Brazilian recipe
Classic Coconut Cuca (Receita de cuca de coco)
Learn how to bake a traditional Brazilian coconut cake, featuring a light, airy crumb and a sweet, crunchy coconut topping perfect for your afternoon tea.
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Ingredients
200 g unsalted butter
4 cups sugar (divided)
5 eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
400 ml milk
200 ml coconut milk
200 ml water
1 tbsp baking powder
100 g shredded coconut
4 cups sugar (divided)
5 eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
400 ml milk
200 ml coconut milk
200 ml water
1 tbsp baking powder
100 g shredded coconut
Where to find ingredients
You can find these staples at any local grocery store. Look for coconut milk in the international or baking aisle, and high-quality wheat flour in the dry goods section. If desiccated coconut is unavailable, fresh shredded coconut is a suitable substitute.
Preparation method
- Prepare the topping: In a medium bowl, mix 1 and 1/2 cups of sugar with the shredded coconut.
- Prepare the batter: Separate the egg yolks from the whites.
- Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form and set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter with 2 and 1/2 cups of sugar and the egg yolks until light and fluffy.
- Add the flour and milk to the butter and yolk mixture alternately, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix thoroughly after each addition.
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter, using an upward motion to maintain the airiness.
- Add the baking powder and stir gently until incorporated.
- In a saucepan, heat the coconut milk and water. Add this liquid mixture to the cake batter and stir until you achieve a homogeneous consistency.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured baking pan.
- Spread the coconut and sugar topping evenly over the surface of the batter.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and firm to the touch. Perform the toothpick test to ensure it is cooked through.
Observations
The Cuca de coco is a quintessential Brazilian delicacy, celebrated for its fluffy texture and a signature crunchy coconut layer. Its preparation balances the richness of butter and eggs with the fragrant sweetness of coconut milk and shredded coconut, resulting in a highly aromatic and delicious treat.
This recipe is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a comforting, homemade dessert that is practical to bake and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy it alongside a cup of coffee or tea, or serve it as a special treat for friends and family.
This recipe is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a comforting, homemade dessert that is practical to bake and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy it alongside a cup of coffee or tea, or serve it as a special treat for friends and family.
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