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Desserts

Torta de Coco

The Quirky Foodster Team

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20 minutes
Prep
45 minutes
Cook
8
Servings

Ingredients

  • 250g (2 cups) plain flour
  • 200g (1 cup) sugar
  • 200ml (3/4 cup plus 1 tbsp) coconut milk
  • 150g (2/3 cup) butter, melted
  • 3 eggs
  • 100g (1 cup) desiccated coconut
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease and line a 20cm (8 in) cake tin.
  2. Whisk the eggs and sugar together until pale, then whisk in the melted butter and coconut milk.
  3. Fold in the flour, baking powder, salt and desiccated coconut until just combined.
  4. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 40–45 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.
  5. Cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Introduction: A dense, moist coconut cake found at birthdays and Sunday gatherings across Bioko, leaning on the island’s abundant coconut palms and the Spanish tradition of a good afternoon torta served with coffee.

Cultural Background: A dense, moist coconut cake found at birthdays and Sunday gatherings across Bioko, leaning on the island’s abundant coconut palms and the Spanish tradition of a good afternoon torta served with coffee.

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Best enjoyed at room temperature; no reheating needed.

Tips: Toast a little extra desiccated coconut to sprinkle on top for decoration. Check the cake at 35 minutes, as oven temperatures vary — cover with foil if it’s browning too fast.

Variations: Add lime zest to the batter for a citrus lift. Soak the baked cake with a little extra coconut milk for a richer, tres-leches-style finish. Vegetarian as written; not easily converted to vegan given the eggs are structural.

Nutrition: Per slice: 320 kcal, 5g protein, 38g carbohydrate, 17g fat, 2g fibre

FAQs:

Q: Can I use fresh grated coconut?
A: Yes, though it has higher moisture — reduce the coconut milk slightly to compensate.

Q: Can I make this in a loaf tin?
A: Yes — a loaf tin works well; extend the baking time by about 10 minutes.

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