My special light and moist coconut cake with coconut cream frosting and fresh fruit is perfect for afternoon tea, birthdays, Mother's Day, and other celebrations
Preheat oven to 180ºC. Then, start by sifting the dry ingredients(flour, baking powder and salt)in a large bowl.
In another bowl, mix the butter, lemon zest, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract and coconut extract if using.
Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ones until thoroughly combined. Add the shredded coconut and coconut milk and mix well.*
Divide equally between two greased 8" tins and Bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 180ºC (fan assisted). To check that they are cooked through, use a toothpick or something similar to poke a hole through the centre of the cake, it should come out clean.
Once the cakes are baked, set aside and leave them to cool completely. I like to do this by removing them from their tins and leaving on a wire rack, so they cool faster
In the meantime, prepare the filling and toppings for the cake. Finely dice the fruit and whip the coconut cream.
Level the surface of the sponge cakes by cutting the tops. You can either do it with a long knife or with a cake leveller.
Spread some coconut cream on one of the sponges. Add a layer of fruit. I used strawberries, blueberries and kiwis (these are quite 'wet' and can seep into the cake so choose your fruit accordingly) but feel free to use your favourite fruits and slice/chop finely.
On the second sponge, spread some jam. ** Place the second sponge over the first, strawberry side down (see video)
Decorate the cake by covering it with the remaining coconut cream. Use a spatula for an even smooth coverage (optional). If you want the coconut cream to be more like a frosting then feel free to add some powdered sugar.
The Coconut Cake can be served right away or, if refrigerated, then take it out 5-10 minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
Note* The fruit and jam will affect the moisture within the cake and how it should be stored. Keep this in an airtight container within the refrigerator for optimal results and eat within a couple of days if using lots of fresh fruit inside.