Introduction
Coconut Cherry Cake is a delightful and elegant dessert that brings together the tropical flavors of coconut with the sweet, tart taste of cherries. This cake is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it a perfect choice for any special occasion or celebration.
The combination of moist coconut cake layers and juicy cherry filling creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is sure to impress your guests.
One of the best things about Coconut Cherry Cake is its versatility. Whether you prefer fresh, frozen, or canned cherries, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste and the ingredients you have on hand. The addition of coconut not only adds a tropical twist but also enhances the texture and moisture of the cake.
This cake is perfect for summer gatherings, thanks to its light and refreshing flavors. The tropical coconut and vibrant cherries evoke a sense of sunny days and warm breezes, making it a delightful treat to enjoy in the warmer months. However, it is equally enjoyable year-round and can bring a taste of summer to any time of the year.
Baking a Coconut Cherry Cake from scratch allows you to control the quality of the ingredients and customize the recipe to your preferences. You can choose to use organic or locally sourced ingredients, experiment with different types of cherries, or even add a splash of liqueur to the cherry filling for an extra special touch.
The process of making this cake is both fun and rewarding. From mixing the batter to layering the cake and decorating it with fresh cherries and coconut flakes, each step allows you to express your creativity and baking skills. The end result is a stunning and delicious cake that you can be proud of.
In addition to being a showstopper at parties and gatherings, Coconut Cherry Cake is also a wonderful homemade gift. Whether you bring it to a potluck, gift it to a friend, or serve it at a family celebration, it is sure to be appreciated and enjoyed by all.
Coconut Cherry Cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Its beautiful presentation, with layers of coconut cake, cherry filling, and coconut flakes, makes it a centerpiece-worthy dessert. It is a cake that celebrates the joy of baking and the pleasure of sharing good food with loved ones.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon coconut extract
1 cup canned coconut milk
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup pitted cherries (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1/2 cup cherry preserves
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and coconut extract until fully combined
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the coconut milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined after each addition
Fold in the shredded coconut until evenly distributed throughout the batter
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and tap the pans gently on the counter to release any air bubbles
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cherry filling. In a small saucepan, combine the pitted cherries and cherry preserves. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Let it cool to room temperature
Once the cakes and cherry filling are cool, spread the cherry filling evenly over the top of one of the cake layers. Place the second cake layer on top
How to Make
Choose fresh, frozen, or canned cherries based on your preference and availability. Fresh cherries provide the best flavor, but frozen or canned cherries work well too
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the cake pans by greasing and flouring them. Lining the bottoms with parchment paper ensures easy removal of the cakes
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt throughout the flour
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter cake texture
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures that the eggs are fully incorporated and helps to create a smooth batter
Mix in the vanilla extract and coconut extract to enhance the flavors of the cake. These extracts add depth and complexity to the overall taste
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the coconut milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined after each addition
Fold in the shredded coconut to add texture and flavor to the cake. The coconut also helps to keep the cake moist
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Tapping the pans on the counter helps to release any air bubbles
Bake the cakes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely
Tips
Use room temperature ingredients for the best results. Room temperature butter and eggs mix more easily and create a smoother batter
Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined
If using canned cherries, drain them well to remove excess liquid. This prevents the filling from becoming too runny
Toast the shredded coconut before adding it to the batter for a deeper, nuttier flavor. Simply spread the coconut on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until golden brown
Add a splash of liqueur, such as cherry brandy or rum, to the cherry filling for an extra layer of flavor
Chill the cake layers in the refrigerator before assembling. Chilled cake layers are easier to handle and less likely to crumble
Use a serrated knife to level the tops of the cake layers if they are domed. This ensures a flat surface for stacking the layers
Whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form. This creates a stable and fluffy frosting for the cake
Decorate the cake with fresh cherries and toasted coconut flakes for a beautiful presentation. These garnishes add both flavor and visual appeal
Store the assembled cake in the refrigerator. This helps to keep the frosting stable and the cake fresh
Conclusion
Coconut Cherry Cake is a delightful and versatile dessert that combines the tropical flavors of coconut with the sweet, tart taste of cherries. Its moist cake layers, juicy cherry filling, and light, fluffy frosting make it a perfect choice for any special occasion or celebration
This cake is not only delicious but also visually stunning. Its beautiful presentation and harmonious blend of flavors are sure to impress your guests and make any gathering more memorable
Baking a Coconut Cherry Cake from scratch allows you to control the quality of the ingredients and customize the recipe to your preferences. Whether you choose fresh, frozen, or canned cherries, the result is a delicious and satisfying dessert
The process of making this cake is both fun and rewarding. From mixing the batter to layering the cake and decorating it with fresh cherries and coconut flakes, each step allows you to express your creativity and baking skill
Coconut Cherry Cake is also a wonderful homemade gift. Whether you bring it to a potluck, gift it to a friend, or serve it at a family celebration, it is sure to be appreciated and enjoyed by all
In addition to being a showstopper at parties and gatherings, this cake is a great way to enjoy the flavors of coconut and cherries year-round. Its light and refreshing taste make it a delightful treat in any season
Embrace the joy of baking and sharing good food with this delicious Coconut Cherry Cake. Its rich flavors, beautiful presentation, and versatile recipe make it a must-try dessert that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite and share this delightful creation with your loved ones