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Deliciously Light Portuguese Coconut Cakes Recipe

4.5 from 113 reviews

Enjoy these deliciously light Portuguese Coconut Cakes, a perfect treat combining the rich flavor of coconut with a light, fluffy texture. These cakes are easy to make, using simple ingredients, and can be adapted for dairy-free or gluten-free diets. Perfect for teatime or a sweet snack, they offer a delicate balance of sweetness and tropical flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Batter

  • 1 cup Coconut Milk (Substitute with almond milk for non-dairy option)
  • 1 cup Shredded Coconut (Use unsweetened coconut to reduce sweetness)
  • 3/4 cup Sugar (Consider reducing the amount for less sweetness)
  • 2 large Eggs (Substitute with flaxseed meal mixed with water for vegan option)
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Can use gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder (Ensure freshness for best results)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather all your ingredients while the oven warms up to ensure a smooth baking process.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the coconut milk, eggs, and sugar. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, shredded coconut, and baking powder. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
  4. Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just incorporated to avoid overmixing and to keep the batter light.
  5. Fill Molds and Bake: Pour the batter into greased muffin tins or small cake molds, filling each about two-thirds full. Place in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool slightly in their molds for about 5 minutes to set. Then carefully remove them and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free alternative, substitute coconut milk with almond milk.
  • Using unsweetened shredded coconut helps control the sweetness.
  • Reduce sugar quantity if you prefer less sweet cakes.
  • To make the recipe vegan, replace eggs with a flaxseed meal and water mixture.
  • Gluten-free flour blends are a good substitute for wheat flour if needed.
  • Ensure baking powder is fresh for proper rise.

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