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Elegant Coconut Sponge Cake with subtle coconut flavour, fluffy sponge, and fresh berry topping.
Shilpa

Light Coconut Sponge Cake

A soft, light, and fluffy Coconut Sponge Cake with a delicate coconut flavour and tender crumb. Enjoy it plain with a cup of tea or decorate it with whipped cream, buttercream, and fresh berries for a simple yet elegant dessert.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 27 minutes
cooling time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 22 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert

Ingredients
  

Cake
  • 3 eggs room temperature
  • 80 g granulated sugar ⅓ cup + 1 tbsp
  • 70 g all-purpose flour about ½ cup + 1 tbsp
  • 5 g cornflour cornstarch (2 tsp)
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 20 g unsalted butter melted (1½ tbsp)
  • 20 g coconut milk about 1 tbsp + 1 tsp
  • 5 ml coconut oil 1 tsp
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Decoration
  • 1 –2 scoops Swiss meringue buttercream or freshly whipped cream
  • Fresh strawberries
  • Fresh blueberries
  • Mint leaves
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease and line a 6-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
  2. Combine the eggs and sugar in a heatproof bowl. Place the bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering water, ensuring the bowl doesn't touch the water.
  3. Whisk continuously until the sugar has dissolved or the mixture reaches approximately 40°C (104°F). Remove from the heat.
  4. In a separate heatproof bowl, combine the melted butter, coconut milk, and coconut oil. Place over the warm water to keep the mixture hot while preparing the batter.
  5. Beat the warm egg mixture on high speed until it becomes pale, thick, and reaches the ribbon stage. Add the vanilla extract and mix briefly.
  6. Sift together the all-purpose flour, cornflour, and salt.
  7. Fold gently into the whipped eggs using a spatula until no dry flour remains.
  8. Stir together the warm butter mixture.
  9. Mix 3–4 tablespoons of the batter into it, then gently fold it back into the remaining batter. Fold carefully until fully combined.
  10. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
  11. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove large air bubbles.
  12. Bake for 25–27 minutes, or until the cake springs back lightly and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  13. Let the cake cool in the pan for 3–4 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
  14. Cool completely before decorating.
  15. Serve plain or decorate with whipped cream or Swiss meringue buttercream. Top with fresh strawberries, blueberries, mint leaves, and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Notes

Storage

  • Store at room temperature (plain cake only) for up to 1 day in an airtight container.
  • Refrigerate for up to 4-5 days in an airtight container.
  • Freeze the undecorated cake for up to 2 months.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use room-temperature eggs.
  • Warm the eggs gently—don't overheat them.
  • Beat the eggs to a proper ribbon stage.
  • Fold the flour gently to retain as much air as possible.
  • Keep the butter mixture warm before adding it to the batter.
  • Avoid opening the oven during the first 20 minutes of baking.
  • Cool the cake completely before frosting for the cleanest finish.