Brazilian recipe
Classic Coconut Cuca (Receita de cuca de coco)
Learn how to bake a traditional Brazilian coconut streusel cake with a soft crumb and sweet, aromatic topping. A perfect teatime treat.
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Ingredients
200g unsalted butter
4 cups granulated sugar (divided)
5 large eggs
4 cups plain flour
400ml whole milk
200ml coconut milk
200ml water
1 tbsp baking powder
100g desiccated or grated coconut
4 cups granulated sugar (divided)
5 large eggs
4 cups plain flour
400ml whole milk
200ml coconut milk
200ml water
1 tbsp baking powder
100g desiccated or grated coconut
Where to find ingredients
You can find all these ingredients at your local supermarket in the baking or international aisles. Use standard caster sugar for the topping and regular plain flour for the cake batter.
Preparation method
- Prepare the topping by mixing 1 ½ cups of sugar with the shredded coconut in a small bowl.
- Separate the egg yolks from the whites.
- Whisk the egg whites in a clean bowl until stiff peaks form and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter with 2 ½ cups of sugar and the egg yolks until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
- Gradually fold in the flour and milk into the creamed mixture, alternating between the two and starting and ending with the flour.
- Gently fold the stiff egg whites into the batter using a spatula, being careful not to knock out the air.
- Add the baking powder and mix gently to combine.
- In a small saucepan, warm the coconut milk and water together, then stir this liquid into the batter until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a greased and lightly floured cake tin.
- Sprinkle the prepared coconut and sugar topping evenly over the surface of the batter.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30–40 minutes, or until the cake is golden and firm to the touch; check for doneness with a skewer.
Observations
The Cuca de coco is a quintessential Brazilian sweet bread, cherished for its pillowy texture and signature crumbly coconut topping. The dough balances rich butter and eggs with the fragrant sweetness of coconut milk and shredded coconut, creating a bake that is as aromatic as it is satisfying.
This recipe is perfect for those seeking a comforting home-baked delight that is straightforward to prepare. Serve it alongside your afternoon tea or coffee, or enjoy it as a special treat for any occasion.
This recipe is perfect for those seeking a comforting home-baked delight that is straightforward to prepare. Serve it alongside your afternoon tea or coffee, or enjoy it as a special treat for any occasion.
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