JAM AND COCONUT SPONGE CAKE
This cake is for the baking novice. This may well be one of the easiest and delicious desserts I’ve made in a long time and takes me straight back to my early years. This cake always reminds me of my primary school days because I remember eating it pretty much every week, ahh so nostalgic! After I left school, I had this cake for literally years until one day my sister came to my house with a homemade Jam & Coconut sponge cake. I was just so shocked that I could have made it all these years and I didn’t, for no reason whatsoever. As soon as I tried the cake that day, the memories rushed back and it was as delicious as I remembered! This has since become a staple in my house because not only is it delicious but it is also extremely easy to make and I can whip it up in just a few minutes. The base is essentially just a Victoria sponge cake; the ingredients of which are likely to be in the fridge and kitchen cupboards at any given time.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE JAM AND COCONUT SPONGE CAKE
Quick & Easy: This is a quick and easy recipe and there are only a few steps to follow. It only requires a handful of ingredients and in the end you will have a delicious afternoon snack.
Fun to make: This is such a fun cake to make and there’s only a few steps to follow. This would be a great cake to make with kids.
Can be served warm: Unlike cakes which are dressed in buttercream, jam can be spread onto a cake when still warm. So if you have guests over, you can serve the cake shortly after it comes out of the oven. Rather than having to wait several hours after the cake has been baked.
Goes great with custard: Custard goes really well with any sponge cake but there’s something about strawberry jam that makes it taste amazing. The coconut gives it a nice crunch.
TIPS FOR THE PERFECT COCONUT AND SPONGE CAKE
- High quality Ingredients: Using good ingredients, including fresh eggs, good butter, and vanilla extract (not essence). The quality of your ingredients significantly impacts the taste and texture of the cake.
- Fluffy Sponge: Achieve a light and fluffy sponge by creaming the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy, this incorporates air into the batter, contributing to the cake’s rise.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure that ingredients like eggs and butter are at room temperature. This allows for better incorporation and a smoother batter. If your butter is hard and you’re short on time, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds. Just until its soft and not runny.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder) to ensure they are well combined and to prevent any lumps in the batter. This contributes to a more even texture of a light and fluffy cake.
- Layer of Jam: Spread an even layer of your favourite jam on top of the cake. This adds a burst of fruity flavour and helps to moisten the cake.
MORE TIPS
- Homemade Jam or High-Quality Shop-Bought: If using jam, consider making your own or selecting a high-quality store-bought option. The jam’s quality will impact the overall taste of the cake so using a conserve, marmalade or curd would add a great taste.
- Garnish with Coconut: Decorate the cake with desiccated coconut. It will give the cake a crunch and looks pretty too.
- Slice with a Warm Knife: For clean slices, dip your knife in warm water before each cut and then wipe the knife clean between slices for a polished presentation.
- Make sure you pre-heat the oven: Preheating your oven ensures even and consistent heat from the start, promoting proper rising and setting of the batter for a well-textured and perfectly baked result.
- Store Properly: Be sure to store the cake in an airtight container to keep it from drying out.
RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE
School cake – School Cake – My Simple Eats
Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake – Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake – My Simple Eats
Lemon Drizzle Cake – Lemon Drizzle Cake – My Simple Eats
CONCLUSION
Jam and Coconut sponge cake is such a simple yet delicious dessert. The recipe is easy to follow and there are very few ingredients needed to make this delightful snack. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a quick and stress free dessert and it can be served warm so no need to cool overnight in the fridge. It’s perfect with custard or with a simple cup of tea. Happy Baking!
Jam and Coconut Sponge Cake
Ingredients
- 112 g Self-raising flour
- 112 g Unsalted Butter room temp
- 112 g Sugar
- 2 Eggs medium
- 1/2 tsp Baking powder
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- Jam
- Desiccated Coconut
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 180/160 fan Celsius and line an 8 inch baking tray with parchment paper.
- Mix the butter and sugar in a bowl with an electric hand whisk (you can use a normal whisk or wooden spoon if you don’t have one) – mix them together until the mixture is pale.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract and whisk until light and fluffy, then sift in the flour and baking powder and mix until combined.
- Pour the mixture into the lined baking tray and place into the oven for 25-30 mins.
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool before spreading on the Jam and sprinkling on the shredded Coconut.
- The last and most important step – Enjoy!