| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 35 mins – 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 375 | 20g | 12g | 47g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 22g | 3g | 5g | 0.20g |
Imagine a fusion of explosive tang from the African cherry, the subtly sweet freshness of orange and the tropical crunch of coconut. If your mind just took you on a drool-worthy food journey, then my African Cherry Orange and Coconut Cake recipe is for you! This is not just a cake, it’s a quintessential bridge between my Californian roots, where my love for fresh, local produce began, and my fondness for worldwide flavors.
The Intriguing Blend of Flavors
One slice into this moist cake releases a wave of enticing aromas that is nothing short of exotic. The sour-sweet flavor of the African cherry (also known as Agbalumo or Udara) melds beautifully with the citrus notes of the orange, while the coconut brings a creamy texture and tropical touch, creating a fine balance of tastes.
Fusion Cuisine at its Best
I’ve always been about fusion cuisine. It’s what happens when you’ve grown up in the vibrant melting pot of California, with Gujarati roots that are firmly entrenched in rich, aromatic spices. The African Cherry Orange and Coconut Cake is an embodiment of that fusion philosophy, merging elements from different food cultures into one delightfully harmonious creation.
This cake recipe is similar to a traditional Orange and Coconut Cake, but with an exciting spin. The addition of African cherry not only gives it an adventurous twist but also transports it to a different geographical palate altogether. I’d recommend pairing it with a steaming cup of Masala Chai, the spiced Indian tea. It mirrors the same flavourful fusion, and offers a contrastingly warm sip to the fresh, tropical cake.
Healthy Indulgence!
The cherry on top? (Or should I say in the middle?) This cake, packed with the freshness of oranges and the unique flavor of the African Cherry, is also a powerhouse of nutrients. African cherries are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Oranges, on the other hand, are loaded with Vitamin C, boosting immunity, and coconuts are an excellent source of healthy fats. From guilt-free dessert lovers to those seeking intriguing flavor profiles, this cake is a winner.
So, the next time you wish to bake a cake that is equal parts delightful, surprising, and nourishing – be sure to give the African Cherry Orange and Coconut Cake a go. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon of grated orange zest
- 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice
- 1 cup of shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup of African cherry (also known as Agbalumo or Udara), pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup of powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line with parchment paper.
Step Two
In a medium-sized bowl, combine together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
Step Three
In a large bowl, cream together 3/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Then, beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, and stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of grated orange zest.
Step Four
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Beat until just combined. Fold in 1 cup of shredded coconut and 1/2 cup of chopped African cherry.
Step Five
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smoothen the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step Six
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterwards, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step Seven
Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar (if desired). Slice the cake and serve. Enjoy your African Cherry Orange and Coconut Cake!
