Poppy Seed and Coconut Cake

The poppy seed and coconut cake is a dessert that combines tradition with innovation, featuring a fluffy texture and an intense flavor that will delight your taste buds. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from gatherings with friends to family parties, and will bring a touch of joy to every meal.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 6 fresh, high-quality eggs
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons grated coconut
- 3 tablespoons freshly ground poppy seeds
- 6 tablespoons sifted flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the cream:
- 1 packet of vanilla pudding (about 37 g)
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 500 ml whole or semi-skimmed milk

For the syrup:
- 400 ml water
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Rum essence, to taste

For assembly:
- 3 packs of vanilla Picknic biscuits

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the base
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C, ensuring it is well heated before adding the base. In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until frothy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a shiny, firm meringue. This is the secret to a fluffy and airy base!

Once you have the meringue, add the yolks, gently folding with a spatula. Then, incorporate the coconut and poppy seeds, mixing carefully to avoid losing air in the mixture. Finally, sift the flour along with the baking powder and gently fold them in, being careful not to overmix.

Transfer the mixture to a baking tray lined with parchment paper (20x30 cm) and level the surface. Bake the base in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until golden and passes the toothpick test. Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.

Step 2: Preparing the syrup
In a small pot, combine the water with the sugar and place over medium heat. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves. Once the syrup begins to boil, add the rum essence and let it cool. This syrup will add a delicious flavor to your cake.

Step 3: Preparing the cream
Follow the instructions on the package to prepare the vanilla pudding. Mix the milk with the sugar in a pot and bring to a boil, then add the pudding, stirring continuously. Cook according to the instructions until thickened. Once ready, let the pudding cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Assembling the cake
Once the base has completely cooled, cut it in half. Use a brush or a sprayer to soak each layer of the base with the cooled syrup. Place the first layer of the base on a platter and spread half of the vanilla cream evenly. Add a layer of Picknic biscuits, which you can quickly dip in syrup for extra moisture. Continue with the second layer of the base, then spread the remaining cream on top. Finally, place a last layer of syrup-soaked biscuits on top.

Step 5: Refrigerating and serving
Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the textures to stabilize. When you're ready to serve, you can sprinkle a bit of coconut or poppy seeds on top for an attractive look.

Helpful tips:
- Use room temperature eggs for a more stable meringue.
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of almond extract to the pudding.
- The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, making it ideal to prepare a day before the event.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake contains ingredients like coconut and poppy seeds, which are rich in fiber and healthy fatty acids. Coconut is a good source of antioxidants, while poppy seeds provide calcium and essential minerals.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or almond flour for a different and healthier taste.

- Can I replace the biscuits with others?
Yes, you can use cocoa biscuits or even gluten-free biscuits, depending on your preferences.

- How can I make this cake less sweet?
Reducing the amount of sugar in the cream and syrup is an option, but make sure to maintain a balance of flavors!

This poppy seed and coconut cake is not only a delicious dessert but also a wonderful way to bring joy to the hearts of your loved ones. Whether it's a celebration, a birthday, or simply a weekend evening, this recipe is sure to be a guaranteed success! The delight it brings is unforgettable, and each bite will be an explosion of flavors that will make you come back to this recipe again and again. Enjoy!