A Slice of Tropical Bliss: Delia Smith Coconut Cake Recipe

Ever since my childhood, coconut cake has held a special place in my heart. This love affair with the sweet, tropical flavor of coconut began in my family’s kitchen, where my mother frequently baked this delightful cake. It was a recipe she cherished from Delia Smith, one that was passed down through the pages of a well-loved cookbook, stained with the evidence of countless baking sessions.

Each bite of this cake takes me back to those days, filled with warmth, laughter, and the comforting aroma of baking that filled our home. It’s a recipe I’ve come to refine over the years, holding onto the essence of those cherished memories while making it my own. Now, I’m excited to share this piece of my childhood with you, a simple yet utterly delicious delia coconut cake that promises to bring a touch of the tropics into your kitchen.

How To Make Delia Smith’s Coconut Cake Recipe Overview

This delightful coconut cake recipe is a breeze to prepare, requiring just a handful of ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. The result is a wonderfully moist, fluffy cake with a rich coconut flavor that promises to steal the show at any gathering. It’s an ideal recipe for when you need a tropical escape or simply want to enjoy something sweet and satisfying with minimal fuss. Expect to spend about 15 minutes on preparation and around 35-40 minutes baking in the oven. This recipe yields a cake that serves approximately 8-10 people, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying over a few days—if it lasts that long!

Ingredients

• Butter: 150g
  This forms the rich, moist base of our cake, ensuring every bite is deliciously tender. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Self-Raising Flour: 300g
  The backbone of our cake, provides structure and lift for that perfect spongey texture.
• Demerara Sugar: 150g
  Adds a delightful crunch and caramel-like sweetness, enhancing the coconut’s tropical notes.
• Desiccated Coconut: 135g
  The star ingredient, infuses the cake with its unmistakable, fragrant coconut flavor.
• Eggs: 3 large
  Bind the ingredients together, contributing to the cake’s richness and fluffy texture.
• Milk: 5 tbsp
  Loosens the batter to the right consistency, ensuring the cake is moist and soft.

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F, gas mark 4). Grease a round cake tin (about 20cm in diameter) with a little butter, then line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure your cake can be easily removed once baked.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift the self-raising flour. Add the demerara sugar and desiccated coconut, mixing well to combine.
3. Add Butter and Eggs: Work the butter into the dry ingredients using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the lightly beaten eggs and milk, mixing until you have a smooth, thick batter.
4. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
5. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, sprinkle with a little extra desiccated coconut to decorate before serving.

Nutritional Value (per serving, based on 10 servings)

Calories: Approx. 320 kcal

Fat: 16g

Saturated Fat: 11g

Carbohydrates: 40g

Sugar: 22g

Protein: 5g

Sodium: 180mg

Also Read: Delia Smith Light Fruit Cake Recipe

Pairings

Coffee: A strong, freshly brewed cup of coffee pairs wonderfully with the sweet, tropical notes of coconut cake, balancing its richness with its robust flavor.

Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad made with mango, pineapple, and berries complements the cake’s coconut flavor, adding a fresh, tangy contrast to each bite.

Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream alongside the coconut cake makes for a decadent dessert, enhancing the cake’s moist texture with creamy, cold sweetness.

Lemon Curd: A dollop of tangy lemon curd on a slice of coconut cake adds a zesty brightness, cutting through the sweetness and adding a delightful citrus note.

Tea: A pot of subtly flavored tea, such as green tea or a floral herbal blend, pairs nicely with coconut cake, offering a warm, soothing accompaniment that doesn’t overpower the cake’s delicate flavors.

FAQs

What country is coconut cake from?

Coconut cake is a sweet, beloved dessert that has its roots in the Southern United States. It became popular in the South where the warm climate is ideal for growing coconuts. This cake is often found at gatherings and special occasions, loved for its moist, fluffy texture and rich coconut flavor. Over time, it has spread in popularity across the country and beyond. The cake’s simple yet delicious nature makes it a favorite among many, embodying the comfort and hospitality of Southern cooking.

How do you make a cake soft and fluffy?

To make a cake soft and fluffy, start with room temperature ingredients. This makes mixing easier. Use the right amount of baking powder or soda; they help the cake rise. Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing develops gluten, making the cake tough. Sift the flour to add air and lighten it. Cream butter and sugar well until light and fluffy. This adds air. Bake at the correct temperature. Too hot, and it will be dry. Cool the cake properly to keep it moist and soft.

How to use fresh coconut in baking?

To use fresh coconut in baking, first crack open the coconut. Drain the water. Scoop out the flesh. Grate or shred the flesh finely. You can use it as is or toast it for extra flavor. Mix it into batter or dough for cakes, cookies, or bread. You can also sprinkle it on top before baking. Fresh coconut adds moisture and a tropical taste. Remember, fresh coconut has more moisture than desiccated, so adjust other liquids in your recipe if needed.

Which country is famous for cake?

France is famous for cake. It’s known for its pastry and cake artistry. French cakes like the delicate mille-feuille, rich chocolate gateau, and elegant opera cake are world-renowned. French bakers use high-quality ingredients and precise techniques. They pay attention to detail in both flavor and presentation. This makes French cakes not just food, but works of art. People from all over the world admire and enjoy these cakes. France’s reputation in cake making is unmatched, making it a go-to for cake lovers.

Conclusion

This coconut cake recipe is a simple yet delightful way to enjoy the exotic flavors of the tropics from the comfort of your own kitchen. Its ease of preparation and delicious outcome make it a perfect choice for both novice and experienced bakers. Whether you’re enjoying a slice as a sweet treat with your afternoon tea or sharing it with friends and family, it’s sure to be a hit. Happy baking!