, plain or dusted with sugar. You can accompany it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of aromatic coffee for a moment of indulgence. A delicious variation would be to replace the almonds with pecans or to add some pieces of white chocolate for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Practical tips
For an even more intense-flavored cake, try adding a few drops of orange essence or a little rum to the mixture. Also, feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate – dark, milk, or coconut milk chocolate for an exotic twist.

Nutritional benefits
This cake provides a good source of energy due to the carbohydrates from sugar and flour, while coconut adds healthy fats. Raisins are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and almonds provide protein and fiber, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace white flour with whole wheat flour, but the texture of the cake will be slightly different, denser, and moister.

2. How can I keep the cake longer?
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for a week.

3. What other ingredients can I add?
You can try adding various dried fruits, such as apricots or cranberries, or even pieces of chocolate with nuts for a crunchy taste.

This chocolate cake with raisins, almonds, and coconut is not just a dessert but a culinary experience that will envelop your senses. Try it at home and turn every slice into a delicious story!