Jamaican cake

Jamaican Cake: The Tropical Delight That Will Brighten Your Day

Welcome to the world of exotic flavors! Today I will present to you a delicious recipe for Jamaican cake, which masterfully combines the rich taste of coconut with subtle notes of pineapple. This cake is not only incredibly easy to prepare, but also remarkably versatile, easily adapting to your preferences.

Why "Jamaican"? Perhaps because its vibrant flavor will bring a touch of tropical sunshine, even on the gloomiest days! By using a few simple ingredients you have in your fridge or pantry, you can create a dessert that will impress any guest.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 300 g flour
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 100 g melted butter
- 80 g coconut flakes
- 250 ml coconut milk
- 1 can (approx. 400 g) pineapple chunks (drained)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (with saffron for a more vibrant color)
- 200 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon rum extract
- A pinch of salt

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the oven and the baking pan: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Choose a round cake pan with a diameter of 25 cm, greasing it with butter to prevent the cake from sticking.

2. Preparing the pineapple: Drain the pineapple chunks from the syrup and cut them into smaller pieces. This will help evenly distribute the flavors in the cake.

3. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour and mix it with the cornstarch, baking powder, and coconut flakes. This mixture will give the cake a slightly crumbly texture and a savory taste.

4. Beating the eggs and sugar: In another bowl, use a mixer to beat the whole eggs with the salt and sugar. Continue mixing until the mixture doubles in volume and becomes frothy. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy cake.

5. Adding the wet ingredients: Slowly add the melted and cooled butter, coconut milk, and rum extract to the egg mixture, continuing to mix. The flavors will begin to blend, creating a delicious base for the cake.

6. Combining the ingredients: Gradually fold the flour mixture into the egg mixture, gently mixing with a spatula. Finally, add the pineapple chunks and ensure they are well distributed in the batter.

7. Baking: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and level the surface. Place the pan in the oven and let it bake for about 50 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test (when the toothpick comes out clean from the center of the cake).

8. Cooling: After baking, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool on a rack. This will help it stabilize and maintain its texture.

9. Finishing: Here comes the magic! If you want a moister cake, mix the syrup from the pineapple can with a few tablespoons of pineapple liqueur or rum and soak the cake with this mixture. If you prefer a drier version, sprinkle powdered sugar on top. Personally, I opted for powdered sugar, decorating with a few curls of coconut and some pieces of candied pineapple for an attractive look.

Serving suggestions: The Jamaican cake can be served plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or flavored whipped cream. Additionally, a cup of fruit tea or a cold lemonade will perfectly complement this dessert.

Variations: You can customize the recipe by using other fruits, such as mango or papaya, instead of pineapple. You can also transform the cake into muffins or a loaf, adjusting the baking time accordingly.

Nutritional benefits: This cake contains coconut, which is rich in healthy fats for the heart, and pineapple, which is an excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants, thus benefiting from delicious flavors and nutrients.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of flour? You can experiment with whole wheat flour, but the texture of the cake will be different.
- How do I store the cake? It keeps well at room temperature in an airtight container for 3-4 days or in the fridge for a week.
- Is it suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using flax eggs or other egg substitutes.

This Jamaican cake is more than just a dessert; it is a culinary experience that brings joy and sunshine to your table. So, don’t hesitate to make it and share this recipe with your loved ones! I invite you to put your personal touch on this dessert and make it your favorite!