Refreshing cake for summer
Refreshing Summer Cake: A Delight for Warm Days
During the unbearable heat of summer, nothing is more comforting and refreshing than a cake taken straight from the fridge. This cool cake with honey layers and coconut is not only a sweet treat but also a perfect choice to bring a touch of freshness to hot days. I suggest you prepare it early in the morning when the temperature is more pleasant, and its sweet aroma will fill your home with joy. Let's get to work!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes (including cooling time)
Number of servings: 12
Ingredients
For the honey layers:
- 150 g sugar
- 1 egg
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 50 g margarine
- 450 g flour
- 1 packet baking powder
For the coconut layers:
- 8-10 egg whites (approximately 300 g)
- 8 tablespoons sugar
- 100 g coconut
- 3 tablespoons flour
For the filling:
- 2 jars of 420 ml apricot jam
Practical Tips for Ingredients
1. Sugar: Opt for fine sugar, which will dissolve more easily in mixtures. Brown sugar can add a deeper flavor, but the cake will have a slightly different hue.
2. Margarine: If you prefer, you can use butter for a richer taste. Make sure it is at room temperature for easy incorporation.
3. Coconut: Choose high-quality grated coconut, preferably organic, for an intense and authentic flavor.
4. Apricot jam: You can use homemade apricot jam for added flavor, or another type of jam, such as peach, to add a different note.
Preparing the Cake
1. Making the honey layers:
- In a large bowl, mix the sugar well with the egg, then add the milk, honey, and margarine. Mix all the ingredients until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a pot and place it over low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar and margarine are completely melted and the mixture becomes uniform.
- Remove the pot from the heat and gradually add the flour mixed with the baking powder. Knead the dough well until it becomes elastic and smooth.
- Divide the dough into three equal parts and roll each part into a thin layer.
- Bake the layers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a preheated oven at 140 degrees Celsius for 7-8 minutes or until golden. Let them cool completely.
2. Making the coconut layers:
- In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar and continue to beat until you achieve a glossy meringue.
- Fold in the coconut and flour, gently mixing with a spatula from top to bottom to maintain the airiness of the meringue.
- Bake the mixture on a baking sheet lined with buttered parchment paper in a preheated oven at 160 degrees Celsius for 10-15 minutes until the layers turn golden. Let them cool.
3. Assembling the cake:
- Ensure all layers are completely cooled. Start by placing one honey layer on a platter, spreading it with apricot jam. Continue with a coconut layer, spreading with jam again, and repeat alternating layers until you have a cake with 5 layers. The last layer will be the honey one.
- Place a light weight on top of the cake and refrigerate for 2 hours (ideally, leave it overnight).
- After cooling, spread the top of the cake with jam and sprinkle with coconut for an attractive look.
4. Serving:
- Cut the cake into slices and place it on a platter. It is delicious to serve it cold, alongside mint tea or fruit juice for a pleasant contrast.
Nutritional Benefits and Calories
This cake, although sweet, can be considered a lighter dessert due to its ingredients. Coconut provides fiber and healthy fats, while apricot jam offers necessary vitamins. With 100-150 calories per serving, depending on the amount of jam used, the cake remains a relatively moderate choice for a dessert.
Possible Variations
- You can experiment with different types of jam, such as raspberry or cherry, to add a personal touch to your cake.
- Replace some of the honey layers with meringue layers for a lighter, fluffier texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use another type of sweetener? Yes, you can try using natural sweeteners like agave syrup or stevia, adjusting the quantities to taste.
2. What can I do if the layers do not bake evenly? Make sure the oven is well preheated before placing the cake in. Also, rotating the tray halfway through the baking time can help achieve even baking.
So, I invite you to try this refreshing cake recipe, perfect for hot summer days. You will enjoy every bite, and your loved ones will thank you for this sweet treat. Enjoy!
Ingredients: For the honey sheets: 150 g sugar, 1 egg, 4 tablespoons milk, 3 tablespoons honey, 50 g margarine, 450 g flour, 1 packet baking powder. For the coconut sheets: 8-10 egg whites, 8 tablespoons sugar, 100 g coconut, 3 tablespoons flour. For the filling: 2 jars of 420 ml apricot jam.
