Coconut flavored cake

Coconut Cake - A Sweet and Colorful Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Indulge yourself with a coconut cake, a recipe that combines vibrant colors with delicious flavors, turning each slice into an unforgettable experience. With fluffy layers, a smooth cream, and a sweet syrup, this dessert is not just a simple cake, but a true culinary masterpiece.

The story of coconut cake dates back to ancient times when sweets were associated with celebrations and special moments. Over time, cakes have evolved, but this blend of textures and flavors remains a favorite in many cultures.

Ingredients needed:

*For the cake:*
- 2 whole eggs + 2 egg yolks
- 4 egg whites
- 120 g sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Juice of 1 lime (about 30 ml)
- 120 g flour
- 1 packet (10 g) baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 100 g blue coconut
- 100 g green coconut

*For the cream:*
- 60 g cornstarch
- 100 g vanilla-flavored sugar
- 100 ml Bacardi Tropical Orange
- 100 ml Bacardi Tropical Lime
- 300 ml milk

*For the syrup:*
- 100 g sugar
- 200 ml water
- 2 teaspoons orange extract
- 2 teaspoons coconut extract

Step by step to prepare the coconut cake:

1. Preparing the oven and pans: Start by preheating the oven to 190°C. Grease and flour two round pans with a diameter of 20 cm. This step is essential to prevent the layers from sticking to the pan.

2. Beating the egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the 4 egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial for obtaining fluffy and airy layers.

3. Mixing the ingredients: In another bowl, beat the 2 whole eggs along with 2 yolks, the 120 g of sugar, vanilla extract, and lime juice. This combination will give the layers a fresh and revitalizing flavor.

4. Incorporating the flour: Sift the flour together with the baking powder, then add the flour mixture to the bowl with the eggs. Use a spatula to fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

5. Folding in the egg whites: Add the egg white foam to the egg mixture, being careful to use circular motions from top to bottom to avoid losing air from the egg whites.

6. Coloring the mixture: Divide the obtained mixture into two equal parts. In one part, add the blue coconut, and in the other, the green coconut. This detail will make the cake not only delicious but also visually appealing.

7. Baking the layers: Pour each mixture into the prepared pans and bake for 30-40 minutes. Check if they are baked by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the layers are ready.

8. Cooling the layers: Once the layers are baked, let them cool completely in the pans, then carefully remove them and cut each layer in half horizontally.

9. Preparing the syrup: For the syrup, caramelize 100 g of sugar in a saucepan, then add 200 ml of water. Let it cook until it turns into a syrup. Turn off the heat, then add the orange and coconut extracts. Let the syrup cool.

10. Preparing the cream: In a saucepan, mix the cornstarch with the sugar and the two types of Bacardi. Add the milk and place it on the heat. Cook the mixture, stirring continuously, until it thickens and becomes a creamy pudding. Let it cool completely.

11. Assembling the cake: On a flat plate, place one green layer. Generously soak it with syrup, then spread a quarter of the pudding cream on top. Place a blue layer on top and repeat the procedure with the other layers, syrup, and cream.

12. Final cooling: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This waiting time will allow the flavors to blend perfectly.

13. Serving the cake: The cake can be served plain or you can opt for a fondant decoration for a festive and appealing look. You can play with the colors of the fondant to create a customized cake that will impress your guests.

Useful tips:

- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- You can experiment with other flavor extracts, such as strawberry or almond, to customize the taste of the cake.
- If you don’t have fondant, you can decorate the cake with whipped cream or fresh fruits for a natural and fresh look.

Nutritional benefits: Coconut cake is a source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats due to the coconut. It also contains B vitamins and minerals like potassium and magnesium, thanks to the ingredients used. It is an ideal dessert for special occasions but can also be enjoyed on ordinary days in moderation.

Calories: A serving of cake contains approximately 350-450 calories, depending on the portion and the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I replace coconut with another ingredient?
Yes, you can use ground almonds or other types of nuts, but this will change the taste and texture of the cake.

2. How can I keep the cake longer?
The cake can be kept in the refrigerator, well covered, for 3-5 days. Freezing is also a good option if you want to keep it even longer.

3. Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Sure! You can replace the alcoholic drinks with additional extracts or with fresh orange and lime juice.

Now that you have all the necessary details, all that’s left is to get cooking! The aromatic coconut cake will surely become the star of your table, bringing joy and smiles to your loved ones. Happy baking!