Coconut cake is a classic dessert that is loved by many. Mary Berry’s coconut cake recipe is a popular choice for those who want to make this delicious dessert at home. With its fluffy texture and tropical flavor, it’s no wonder that this cake is a crowd-pleaser.
To make Mary Berry’s coconut cake, you will need a few key ingredients, including butter, self-raising flour, demerara sugar, desiccated coconut, eggs, and milk. The recipe is quite simple, and with a little bit of practice, you can easily master it. One of the key things to keep in mind when making this cake is to make sure that all of your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin. This will help ensure that your cake turns out light and fluffy.
Whether you’re making this cake for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something sweet, Mary Berry’s coconut cake is sure to impress. So why not give it a try and see for yourself just how delicious this classic dessert can be?
Understanding the Ingredients
When it comes to making Mary Berry’s Coconut Cake, it is essential to understand the role of each ingredient. Here, we will discuss the types of coconut used, choosing the right flour, and the importance of eggs in baking.
Types of Coconut Used
The recipe for Mary Berry’s Coconut Cake calls for desiccated coconut, which is finely grated, dried coconut meat. This type of coconut is widely available in most grocery stores and is perfect for baking as it adds a delightful flavor and texture to the cake.
Another type of coconut used in baking is coconut flour, which is a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour. However, it is important to note that coconut flour is highly absorbent and requires a different ratio of liquid to flour than wheat flour.
Choosing the Right Flour
The recipe for Mary Berry’s Coconut Cake calls for self-raising flour, which is a combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This type of flour is perfect for cakes as it helps the cake rise and gives it a light and fluffy texture.
It is important to note that self-raising flour cannot be substituted with all-purpose flour in this recipe. If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can make your own by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Importance of Eggs in Baking
Eggs play a crucial role in baking as they act as a binding agent and help the cake rise. In Mary Berry’s Coconut Cake recipe, the eggs are lightly beaten and added to the mixture with the other wet ingredients.
It is important to use room temperature eggs in baking as they mix better with the other ingredients and help the cake rise evenly. If you forget to take the eggs out of the fridge ahead of time, you can place them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes to bring them to room temperature.
By understanding the role of each ingredient in Mary Berry’s Coconut Cake, you can ensure that your cake turns out perfectly every time.
Essential Baking Tools
If you’re planning to make Mary Berry’s coconut cake, there are a few essential baking tools that you’ll need to have on hand. These tools will help you to create a delicious, moist cake that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Mixing Bowls
One of the most important tools you’ll need is a set of mixing bowls. You’ll need at least two bowls: one for mixing your dry ingredients and one for mixing your wet ingredients. It’s important to use separate bowls for each, as this will help to ensure that your ingredients are evenly distributed and your cake turns out perfectly.
Electric Mixer
An electric mixer is another essential tool for making Mary Berry’s coconut cake. This will help you to mix your ingredients quickly and efficiently, and will ensure that your cake batter is smooth and well-combined. If you don’t have an electric mixer, you can use a whisk, but be prepared for a bit of a workout!
Cake Pans
You’ll also need a cake pan to bake your coconut cake in. Mary Berry’s recipe calls for a 900-gram loaf pan, but you can also use a round cake pan if you prefer. Just be sure to grease your pan well and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Parchment Paper
Speaking of parchment paper, this is another essential tool for making Mary Berry’s coconut cake. You’ll need to line your cake pan with parchment paper to prevent your cake from sticking to the bottom of the pan. You can also use parchment paper to create a sling, which will make it easier to remove your cake from the pan once it’s baked.
Cooling Rack
Finally, you’ll need a cooling rack to cool your cake once it’s finished baking. This will help to prevent your cake from becoming soggy on the bottom, and will ensure that it cools evenly. Once your cake has cooled completely, you can frost it with your favorite frosting and serve it to your family and friends!
Preparing the Batter
Making a delicious coconut cake Mary Berry requires the right ingredients and proper preparation. In this section, we will go through the steps involved in preparing the batter for the cake.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
The first step in making the batter is to mix the dry ingredients. In a mixing bowl, combine 200g of self-raising flour with a pinch of salt. Next, add 100g of desiccated coconut and mix well. We recommend using a whisk to ensure that the dry ingredients are well combined.
Incorporating Wet Ingredients
Once the dry ingredients are mixed, it’s time to incorporate the wet ingredients. In another bowl, cream 200g of softened unsalted butter with 200g of caster sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add four large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Next, add 1 tsp of baking powder and mix well.
Combining Mixtures for Consistency
Finally, it’s time to combine the dry and wet mixtures to achieve the right consistency. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with 4 tbsp of milk until everything is well combined.
By following these steps, we can ensure that the batter for our coconut cake Mary Berry is well mixed and ready to be baked. In the next section, we will cover the baking process and how to achieve the perfect texture and flavor for our cake.
Baking the Cake
Preheating the Oven
Before baking the cake, it is essential to preheat the oven to the correct temperature. We recommend preheating the oven to 160°C/140°C fan/gas 3. This temperature is perfect for baking a coconut cake like Mary Berry’s recipe.
Timing and Temperature Control
Timing and temperature control are critical factors in baking a perfect coconut cake. We recommend setting a timer for 45-50 minutes and checking the cake’s progress after 40 minutes. If the cake is browning too quickly, cover it with foil to prevent it from burning.
Cake Doneness Test
To ensure that the cake is cooked correctly, use the cake doneness test. Insert a skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If there is still batter on the skewer, bake the cake for another 5-10 minutes and check again.
It is essential to let the cake cool before slicing it. We recommend letting the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cake has cooled, it is ready to serve.
Making the Frosting
Ingredients for Coconut Frosting
To make the frosting for Mary Berry’s coconut cake, we will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter, softened | 250g |
| Icing sugar | 500g |
| Coconut milk | 2 tbsp |
| Desiccated coconut | 50g |
Whipping the Frosting to Perfection
Once we have all the ingredients ready, we can start making the frosting. First, we need to cream the softened butter in a large mixing bowl until it is light and fluffy. We can use an electric mixer or a whisk for this step.
Next, we need to gradually add the icing sugar to the mixing bowl while continuing to beat the butter. We should do this in small batches to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth consistency.
After adding all the icing sugar, we can add the coconut milk to the mixing bowl and continue to beat the mixture for a few more minutes until it is light and fluffy.
Finally, we can add the desiccated coconut to the mixing bowl and fold it in gently using a spatula. Our coconut frosting is now ready to be used for Mary Berry’s coconut cake.
By following these simple steps, we can make a delicious and creamy coconut frosting that perfectly complements the moist and fluffy sponge cake.
Assembling the Cake
Now that we have baked our delicious Mary Berry Coconut Cake, it’s time to assemble it. This step is crucial to ensure that the cake looks and tastes perfect. In this section, we will guide you through the process of layering the cake, applying the frosting, and decorating it with coconut flakes.
Layering the Cake
To layer the cake, you will need to cut it in half horizontally using a sharp serrated knife. Place the bottom layer on a cake stand or plate, and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Then, place the second layer on top of the frosting, making sure it is level. Repeat the process for any additional layers.
Applying the Frosting
To apply the frosting, start by spreading a thin layer of frosting on the top and sides of the cake using a palette knife. This is called the crumb coat and helps to seal in any loose crumbs. Once the crumb coat has set, apply a thicker layer of frosting on the top and sides of the cake, using smooth, even strokes. Make sure to cover the entire cake, including the edges.
Decorating with Coconut Flakes
To decorate the cake with coconut flakes, simply sprinkle them over the top and sides of the cake. You can also press them gently into the frosting to ensure they stick. For an extra touch of elegance, you can toast the coconut flakes in the oven before decorating the cake.
And there you have it! A perfectly assembled Mary Berry Coconut Cake that looks and tastes amazing. Enjoy!
Serving and Storage
Once you have made your delicious Mary Berry coconut cake, it’s important to know how to serve and store it properly. Here are some tips to help you do just that.
Cutting the Cake
Before you serve your cake, it’s important to cut it properly. This will ensure that everyone gets a slice that looks as good as it tastes. Here are some steps to follow when cutting your Mary Berry coconut cake:
- Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife will make it easier to cut through the cake without squishing it.
- Cut straight down: Hold the knife perpendicular to the cake and cut straight down. This will help ensure that your slices are even.
- Wipe the knife between cuts: Use a clean, damp towel to wipe the knife between cuts. This will help prevent crumbs from getting on the cake.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover cake, it’s important to store it properly to keep it fresh. Here are some tips to help you do just that:
- Store in an airtight container: Place the cake in an airtight container to help keep it fresh.
- Keep at room temperature: If you plan to eat the cake within a day or two, you can keep it at room temperature. Just make sure it’s covered.
- Refrigerate for longer storage: If you need to store the cake for longer than a day or two, you can refrigerate it. Just make sure it’s covered to prevent it from drying out.
- Bring to room temperature before serving: If you refrigerate the cake, be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving. This will help it taste its best.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Mary Berry coconut cake stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making Mary Berry’s coconut cake, there are a few tips and tricks that can help ensure perfect results every time. Here are some of our top tips:
1. Use high-quality ingredients
Using high-quality ingredients is key to achieving a delicious and moist coconut cake. Make sure to use fresh eggs, good quality butter, and self-raising flour.
2. Measure ingredients accurately
Measuring ingredients accurately is crucial when it comes to baking. Use a kitchen scale to weigh ingredients and make sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully.
3. Mix the batter thoroughly
When making the batter, make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well combined. This will help ensure an even rise and a consistent texture.
4. Bake at the right temperature
Make sure to preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking the cake. This will help ensure that the cake bakes evenly and rises properly.
5. Check the cake regularly
Keep an eye on the cake while it’s baking and check it regularly to make sure it’s not overbaking. A toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the cake should come out clean when the cake is done.
By following these tips, you can make a delicious and perfectly baked Mary Berry coconut cake every time.