Greetings, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I’m excited to share a delightful recipe that brings together two of my favorite flavors—chocolate and coconut. This Chocolate Coconut Cake has become a beloved treat in my household, and I’m thrilled to take you through the journey of creating this decadent dessert.
Here in Accra, the warm climate makes coconut a staple in many of our dishes, and I thought, why not combine it with the rich, comforting taste of chocolate? The result is a cake that’s moist, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible.
My Chocolate Coconut Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
Let’s start with what you’ll need. Most of these ingredients are easily accessible at our local markets or supermarkets, making this cake as convenient as it is delicious.
For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I prefer to use a high-quality cocoa powder for that rich chocolate flavor)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil (a neutral oil works best)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup coconut milk (you can find fresh coconut milk at many local stalls, or opt for the canned variety if you’re short on time)
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, depending on your preference—I love the natural taste of unsweetened coconut)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded coconut for topping (optional, but toasting the coconut adds a wonderful crunch!)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
I usually start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or you can line them with parchment paper if you prefer. - Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, and sugar. I love watching the cocoa powder blend with the flour, promising a rich chocolatey flavor. - Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Then, add the coconut milk and mix it all together. The aroma of the coconut milk always takes me back to those beachside days in Accra, sipping fresh coconut water. - Bring it All Together:
Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until just combined. Then, gradually mix in the hot water until the batter is smooth. It might seem a bit thin, but trust me, this is what makes the cake so wonderfully moist. - Fold in the Coconut:
Gently fold in the shredded coconut. This is where the magic happens—each bite of cake will have that perfect hint of tropical flavor. - Time to Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Your kitchen will start to fill with the intoxicating scent of chocolate and coconut—pure heaven. - Cool Down:
Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. It’s so tempting to sneak a taste at this point, but patience is key! - Whip Up the Frosting:
Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the coconut milk. Once smooth and fluffy, stir in the vanilla extract. This frosting is the perfect complement to the cake’s rich flavors. - Assemble the Cake:
Place one cake layer on your serving plate and generously spread frosting on top. Add the second layer and frost the entire cake. I like to finish it off by sprinkling shredded coconut over the top. - The Final Touch:
If you want to take it up a notch, toast the coconut until golden brown and sprinkle it over the cake. It adds a lovely texture and a deeper coconut flavor. - Enjoy!
Slice into your masterpiece and enjoy every bite. This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
This Chocolate Coconut Cake is a true testament to how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. It’s become a staple dessert in my home, and I hope it finds a special place in your kitchen too. Whether you’re making it for a celebration or just because you’re craving something sweet, this cake is sure to satisfy.
Until next time, happy baking from Accra!