Coconut, cherry, and chocolate cake

Coconut, Cherry, and Chocolate Cake

Who doesn't love a fluffy cake that combines the sweet flavors of coconut with the intense taste of chocolate and a fruity note of cherries? This recipe for coconut, cherry, and chocolate cake is perfect for any occasion, especially during holidays when we want to impress our loved ones with something special. Moreover, it is a quick and simple recipe that can be adapted based on the ingredients you have on hand. I invite you to discover with me how to prepare this delicious dessert!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 2-3 tablespoons of grated white coconut
- 4-5 candied cherries, halved
- 4 squares of dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 packet of baking powder
- Flour to taste, about 5 tablespoons
- 1/2 plain Cremosso yogurt
- A few drops of vanilla essence
- 1 small cube of butter (about the size of a walnut), softened at room temperature
- 4 tablespoons of sugar

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. It is essential to ensure that no traces of yolk remain in the egg whites, as they will not whip well. At this stage, prepare a large bowl for the egg whites and another for the yolks.

2. Whipping the egg whites: In the bowl with egg whites, add a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. This is an important step, as the air incorporated into the egg whites will make the cake fluffy and light.

3. Combining the yolks: In the bowl with the yolks, add the softened butter and yogurt. Use a mixer or a spatula to mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Add the vanilla essence for an extra flavor.

4. Incorporating the dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and coconut. This mixture will give the cake a fine texture and a fragrant taste. Add the dry ingredient mixture to the bowl with the yolks, gently folding with a spatula or whisk so you don’t lose the volume obtained from the egg whites.

5. Combining the egg whites: Now, gradually add the whipped egg whites to the yolk mixture, folding gently from the bottom up. This will ensure that the air in the egg whites remains in the mixture, giving the cake a fluffy texture.

6. Preparing the mold: Take a silicone mold (ideally in the shape of a daisy) and grease it with a little butter or margarine. This step is crucial to prevent the cake from sticking to the mold.

7. Adding the flavored ingredients: Pour the cake mixture into the mold, then add the pieces of candied cherries and chocolate on top. They will partially sink into the batter during baking, bringing a delicious flavor in every slice.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to a medium temperature (about 180°C). Place the mold in the oven and let the cake bake for about 20 minutes. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 15 minutes to avoid disrupting the baking process.

9. Cooling and decorating: Once the cake is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the mold for 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust it with powdered sugar for a final touch of elegance.

10. Serving: You can cut the cake into various shapes: flower petals, circles with a glass rim, or cubes with a knife. Each slice will look wonderful, and the flavors will be simply delightful!

Useful tips:
- If you want to try a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar to 3 tablespoons.
- Instead of candied cherries, you can use other candied or fresh fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, for a different flavor.
- The cake can be kept at room temperature for a few days, but it is recommended to cover it to prevent it from drying out.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 180
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 4g

This coconut, cherry, and chocolate cake is a versatile dessert, perfect to be served alongside a cup of tea or coffee. It can be enjoyed both at breakfast and as a snack during the day. Additionally, it can be an inspired choice for festive meals, bringing a splash of color and flavor to the Christmas or Easter table.

Don't forget to share this recipe with friends and family so they can also enjoy a simple yet delicious dessert! Enjoy your meal!