Coconut Cake

Coconut Cake - a delicious dessert that combines a light texture and intense flavors, perfect for any occasion! This recipe stands out with its layers of fluffy sheets and a coconut cream, all topped with a smooth vanilla cream. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this savory cake!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

For the sheets:
- 250 g flour
- 100 g margarine
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 1 egg
- 150 g sugar
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the coconut cream:
- 6 egg whites
- 200 g sugar
- 150-170 g coconut

For the vanilla cream:
- 6 egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 200 ml milk
- 100 g butter
- 200 g sugar
- 1-2 packets vanilla sugar

Step by step

1. Preparing the sheets:
Start by preparing the sheets. In a large bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, softened margarine, egg, sugar, sour cream, and baking powder. Mix all the ingredients with a mixer or spatula until you get a smooth and homogeneous dough. It should be easy to shape but firm enough to hold its shape.

2. Chilling the dough:
Shape the dough into a ball, flatten it slightly, then wrap it in cling film. Place it in the fridge for about an hour. This step is essential as it will firm up the dough structure, making it much easier to roll out later.

3. Preparing the coconut cream:
While the dough is chilling, you can prepare the coconut cream. Beat the egg whites with the sugar until stiff peaks form, then gradually add the coconut, gently folding with a spatula. It's important to use gentle motions to avoid losing air from the egg whites, which will make the cream fluffier.

4. Rolling out the dough:
After the dough has chilled, divide it into two equal parts. Roll out the first part on a floured surface, making sure to get a sheet the size of your tray (approximately 23x33 cm). Place the sheet in the lined tray.

5. Assembling the cake:
Spread the coconut cream over the first sheet, spreading it evenly. Then, roll out the second sheet of dough and place it on top of the cream. Use a fork to poke holes in the surface of the cake, allowing steam to escape during baking.

6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The cake is done when it turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. After baking, let the cake cool completely.

7. Preparing the vanilla cream:
In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with the sugar, flour, and vanilla sugar. Then, gradually add the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Place the mixture over low heat and cook, stirring constantly, until it thickens. Once the cream has cooled, incorporate the diced butter.

8. Decorating:
Pour the vanilla cream over the cooled cake, spreading it evenly. For a refined look, you can grate chocolate on top, adding a touch of elegance and intense flavor.

Serving suggestions

The coconut cake pairs perfectly with a strong cup of coffee or a fragrant tea. You can also serve it with vanilla or coconut ice cream for a temperature contrast that will delight the taste buds. Another idea is to accompany it with a red fruit sauce, which will add a touch of acidity and balance the sweetness of the cake.

Tips and useful advice

- Use a hand mixer or food processor to achieve a fine dough texture. If you don't have these appliances, you can mix by hand, but it will require more effort.
- Make sure the margarine is at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough.
- If you like more intense flavors, you can add a few drops of coconut essence to the coconut cream.
- The cake keeps very well in the fridge, covered, for a few days, making it ideal to prepare in advance for a special occasion.

Nutritional information

This coconut cake is a good source of carbohydrates and fats, considering the ingredients used. The flour and sugar provide quick energy, while the coconut adds a healthy dose of fiber and healthy fats. Each serving contains about 350-400 calories, so it's best to enjoy it in moderation, especially if you're following a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other types of nuts?
Absolutely! You can experiment with ground almonds or hazelnuts to give your cake a personal touch.

- How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the coconut or vanilla cream. Also, choose a darker chocolate for decoration.

- Is it possible to freeze the cake?
Yes! You can freeze the cake without adding the vanilla cream. Once thawed, add the cream and decorate with chocolate before serving.

I conclude this recipe with a positive thought: cooking is an art form that brings us together. By making this coconut cake, you will create not only a delicious dessert but also unforgettable moments with your loved ones. Happy cooking!