Cocoa cake with a coconut heart

Cocoa cake with coconut heart - a delicacy that combines the intense flavor of chocolate with the exotic sweetness of coconut. This quick and simple dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether you want to treat your family or host a party. Its enticing aroma and attractive appearance will surely make a sensation on any table.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the cocoa cake:
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup (250 ml) of sugar
- 1 cup (250 ml) of oil
- 1 cup (250 ml) of milk
- 2.5 cups (about 350 g) of flour
- 3-4 tablespoons (30-40 g) of cocoa
- 1 packet (10 g) of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda quenched with lemon juice

For the coconut heart:
- 50 ml of milk
- 150 g of grated coconut
- 1 egg white
- 3 teaspoons of starch
- 130 g of sugar

Necessary utensils
- 2 large bowls
- A whisk or a wooden spoon
- A spatula
- A 26 cm diameter cake pan or two small loaf pans (plumcake and round)
- Baking paper (optional)

Preliminaries
Before you start, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help achieve a uniform and fluffy texture. You can also prepare the pan by greasing it with butter and flour to prevent sticking.

Step by step

1. Preparing the cocoa mixture:
In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Whisk the egg whites with 130 g of sugar until they form a firm foam. This step is essential for obtaining a fluffy and airy cake.
In another bowl, beat the yolks with the oil, milk, and remaining sugar. Add the sifted flour, baking powder, cocoa, and baking soda quenched with lemon juice. Mix well until you get a homogeneous mixture.

2. Combining the two mixtures:
Use a spatula to gently fold the egg whites into the cocoa mixture. Do this with slow movements, from bottom to top, so as not to destroy the air incorporated into the egg whites.

3. Preparing the coconut heart:
In a clean bowl, whisk the remaining egg white with 130 g of sugar until it becomes foamy. Add the 50 ml of milk and the starch, mixing well. Finally, fold in the grated coconut.

4. Assembling the cake:
Pour half of the cocoa mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spoon to add the coconut mixture in the center of the cocoa batter. You can also do this in spots for a more visual effect. Then, pour the remaining cocoa mixture on top.

5. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the pan inside. Bake for about 40 minutes. Check if the cake is done using the toothpick method: if it comes out clean, the cake is baked.

6. Cooling and serving:
Once the cake is baked, let it cool for a few minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a cooling rack. Wait for it to cool completely before dusting it with sugar or covering it with melted chocolate for added flavor.

Serving suggestions
For a truly special dessert, you can add a dollop of whipped cream on top or prepare a scoop of vanilla ice cream as a side. A cup of coffee or a fragrant tea will pair perfectly with this cocoa cake with coconut heart.

Variations
If you want to experiment, you can replace the coconut with ground almonds or chocolate chips. You can also add vanilla essence to the cocoa mixture for an even more intense flavor.

Nutritional benefits
This delicious dessert is not only tasty but also provides a good dose of energy due to its high carbohydrate content. Coconut adds healthy fats and fiber, making it a more balanced choice than many other desserts.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour for this cake?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but you may need to adjust the amount of liquid.

2. How can I keep the cake fresh?
The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for a week.

3. Can the cake be frozen?
Yes, the cake can be frozen. We recommend slicing it and wrapping it well to prevent drying out.

This cocoa cake with coconut heart is more than just a dessert; it's a culinary experience that brings joy and warmth with every bite. So, put on your apron, prepare your ingredients, and let yourself be carried away by the magic of cooking!