Moist Orange Coconut Cake

This Moist Orange Coconut Cake is a refreshing and light dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of fresh orange juice and zest with desiccated coconut gives the cake a tropical flavor, while the vegetable oil ensures a moist texture that stays fresh for days. This cake is incredibly easy to make and uses simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry. It’s ideal for a mid-day snack, a sweet treat with coffee, or a delightful end to a meal. The fresh orange flavor, combined with the subtle crunch of coconut, makes this cake both irresistible and comforting.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium orange (for zest and juice)
  • 1 cup of sugar (200g)
  • 2 medium eggs
  • ~ 1/2 cup of vegetable oil (120ml)
  • 3 tablespoons of desiccated coconut (20g)
  • ~ 1 and 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour (180-200g)
  • 1 tablespoon of baking powder (16g)
  • 1 cup of orange juice (250ml)

Optional garnish:

  • Extra desiccated coconut for sprinkling
  • 1 orange slice for decoration

How to Make It:

  1. Prepare the Orange: Start by washing the orange thoroughly, then zest it using a fine grater. Set the zest aside for later. Next, cut the orange in half and juice it to yield about 1 cup (250 ml) of fresh orange juice. If you don’t have enough juice from one orange, you can supplement with store-bought juice.
  2. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a cake pan (preferably a round or loaf pan, about 20-22 cm in diameter), or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step incorporates air into the mixture, giving the cake a lighter texture. Slowly add the vegetable oil while continuing to beat the mixture, followed by the orange zest. The orange zest will infuse the batter with a strong citrus aroma.
  4. Add the Coconut: Stir in the desiccated coconut, mixing well to distribute it evenly throughout the batter. The coconut adds a subtle tropical flavor and texture to the cake.
  5. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift the all-purpose flour and baking powder together. This helps to remove any lumps and ensures even distribution of the baking powder in the batter. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or whisk to avoid overmixing. You want the batter to remain light and airy.
  6. Incorporate the Orange Juice: Slowly pour the orange juice into the batter, stirring gently until fully combined. The orange juice not only enhances the flavor but also keeps the cake moist. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
  7. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the cake starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
  8. Cool and Garnish: Once the cake is fully baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. For garnish, sprinkle some extra desiccated coconut over the top and place a slice of orange in the center for a decorative touch.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on 10 servings):

Nutrient Amount per Serving (Approx.)
Calories 250-270 kcal
Protein 4 g
Fat 10-12 g
Carbohydrates 40-45 g
Fiber 2 g
Sugar 20-25 g
Sodium 100 mg

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use store-bought orange juice instead of fresh? Yes, if you don’t have fresh oranges on hand, store-bought orange juice can be used. However, fresh orange juice and zest provide a more vibrant citrus flavor.
  2. Can I substitute the vegetable oil? If you prefer, you can substitute the vegetable oil with melted butter or coconut oil for a richer flavor. Coconut oil will enhance the tropical notes from the desiccated coconut.
  3. What if I don’t have desiccated coconut? Desiccated coconut is recommended for its texture, but if you don’t have it, you can skip it or use shredded coconut instead. If using sweetened shredded coconut, reduce the amount of sugar slightly.
  4. How do I know when the cake is done? The cake is done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should also be lightly golden and spring back when gently pressed.

Tips for Making the Perfect Orange Coconut Cake:

  1. Zest the orange finely:
    Make sure to zest only the outermost layer of the orange skin. The white part underneath (pith) is bitter and can affect the flavor of the cake.
  2. Don’t overmix the batter:
    Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake. Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
  3. Add a glaze for extra flavor:
    For a more indulgent version, you can make an orange glaze by mixing powdered sugar with orange juice and drizzling it over the cooled cake.
  4. Use room temperature ingredients:
    For the best results, make sure your eggs and orange juice are at room temperature. This helps the ingredients combine more evenly, resulting in a smoother batter.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration:
    If stored in an airtight container, the cake will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The moisture from the orange juice and vegetable oil helps the cake retain its softness even after a few days.
  2. Freezing:
    You can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight and serve at room temperature.
  3. Room temperature:
    This cake can be stored at room temperature for 1-2 days in an airtight container. If you live in a warm climate, it’s best to refrigerate the cake to prevent spoilage.

Conclusion:

This Moist Orange Coconut Cake is a delightful combination of citrus and coconut flavors that’s perfect for any occasion. The fresh orange juice and zest give the cake a bright and refreshing taste, while the coconut adds texture and a subtle tropical twist. With a moist and tender crumb, this cake is sure to please both kids and adults alike. It’s a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed with a cup of coffee, as a snack, or as a sweet treat after dinner. Simple to make and utterly delicious, this cake will become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Give it a try and savor the flavors of this easy and refreshing dessert!