Coconut cake

Coconut cake – a delight that brings a touch of sunshine in every slice! This classic recipe is a true indulgence, perfect for special occasions as well as personal pampering moments. Here’s how you can prepare it step by step to achieve a fabulous result.

Preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients:

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 150 g sugar
- 100 g margarine (or butter, for a richer taste)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (optional, for a hint of color)
- 1 egg
- 70 ml milk

For the yolk cream:
- 6 egg yolks
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 250 g powdered sugar
- 400 ml milk
- 200 g butter
- (optional) 1 packet of vanilla sugar, for extra flavor

For the coconut cream:
- 6 egg whites
- 200 g sugar
- 200 g coconut

For decoration:
- 100 g chocolate (dark or milk, according to preference), grated

Preparing the dough:

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the flour, sugar, margarine, baking powder, cocoa, egg, and milk. Start mixing with a spatula or by hand until you obtain a homogeneous dough. If you feel the dough is too soft, you can add a little more flour.

2. Dividing the dough: Once you have an even dough, divide it into two equal parts. Form two balls and wrap them in plastic wrap. Let them rest in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This step will make rolling out the dough easier.

3. Rolling out the dough: On a floured surface, roll each piece of dough into a thin sheet, about 0.5 cm thick. Carefully transfer the first sheet into a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Preparing the yolk cream:

4. Cooking the pudding: In a saucepan, combine the milk, flour, and egg yolks. Mix well to avoid lumps. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Once it reaches the desired consistency, let it cool.

5. Beating the butter: In a separate bowl, cream the butter with the powdered sugar (and vanilla sugar, if you choose to use it) until it becomes fluffy. Add the cooled pudding and mix gently until well combined.

Preparing the coconut cream:

6. Beating the egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer until they form a foam. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until you obtain a firm meringue. Finally, add the coconut and gently fold with a spatula.

Assembling the cake:

7. Layering the cake: On the first sheet of dough in the tray, spread the coconut cream evenly. Then, carefully place the second sheet of dough on top, which you can lightly prick with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the cake for about 40 minutes or until it turns a nice golden brown. Check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Finalizing the cake:

9. Cooling and decorating: Once baked, let the cake cool completely in the tray. Then, spread the yolk cream on top and decorate with the grated chocolate.

Serving and suggestions:

The coconut cake is delicious both cold and at room temperature. You can serve it alongside a cup of fragrant tea or coffee. Additionally, add a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert.

Possible variations:

If you want to add a surprise element, you can include some pieces of canned pineapple or peaches in the coconut cream. This will add a note of freshness and a pleasant contrast.

Nutritional information:

This cake is rich in calories, having about 350-400 kcal per serving, depending on the ingredients used. However, it also contains nutritious ingredients, such as eggs and coconut, which provide proteins and healthy fats.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, butter will add a richer taste to the cake.

2. What should I do if the yolk cream doesn't thicken?
Make sure to stir constantly and cook over medium heat. If necessary, you can leave the pudding on the heat for a few extra minutes.

3. How can I store the cake?
Keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for a few days.

Now that you have all the necessary details, you're ready to start cooking! Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and savor the final result. The coconut cake is more than just a dessert – it's an experience that will bring you smiles and beautiful memories! Enjoy!