Exploring the World of Coconut in the Best Coconut Pound Cake Recipe
Coconut, oh how I adore thee! The mere mention of this tropical delight sends my taste buds on a vacation to paradise. Whether it’s raw and exotic, delicately shredded atop a cake, providing a crispy coating for succulent shrimp, or sipped as a refreshing tropical elixir (ah, yes, me and Rupert Holmes can relate), coconut never fails to captivate my culinary imagination.
As an adventurous cook, I’ve always been intrigued by the versatile Coconut Oil. It’s a kitchen chameleon, rumored to possess an array of benefits. So, I decided to embark on a flavorful journey with Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil, an unrefined gem crafted from the finest organic coconuts. Picture this: only the choicest, freshest coconuts hand-picked for each harvest. The sweet, succulent coconut meat, a tropical treasure, is transformed into snowy shreds.
But here’s where the magic happens – the cold-pressing process. It’s not just any water; it’s the water from within the coconut itself that’s used to create the creamy coconut milk. This milk, a testament to patience, rests for about 12 hours, allowing the oil to gracefully separate from the milk, like a tropical ballet. This, my friends, is how Virgin Coconut Oil is born – a true culinary superstar.
This oil has earned its place in the pantheon of cooking oils, with a history that stretches back thousands of years in tropical climates. What sets it apart? Well, its chemical structure remains unaltered even in the fiery heat of the kitchen, making it a steadfast ally in the culinary realm. Unlike most vegetable oils that morph under higher temperatures, Virgin Coconut Oil retains its integrity, a trait that every home chef can appreciate.
Now, a word of caution for those with thermostats like my husband’s – he insists on maintaining our home at a toasty 70 degrees in winter and a sizzling 80 degrees during summer’s embrace. You see, Coconut Oil, with its finicky temperament, solidifies below 76 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius). But fear not! This change in state doesn’t harm its coconut essence; it merely takes on the appearance of shortening, still ready to perform its culinary magic.
Ah, cooking – my true passion. Armed with Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil, I decided to put this liquid gold to the test in one of my favorite recipes – a classic pound cake. What surprised me was how seamlessly this coconut elixir adapted to my trusted measurements, seamlessly replacing my standard oil. The results were nothing short of spectacular.
The cake emerged from the oven, a masterpiece of golden perfection, kissed by the subtle embrace of coconut. It wasn’t overpowering; rather, it danced harmoniously with the other ingredients. But what truly delighted me was how it transformed my home into a fragrant haven. The enticing aroma wafted through every corner, enchanting even the little ones.
And now, dear reader, allow me to tantalize your senses with a visual of the final result, a creation that embodies the essence of coconut, captured in every moist and flavorful crumb.
Now that your mouth is watering, here is the recipe.
Coconut Pound Cake
History:
Coconut Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. Its origins can be traced back to the southern United States, where pound cakes were traditionally made with a pound each of flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. Over time, creative bakers began adding coconut to the mix, giving birth to this tropical twist on a classic recipe. Today, Coconut Pound Cake is a beloved treat known for its rich, moist texture and irresistible coconut flavor.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
For the Batter:
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) Coconut Oil
- 3 cups (600 g) sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 g) baking soda
- 8 ounces (226 g) sour cream
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) coconut extract
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) rum extract
- 1 cup (85 g) flaked coconut
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) almond extract
- Expert Tip: For a more tropical twist, replace almond extract with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
How to Make Coconut Pound Cake
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or a 10-inch (25 cm) bundt pan generously.
- Cream the Oil and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, combine the Coconut Oil and sugar. Cream them together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures a creamy, consistent batter.
- Sift and Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the sugar and egg mixture.
- Add Flavor and Creaminess: Stir in the sour cream, Coconut Extract, and Rum Extract. Blend until the batter is well combined, and the aroma of coconut fills the air.
- Incorporate Flaked Coconut: Gently fold the flaked coconut into the batter. This will add texture and enhance the coconut flavor.
- Bake It: Spoon the luscious batter into the greased pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Gracefully: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before attempting to remove it.
- Frosting Time: While the cake is cooling, it’s time to prepare the frosting. In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Almond Elegance: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the Almond Extract. This adds a delightful nutty flavor to the frosting.
- Brush and Drizzle: Before removing the cake from the pan, brush about 1/3 of the warm frosting onto the bottom of the cake. This step infuses the cake with sweetness and moisture.
- Serve in Style: Invert the cake onto a serving plate, and drizzle on the remaining syrupy goodness. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Storage and Leftovers:
Store any leftover Coconut Pound Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze slices of the cake for up to three months. Thaw slices in the refrigerator before enjoying.
FAQs for Coconut Pound Cake:
Q1: Can I use coconut milk instead of coconut extract? A1: While coconut milk can add moisture and a hint of coconut flavor, it won’t provide the same concentrated coconut essence that coconut extract does. It’s best to stick with coconut extract for that authentic coconut taste.
Q2: Can I skip the rum extract? A2: Of course! If you prefer a non-alcoholic version or simply don’t have rum extract on hand, feel free to omit it. The cake will still be delicious with just the coconut flavor.
Alternate Names for Coconut Pound Cake:
- Coconut Loaf Cake
- Tropical Coconut Bundt Cake
- Coconut Cream Pound Cake
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