Coconut cake with vanilla and chocolate

Coconut cake with vanilla and chocolate – a delight that combines textures, flavors, and colors in perfect harmony! This recipe, which blends fluffy coconut meringue with decadent chocolate cream and smooth vanilla pudding, is ideal for any special occasion or simply to bring a touch of joy to every day.

Total preparation time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients:

*For the coconut meringue:*
- 8 egg whites (approximately 250 g)
- 350 g granulated sugar
- 350 g shredded coconut

*For the chocolate cream:*
- 200 g Milka dessert chocolate (or any other preferred chocolate)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 80 g butter
- 8 tablespoons milk

*For the vanilla cream:*
- 2 packets of vanilla pudding
- 700 ml milk
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 300 ml liquid cream

*Decoration:*
- Grated dark chocolate (for an elegant finish)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the coconut meringue:
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. In a large bowl, add the 8 egg whites along with a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer to beat them at medium speed until foamy. Then, gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until it becomes a shiny and firm meringue. It is essential that all the sugar dissolves completely, so don’t rush!

Once the meringue is ready, add the shredded coconut and gently mix with a wooden spoon, being careful not to deflate the meringue.

Grease a 25x38 cm baking tray with oil and line it with parchment paper. Pour the meringue mixture into the tray and smooth the surface with a spatula. Place the tray in the oven for about 20 minutes or until the meringue becomes slightly golden and firm to the touch.

2. Preparing the chocolate cream:
In a small saucepan, place all the ingredients for the chocolate cream over a double boiler: chocolate, cocoa, instant coffee, sugar, butter, and milk. Stir constantly until everything is well combined and becomes a smooth glaze. Once you have a uniform cream, let it cool.

3. Preparing the vanilla cream:
Bring 700 ml of milk to a boil in a saucepan. When the milk starts to boil, add the vanilla puddings, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Stir constantly to avoid lumps. Once the pudding thickens, remove it from heat and let it cool completely.

Once the pudding has cooled, whip the cream until firm and gently fold it into the vanilla pudding with a spatula, being careful not to deflate the airy texture.

4. Assembling the cake:
After the meringue has cooled, spread the chocolate cream evenly on top. Then, add the vanilla cream, leveling it nicely. For a pleasing visual effect, you can use a spatula or a serrated knife to create patterns.

Finally, decorate the cake with grated dark chocolate, giving it a refined and attractive appearance.

5. Serving:
Let the cake sit in the refrigerator for a few hours before cutting it, so all the layers set well. When you are ready to serve, cut it into squares and enjoy every bite!

Useful tips:
- Choose high-quality coconut to achieve an intense flavor. Fresh or dried coconut can be used, but make sure it contains no additives.
- You can experiment with different types of chocolate in the chocolate cream – dark or milk chocolate can offer different flavors.
- If you want a fruity note, you can add slices of bananas or strawberries between layers for a burst of freshness.
- This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of flavored coffee or a glass of cold milk.

Nutritional information:
This cake is rich in carbohydrates and fats due to the sugar and butter, but it also offers benefits from the coconut, which is a good source of fiber and healthy fatty acids. A serving has approximately 350 calories, but it is worth every calorie for the delight it offers!

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I replace the egg whites with a vegan substitute?
Yes, you can use aquafaba (chickpea water) instead of egg whites, but it will require proportion adjustments.

- What type of sugar can I use instead of granulated sugar?
Brown sugar can provide a slightly caramelized flavor, and natural sweeteners can be an alternative for those who want to avoid refined sugar.

This coconut cake with vanilla and chocolate is undoubtedly a dessert that will win the hearts of your loved ones. Try it and enjoy every bite!