Nectarine and coconut cake

Nectarine and Coconut Cake – a delicious and fragrant combination that turns any meal into a summer celebration. This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for a quick snack or to impress guests at a special occasion. Additionally, it’s a great way to take advantage of seasonal fruits, with nectarines being the stars of this dessert due to their natural sweetness.

Total preparation time: 1 hour (including baking)
Number of servings: 8

Essential ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 125 g butter
- 200 g sugar
- 150 ml coconut milk
- 150 ml fruit yogurt (can be natural or vanilla-flavored)
- 1 vial of vanilla essence
- 300 g flour
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 4 large nectarines (aromatic and ripe, but firm)
- 2 tablespoons of coconut flakes (lightly toasted)
- 3 tablespoons of apricot jam

The intrigue of the Nectarine and Coconut Cake
This recipe blends the sweet and juicy flavor of nectarines with the creamy texture of coconut, adding a touch of exoticism to a classic dessert. Coconut, known for its nutritional benefits, is rich in fiber and healthy fats, while nectarines are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Thus, this cake is not only delicious but also nutritious!

Step by step – Your guide to a perfect result

1. Preparing the ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help achieve a more homogeneous texture. Start by cutting the nectarines into small cubes and set them aside.

2. Melting the butter: In a small saucepan, melt 125 g of butter over low heat, being careful not to burn it. Once melted, let it cool slightly.

3. Mixing the composition: In a large bowl, add the melted butter and 200 g of sugar. Mix well with a whisk or wooden spoon until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the 2 eggs and vanilla essence, continuing to mix until you achieve a homogeneous composition.

4. The dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift 300 g of flour with 1 packet of baking powder. This will ensure a fluffy and well-risen cake.

5. Combining the ingredients: Start gradually adding the flour mixture to the bowl with eggs, alternating with 150 ml of coconut milk and 150 ml of yogurt. Mix with a spatula or a mixer on low speed until all ingredients are well incorporated. The texture should be smooth and slightly thicker than pancake batter.

6. Preparing the pan: Take a 26 cm diameter springform pan and line it with parchment paper. This step is essential to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan and to facilitate its removal.

7. Adding the fruits: Pour the batter into the pan and level the surface. Evenly distribute the cubes of nectarines on top of the batter. They will bake and become even juicier.

8. Baking the cake: Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the pan in the oven. Bake the cake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Cooling and glazing: After the cake has baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it and let it cool completely on a cooling rack. Once cooled, heat 3 tablespoons of apricot jam until it becomes liquid and brush the cake with it. Sprinkle the toasted coconut flakes on top for an extra crunch.

10. Serving: This cake can be enjoyed plain or alongside a delicious portion of whipped cream, vanilla custard, or even vanilla ice cream.

Tips and variations
- You can substitute nectarines with peaches or plums, depending on your preferences or the season.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a more complex flavor.
- If you want a crunchy note, you can also add some chopped nuts or almonds to the batter.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other fruits? Yes, you can experiment with various seasonal fruits.
2. How can I make the cake less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar by 50 g.
3. Is the cake suitable for vegans? You can substitute the eggs with a mixture of flaxseeds and water and the butter with vegetable margarine.

Calories and nutritional benefits
A serving of cake contains approximately 250 calories, being a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats from coconut. Nectarines add vitamins A and C, essential for skin health and the immune system.

This Nectarine and Coconut Cake is more than just a simple dessert; it’s a culinary experience that will delight your senses and bring a smile to your loved ones' faces. Try it and let me know how it turned out! Enjoy!