A Tropical Cake is a vibrant and refreshing dessert that features tropical flavors like pineapple, coconut, and mango. It's perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion that calls for a taste of the tropics. Here’s a recipe for a delightful Tropical Cake:
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup coconut milk
- ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained
- ½ cup diced mango (fresh or frozen, thawed)
For the Coconut Cream Frosting:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup coconut cream (from a can of coconut milk)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish (optional):
- Toasted shredded coconut
- Fresh pineapple chunks
- Fresh mango slices
- Mint leaves
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream and coconut milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Fold in the crushed pineapple and diced mango.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
Prepare the Coconut Cream Frosting:
- Chill Equipment: For best results, chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before whipping the cream.
- Whip Cream: In the chilled bowl, combine the heavy cream, coconut cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.
-
Assemble the Cake:
- Layer Cake: If the cakes have domed on top, level them with a knife. Place one layer of cake on a serving plate or cake board.
- Frost Cake: Spread a layer of coconut cream frosting over the first cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Decorate: Garnish with toasted shredded coconut, fresh pineapple chunks, fresh mango slices, and mint leaves if desired.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy the Tropical Cake, savoring the tropical flavors and creamy frosting.
This Tropical Cake is a refreshing and flavorful dessert that captures the essence of tropical fruits and makes for a perfect centerpiece at any celebration. Enjoy the burst of fruity flavors and the light, creamy texture!
