Coconut milk cake with Raffaello candies

Coconut Milk Cake with Raffaello Candies

Welcome to the world of sweet delights! Today, I invite you to prepare a decadent cake, a true culinary indulgence: the coconut milk cake with Raffaello candies. This recipe, inspired by the talented Mirela, is perfect for those moments when you want to impress your guests or simply treat yourself. With a creamy texture and enticing flavors, this cake is sure to win you over!

Total preparation time: 4 hours (including cooling time)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 0 minutes (no baking)
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the cookie base:
- 250 g cocoa cookies
- 125 g unsalted butter

For the coconut cream:
- 400 ml coconut milk
- 5 tablespoons white sugar
- 250 g mascarpone
- 250 g cream cheese
- 200 g white chocolate
- 20 g gelatin
- 150 ml water
- 100 ml Pina Colada liqueur
- Raffaello candies (about 20-22 pieces)

For decoration:
- 50 g coconut
- 100 g dark chocolate

Of course, I recommend having all the ingredients at room temperature before you start cooking, to achieve a smooth and delicious cake.

Step 1: Preparing the cookie base
We start by melting the butter. You can do this in the microwave or on the stove, but be careful not to let it boil. Meanwhile, grind the cocoa cookies in a food processor until you get a fine powder. This cookie base will give the cake a crunchy texture and an intense cocoa flavor.

Step 2: Forming the base
Once the butter has melted, add it to the cookies and mix well until you get a homogeneous paste. This will be our base. Take a springform pan and evenly spread the cookie paste on the bottom. Press down well to achieve a compact base. Arrange the Raffaello candies in a circle, gently pressing them into the cookie paste. Place the pan in the fridge to set while we prepare the cream.

Step 3: Preparing the coconut cream
Now, let’s take care of the cream! In a saucepan, put the coconut milk along with the sugar and bring to a boil. Then, add the Pina Colada liqueur, which will add a tropical note to the cake. In another bowl, hydrate the gelatin in water for about 10 minutes. After the coconut milk has boiled, remove it from the heat and add the hydrated gelatin, stirring well until completely dissolved.

Step 4: Cream cheese and chocolate
In another bowl, combine the mascarpone and cream cheese. Melt the white chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave, being careful not to burn it. Once melted, add the white chocolate to the cheese mixture and mix well. Then, gradually pour the coconut milk mixture over the cheese cream, stirring continuously until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

Step 5: Assembling the cake
Remove the pan from the fridge and carefully pour the coconut cream over the cookie base. If you notice that the Raffaello candies are rising, don’t panic! You can gently press them back into the mixture. Now, refrigerate the cake for a few good hours (at least 4 hours) or overnight, if you have the patience.

Step 6: Decorating the cake
Once the cake has set, it’s time to decorate it! Sprinkle coconut or ground almonds on top for an attractive look and extra flavor. Then, melt the dark chocolate and gently pour it over the cake, creating an elegant decoration. Use a wet knife to cut the edges of the cake and carefully remove the ring of the pan. You will be amazed at how beautiful it looks!

Helpful tips:
- If you want an even more flavorful cake, try adding a few drops of vanilla essence to the cream cheese.
- You can replace the Pina Colada liqueur with another favorite liqueur, but make sure it complements the cake’s flavors.
- This cake can be served with a fresh fruit sauce or whipped cream topping, to add a contrast of textures.
- The cake keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, so you can prepare it a few days before an event.

Nutritional benefits:
This coconut milk cake with Raffaello candies is a delicious choice for dessert, but it’s important to consume it in moderation. Coconut milk is rich in healthy fats, which can provide energy and help with vitamin absorption. Additionally, white chocolate adds a boost of antioxidants, while mascarpone and cream cheese provide protein.

Frequently asked questions:
1. What can I use instead of gelatin?
- You can try agar-agar for a vegetarian option, but make sure to follow the usage instructions.

2. Can I use cookies without cocoa?
- Absolutely! You can use plain cookies or vanilla-flavored cookies for a lighter base.

3. How can I make the cake less sweet?
- Reduce the amount of sugar added to the coconut milk or use white chocolate with a lower sugar percentage.

4. What drinks pair well with this cake?
- An espresso or cappuccino will perfectly complement the cake's sweetness. Additionally, a tropical cocktail could be an inspired choice!

This is the coconut milk cake with Raffaello candies, a refined, simple recipe full of flavors! Feel free to adapt it to your taste and share the result with your loved ones. Cooking is an art, and every successful cake is a joy to celebrate! Enjoy!