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Breads

Coconut Bakes

The Quirky Foodster Team

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Ingredients

  • 450 g (3 2/3 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 12 g (2 1/2 tsp) baking powder
  • 6 g (1 tsp) salt
  • 40 g (3 tbsp) sugar
  • 60 g (4 tbsp) butter, cold, cubed
  • 80 g (1 cup) desiccated coconut
  • 220 ml (1 cup) coconut milk

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking tray.
  2. Whisk flour, baking powder, salt and sugar together in a bowl.
  3. Rub cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
  4. Stir in desiccated coconut, then gradually add coconut milk, mixing to form a soft dough.
  5. Turn dough onto a floured surface, knead gently 1 minute, and divide into 8 equal portions, shaping into rounds.
  6. Place on the baking tray and bake 20–25 minutes until golden brown on top and cooked through.

Introduction: A softer, richer cousin of fried bakes, coconut bakes fold grated or desiccated coconut into the dough and are typically baked rather than fried, a favourite at Grenadian breakfast tables.

Cultural Background: A softer, richer cousin of fried bakes, coconut bakes fold grated or desiccated coconut into the dough and are typically baked rather than fried, a favourite at Grenadian breakfast tables.

Tips: Keep the butter cold when rubbing it in for a flakier finished texture. Avoid overworking the dough, which can make the bakes dense.

Variations: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra warmth. Brush tops with a little coconut milk before baking for a shinier crust.

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days, or refrigerate up to a week.

Reheating: Warm in a 160°C (320°F) oven for 5–7 minutes, or split and toast lightly.

Nutrition: Approx. 260 kcal, 5 g protein, 10 g fat, 37 g carbohydrate per serving (1 bake).

FAQs:

Q: Can these be fried instead of baked?

A: Yes, though the fried version is typically called simply 'bakes' without coconut folded in; frying coconut bakes works but they will brown quickly due to sugar content.

Q: Can I use fresh grated coconut?

A: Yes, though reduce added coconut milk slightly as fresh coconut holds more moisture.

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