This coconut cake is a deliciously moist treat with a subtle coconut flavor, topped with a luscious coconut milk icing drip that adds the perfect finishing touch. With the combination of coconut milk, desiccated coconut, and the optional almond essence, this cake offers a tropical experience that is perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, and the result is a wonderfully fluffy, flavorful cake with just the right balance of sweetness.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Cuisine: Dessert, Tropical

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• • Butter: 150g (2/3 cups)

  • Sugar: 150g (3/4 cup)

• • Eggs: 3

  • Plain flour: 150g (1 cup)

  • Baking powder: 1 teaspoon

• • Desiccated Coconut: 50g (1/2 cup)

  • Coconut Milk: 60ml (1/4 cup)

  • Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon

• Almond Essence: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)

For the Icing Drip:

• • Powdered Sugar: 1/2 cup

  • Coconut Milk: 1-2 teaspoons

• Coconut Flakes: Optional (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

1. 1. Preheat the Oven
      Preheat your oven to 170°C (338°F). Grease and line your 21x11x6 cm (2 lb) baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.

   2. Prepare the Cake Batter
      In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
      Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next.

1. 1. Combine Dry Ingredients
      In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain flour, baking powder, and desiccated coconut. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the coconut milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.

   2. Add Flavoring
      Stir in the vanilla extract and almond essence (if using), mixing until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

   3. Bake the Cake
      Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

1. 1. Cool the Cake
      Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

   2. Prepare the Icing Drip
      In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with 1-2 teaspoons of coconut milk, depending on the desired consistency. The icing should be thick enough to drip but still runny enough to create a smooth flow. Stir in a little coconut flakes if desired for added texture.

   3. Decorate the Cake
      Once the cake has completely cooled, drizzle the coconut icing over the top, letting it drip down the sides. You can sprinkle more coconut flakes over the icing for added decoration.

1. Serve
   Allow the icing to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy this delicious coconut cake as a dessert, afternoon tea treat, or special occasion cake.

Nutritional Information (per slice, assuming 8 servings)

• • Calories: 270

  • Protein: 3 g

• • Fat: 16 g

  • Carbohydrates: 28 g

  • Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 16 g

• Sodium: 180 mg

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

Coconut cakes have been enjoyed around the world for generations. The use of coconut in desserts dates back centuries, with coconut being a key ingredient in tropical regions such as Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and parts of the Americas. This cake recipe embraces the flavors of coconut in both the cake and the icing, making it a popular choice for tropical-themed parties or just as a treat to bring some sunshine to your table.

Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• • Moist and fluffy: The combination of butter, coconut milk, and desiccated coconut creates a perfectly moist and airy cake texture.

  • Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this coconut cake is easy enough for beginner bakers to master.

• Versatile: Whether served at a birthday party, holiday gathering, or afternoon tea, this cake will fit any occasion.

• Tropical flavor: The coconut flavor is subtle yet refreshing, transporting you to a tropical paradise with every bite.

Health Benefits

• • Coconut milk: Packed with healthy fats, coconut milk provides a good source of energy.

• Coconut: Desiccated coconut offers fiber, which is essential for digestive health, as well as essential minerals like manganese and copper.

• Moderate sugar content: This cake provides a moderate amount of sugar, making it a sweet treat without being overly sugary.