Coconut syrup-soaked cubes

Coconut Soaked Cubes: A Delicacy That Will Melt Your Heart

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12 cubes

This recipe for coconut-soaked cubes is a true delight for the taste buds. With a light and fluffy base, soaked in a rich cocoa syrup and topped with coconut flakes, each bite will transport you to a world of sweet indulgence. Plus, it's a simple and quick recipe, perfect for any occasion. Whether you want to impress guests at a party or simply treat yourself after a long day, these cubes will surely be a hit.

A bit of history: Soaked cakes have been popularized in various cultures as a way to transform leftover dough into delicious treats. They are often filled with various flavors, and the combination of coconut and cocoa has become a favorite in many households.

Ingredients for the base:
- 8 eggs
- 1.5 cups of flour
- 1.5 cups of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of starch
- 3 tablespoons of boiling water
- Zest of one lemon

Ingredients for the glaze:
- 4 cups of milk
- 2 cups of sugar
- 200 g of butter
- 4 tablespoons of dark cocoa
- 1 vanilla essence
- 150 g of coconut

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the base
- Start by separating the egg yolks from the egg whites. Use fresh eggs, as they will add volume and texture to the base.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar, mixing vigorously until the mixture becomes creamy and the sugar completely dissolves. It is important that the sugar is well incorporated to achieve an airy base.
- In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you get a firm foam. This will help aerate the base, so don't skip this step.

Step 2: Combining the ingredients
- Gradually add the egg white foam over the beaten egg yolks, being careful to mix with a spatula using up-and-down motions. This will help maintain the air in the mixture.
- Then, add the boiling water, starch, lemon zest, and sifted flour in a rain-like manner. Mix gently until homogeneous.

Step 3: Baking
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease a baking tray with butter and dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
- Pour the batter into the tray and bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, let the base cool in the tray.

Step 4: Preparing the glaze
- While the base cools, you can prepare the glaze. Dissolve the cocoa in a cup of milk, then add the rest of the milk, sugar, and vanilla essence. Simmer over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- When the glaze comes to a boil, add the cubed butter and mix until melted and the syrup thickens slightly.

Step 5: Assembling the cubes
- Once the base has cooled, cut it into cubes with a sharp knife, which you can dip in cold water for clean cuts.
- Place the cubes in the cocoa syrup and let them soak for a few moments. Then, transfer them to a platter and let them drain slightly.

Step 6: Rolling in coconut
- Place the coconut on a flat plate and roll each cake cube in coconut flakes, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. This will add a crunchy texture and a delicious flavor.

Serving and suggestions
- You can serve the cubes with fresh whipped cream or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A warm drink, such as fruit tea or flavored coffee, pairs perfectly with these treats.
- I recommend storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they can stay fresh and flavorful for several days.

Nutritional benefits
- These cubes are a good source of carbohydrates from sugar and flour, as well as healthy fats from butter and coconut. Cocoa provides a dose of antioxidants that can support heart health.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use a sugar substitute?
- Yes, you can use natural sweeteners, but you will need to adjust the amount of liquids in the recipe.

2. How can I make the cubes gluten-free?
- You can replace wheat flour with a combination of almond flour and rice flour or with a gluten-free flour blend.

3. Is it possible to add fruits to the base?
- Absolutely! You can add pieces of bananas or blackberries to the batter for an extra flavor boost.

These coconut-soaked cubes are more than just a simple cake; they are a culinary experience that will bring a smile to your face. Try the recipe and let yourself be carried away by flavor and aroma!