Grated Coconut Cake

Grated dough cake – a delicacy full of flavor and textures, perfect for any occasion! This simple yet sophisticated recipe combines a rich dough base with a sweet and aromatic cream, offering a dessert that will delight both the eyes and the taste buds. Here’s how you can prepare this delicious cake, step by step.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 3 egg yolks
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 225 g butter (or margarine, if you prefer)
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla (powder)
- 1 teaspoon grated orange peel
- 300 g flour (approximately)

For the cream:
- 3 egg whites
- 220 g powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons jam (recommended strawberry or apricot)
- 1/2 vial rum essence

Brief history

Grated dough cake is a traditional dessert that blends influences from various cooking cultures. It is characterized by its layers, creating a complex and enjoyable tasting experience. Offering a perfect combination of textures – crunchy, soft, and moist – this cake has gained popularity in households around the world. It is often served at anniversaries, holidays, or simply at a meal with family and friends.

Step by step

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by gathering all the ingredients for the dough. In a large bowl, add the 3 egg yolks and powdered sugar. Use a mixer or spatula to mix the yolks with the sugar until you achieve a fluffy composition. It’s essential to invest a few minutes in this step, as the incorporated air will make the dough fluffier.

2. Adding the aromatic ingredients:
Melt the butter (or margarine) and let it cool slightly. Add it to the bowl with the yolks and sugar, along with the grated orange peel and vanilla. These ingredients will give an irresistible aroma to the cake. Mix everything well until homogeneous.

3. Adding baking soda and flour:
Dissolve the baking soda with a teaspoon of lemon juice and add it to the dough mixture. Then, gradually incorporate the flour, mixing constantly until you obtain a homogeneous dough. It is important not to knead too much, to maintain the fluffy texture.

4. Chilling the dough:
Once the dough is ready, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This step will help the dough firm up and become easier to use.

5. Preparing the cream:
While the dough is chilling, you can prepare the cream. In a clean bowl, beat the 3 egg whites with powdered sugar until you obtain a firm composition. Add the jam and rum essence and continue to mix until everything is well incorporated. Make sure the jam is of good quality, as it will greatly influence the final taste of the cake.

6. Assembling the cake:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Grease a baking dish with butter and sprinkle a little flour to prevent sticking. Grate 3/4 of the chilled dough over the bottom of the dish, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Then, add the egg white cream and level it gently. Grate the remaining dough on top of the cream.

7. Baking:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the cake for about 30 minutes. It is ready when it is slightly browned on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let it cool in the dish for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely.

8. Serving:
After the cake has cooled, cut it into square pieces. You can choose to sprinkle powdered sugar on top, but personally, I like to leave the dough shining without this extra layer. Serve the cake alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect combination of flavors.

Practical tips

- Flour: Make sure to use good quality flour. Type 000 flour is ideal for cakes as it provides a fine texture.
- Jam: You can experiment with different types of jams. Cherry or raspberry jam adds a note of acidity, balancing the sweetness of the cake.
- Gluten-free version: For a gluten-free version, you can use almond flour or rice flour. Adjust the amount of jam as alternative flours may require more moisture.
- Flavors: If you want a more intense flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough or cream.

Nutritional information

This cake is delicious, but you should keep portion sizes in mind. One serving contains approximately 250 calories. The cake contains healthy fats from butter, proteins from eggs, and carbohydrates from flour and sugar. Although it is a dessert, you can opt for sugar-free jams to reduce calories.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I replace butter with oil?
- Yes, but the texture will be different. Butter provides a richer flavor and a fluffier texture.

- How can I make the cake less sweet?
- You can reduce the amount of sugar in the dough and cream. Additionally, choose a jam with low sugar content.

- Can the cake be frozen?
- Yes, it is a cake that freezes well. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezing.

Pairing suggestions

- Beverages: This cake pairs perfectly with a fruit tea or an espresso coffee. The intense aroma of coffee complements the sweetness of the dessert.
- Complementary recipes: Enhance the flavor by serving the cake alongside vanilla ice cream or a warm chocolate sauce.

I hope these details help you prepare a delicious grated dough cake that will become the star of desserts in your home! Cooking is an art, and every recipe can be adapted and personalized to reflect your style. So, don’t hesitate to experiment and let your creativity shine!