Dark Chocolate Coconut Cake Food

DARK CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter three 9-inch cake pans and dust with cocoa powder, shaking off the excess.
• Mix the chocolate into the hot coffee in a medium bowl and stir to melt. Set aside to cool completely.
• In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and baking powder. Set aside.
• Combine the sugar, oil, salt and vanilla in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed, 3 to 5 minutes. (This batter is fluid and tends to get lumps; mix carefully with the paddle, or even use the whisk attachment on low speed to avoid lumps.) With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape the bowl and continue mixing on medium-low speed until fully incorporated, 2 to 3 minutes. (Don't worry about overmixing at this stage; you need to make sure the batter base is fully mixed.)
• Stir the buttermilk into the coffee mixture. In alternating batches, add the flour and buttermilk mixtures to the batter base. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick but fluid. Stir or mix by hand to get rid of any lumps; strain if you feel compelled.
• Divide the batter among the prepared cake pans. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, 20 to 30 minutes. Let cool completely.
• For the toffee: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Combine the butter, sugar and salt in a heavy-bottom saucepan fitted with a candy thermometer. Heat over medium-high heat to 300 degrees F (the hard crack stage), 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour over the prepared baking sheet and let cool completely. Break into small pieces, then process into a powder using a food processor or coffee grinder.
• For the buttercream: Combine 339 grams of the sugar, the water, corn syrup and salt in a heavy saucepan fitted with a candy thermometer. Heat over medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat to medium, being careful not to let the flames go up the sides of the saucepan. The target temperature for the syrup is 250 degrees F.
• Meanwhile, combine the egg whites and cream of tartar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. When the syrup has reached 230 degrees F, run the mixer on medium speed until the egg whites get frothy. Sprinkle the remaining 30 grams sugar into the egg whites and continue to whip on medium speed. (The egg whites should increases in size and form soft peaks by the time syrup reaches 250 degrees F.) Once the syrup reaches 250 degrees F, increase the mixer to high speed and carefully pour the hot syrup down the side of the bowl, being sure not to hit the whip. Whip the mixture until it has cooled to room temperature, 5 to 10 minutes.
• Replace the whisk with the paddle attachment. Gradually beat in the butter, a few cubes at a time, on medium-low speed. Mix until the buttercream comes together, then mix in the vanilla bean paste.
• Mix 3 to 4 ounces of the powdered toffee into 1 cup of the buttercream and set aside.
• For the chocolate feuilletine crunch: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Melt the dark chocolate and milk chocolate in a double boiler. Remove from the heat and mix in the feuilletine. Spread on the prepared baking sheet and let cool. Crumble into bite-size pieces. Set aside.
• To assemble the cake: Set one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with a thin, even layer (about 1/4 inch) of the buttercream, then spread with a thin, even layer (1/8 to 1/4 inch) of the toffee-buttercream mixture. Top with feuilletine crunch. Repeat with the remaining layers. Cover the cake with the remaining buttercream.

DARK CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH COCONUT-PEANUT BUTTER ITALIAN BUTTERCREAM

Steps:

• For the cake: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
• Combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix to combine. Mix in the sugar.
• With the mixer on low speed, add the butter, a couple cubes at a time, and mix until completely combined. Slowly add the buttermilk and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
• Add the eggs and mix until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes, scraping down the sides bowl as needed.
• Divide the batter among three 8-inch cake pans. Bake for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool the cakes at room temperature for 1 hour, then freeze for at least another hour.
• For the buttercream: Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan fitted with a candy thermometer. Heat over medium-high heat until the mixture reaches 240 degrees F (see Cook's Note).
• Meanwhile, place the egg whites in a clean mixer bowl and beat until bubbles form. Add the sugar and beat on high speed until fluffy. Turn off the mixer.
• When the sugar syrup reaches the target temperature, slowly pour it into the egg whites. Mix on high speed until thick and fluffy.
• Gradually mix in the butter cubes until the mixture comes together and is fluffy and smooth.
• Add peanut butter, vanilla and coconut extract and mix until well combined. (Makes 4 cups.)
• To assemble: Trim the cake layers to level them; this will help you frost the cakes and ensure the layers are even. Spread the first cake layer with buttercream. Stack the second layer on top and spread with buttercream. Stack the third cake layer. Add the buttercream to a piping bag and pipe onto the top and sides of the cake. Smooth the frosting, using an offset or flat spatula. At this point, you can leave the frosting smooth or add some texture with the spatula.
• Refrigerate the frosted cake for 30 minutes before slicing.

CHOCOLATE COCONUT CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray two 9-inch cake pans with nonstick spray and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
• Sprinkle half of the shredded coconut on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven until golden brown, stirring often, about 15 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet.
• Combine the instant espresso and water in a measuring cup; stir until dissolved. Add to a medium bowl, along with the cake mix, vegetable oil and eggs. Beat for 2 minutes with a handheld mixer on medium speed. Divide the batter between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
• Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cake comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto a baking rack and let cool completely.
• Meanwhile, combine the cream cheese, butter, coconut milk, salt and powdered sugar in a large bowl. Beat with a handheld mixer on medium speed until light, fluffy and smooth, about 4 minutes. Stir in the remaining (untoasted) coconut with a rubber spatula.
• If the cakes have domed in the center, trim to level the tops. Place one cake layer, up-side down, on a platter or plate. Spoon one-third of the frosting on top and spread evenly, almost completely to the edge. Place the other layer, up-side down, on top, pressing gently to anchor. Using an offset spatula, evenly frost the entire cake; if the frosting gets too soft, place it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Gently press the toasted coconut around the outside of the cake and sprinkle it over the top.
• Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

DARK GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH TOASTED ALMOND-COCONUT GOO

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Spread the coconut and almonds on separate baking sheets and toast, stirring occasionally, just until golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
• Line the bottom and sides of a 14 by 17-inch baking sheet (with sides) with parchment or waxed paper. Sift together the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Transfer to a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or use a hand mixer) and blend briefly.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oil and vanilla extract. Add to the dry ingredients and mix at low speed for 5 minutes. Gradually add the hot water, mixing at low speed just until combined. The batter will be quite thin. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake until a tester inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean (a few crumbs are okay), 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool in the pan.
• Caramel: Pour the sugar into the center of a deep saucepan. Carefully pour the water around the sugar, trying not to splash any sugar onto the sides of the pan. Do not stir; gently draw your finger through the center of the sugar to moisten it. Over medium-high heat, bring to a boil without stirring. Reduce the heat to a fast simmer and cook without stirring until amber-caramel in color, 10 to 20 minutes. Immediately remove from the heat. Using a wooden spoon, slowly and carefully stir in the cream (it will bubble up and may splatter). Stir in the toasted coconut and almonds. Set aside.
• When ready to serve, cut the room-temperature cake in the pan into 6 even strips, each 3 inches wide. Using diagonal strokes of the knife, cut each strip into 4 triangles. If the sauce has stiffened, rewarm it over low heat (or in a microwave) until softened. Place a triangle on each plate, drizzle with sauce, and rest another triangle on top at a different angle. Drizzle with more sauce and serve.

DARK CHOCOLATE COCONUT CREAM TART

Steps:

• For the crust: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter a 10-inch tart pan with a removeable bottom. Pulse the toasted almonds in a food processor until finely ground. Add the cookie crumbs, granulated sugar, and salt. Pulse until combined. Gradually add the melted butter and pulse until a dough forms. Pat the mixture into and up the sides of the tart pan. Bake until the crust is set, 13 to 15 minutes. Let cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
• Place the chocolate in a medium bowl. Bring the heavy cream and corn syrup to a simmer in a small saucepan. Pour the cream mixture over the chocolate and stir until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth. Pour the ganache into the prepared crust. Refrigerate or freeze until firm, about 15 minutes.
• For the filling: Bring the coconut milk and whole milk to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Meanwhile, beat the egg yolks, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a heavy stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until pale and thickened. Gradually add a quarter of the hot milk mixture, whisking constantly. Whisk in the remaining milk and return the mixture to the saucepan.
• Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens (do not boil). Remove from the heat. Stir in the butter, vanilla, and toasted coconut. Pour into the prepared crust. Cover with plastic wrap and chill until cooled, about 30 minutes.
• For the almond whipped cream: Beat the heavy cream and confectioners' sugar in a large bowl until soft peaks form. Add the almond extract, if desired, and beat until stiff peaks form.
• Spoon the whipped cream over the tart and garnish as desired.

DARK CHOCOLATE, COCONUT & PASSION FRUIT MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Grease and line two 20cm cake tins with baking parchment - if your cake tins are quite shallow, line the sides to a depth of at least 5cm. Put the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, sugar and 1 tsp salt in a bowl and mix well. If there are any lumps in the sugar, squeeze these through your fingers to break them up.
• Measure the buttermilk, coffee, oil and vanilla in a jug. Add the egg and whisk until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and whisk until well combined. Pour the cake mixture evenly into the two tins, and bake for 25-30 mins until risen and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Cool in the tins for 10 mins, then turn out onto a wire rack, peel off the baking parchment and leave to cool. These sponges can be made up to three days ahead and will stay moist if wrapped in cling film, or you can wrap well and freeze for up to two months.
• To make the mousse, put the gelatine leaves in a bowl of cold water, one at a time, so they don't stick together. Set aside for 5 mins to soften. Scoop the pulp and seeds from the passion fruit into a sieve suspended over a bowl, and push through the juice - you should have about 100ml. Put 1 tbsp of the seeds in a small bowl and set aside. Save 2 small empty passion fruit halves and discard the rest.
• Pour the coconut cream, passion fruit juice and sugar into a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer. Remove from the heat and stir in the coconut rum liqueur. Add the gelatine to the hot liquid, a leaf at a time, squeezing out the water before you add them. Stir until the gelatine has dissolved. Fill each reserved passion fruit half with some of the mixture, place in a small dish and chill until needed. Leave the remaining mixture to cool to room temperature. Pour the double cream into a large bowl and whip until it's holding its shape. Add half the passion fruit mixture, fold together, then add the remaining mixture and fold through again.
• Line a deep 20cm cake tin with a double layer of cling film. Slice each sponge in half through the middle and drizzle each layer with 1 tbsp coconut rum liqueur. Place one of the layers into the tin, flat-side down, and spread with a third of the passion fruit mousse - don't worry if a little trickles down the sides. Layer the remaining sponges and mousse on top, finishing with a layer of cake. Cover the top of the cake with cling film and chill for at least 4 hrs, or preferably overnight.
• When the cake has chilled and the mousse is set, turn out onto a cake stand, so the base now becomes the top, and remove the cling film. Using a palette knife, scrape any passion fruit mousse off the edges of the cake, to give it a smooth surface. Place the cake back in the fridge while you prepare the ganache.
• Put the chocolate and cream in a pan and gently heat, stirring now and then, to make a runny chocolate sauce. Leave to firm up at room temperature until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
• Remove the cake from the fridge. Spread the ganache over the top and sides of the cake with a palette knife until completely covered. Decorate with a ring of toasted coconut shavings, if you like. Remove the filled passion fruit shells from the fridge and place these on top too, topped with the reserved passion fruit seeds. Chill until ready to serve, but bring out of the fridge 1 hr before slicing (don't forget to serve the passion fruit jellies to your favourite guests too). Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 2 days.

WALNUT OVERLOAD, DARK CHOCOLATE & COCONUT CAKE

Steps:

• Cake Directions:.
• Cream butter and oil. Add sugar, beat until mixture is smooth. Add egg yolks and beat.
• Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder and baking soda: add to creamed mixture, alternately with buttermilk. Stir in vanilla, coconut, and walnuts.
• Add 1 cup boiling water ( stir).
• Then Stiffly beat egg whites in separate bowl and immediately fold into cake batter.
• Pour batter into four(4) well-greased 9 inch round baking pans and pat chunky mixture to where it is thicker toward the edges of the pans.
• Bake at 300°F (149°C) until toothpick comes out clean (for around 50-55 minutes).
• Cream Cheese Icing Directions:.
• Beat cream cheese until smooth.
• In separate bowl, combine sugar, very soft butter and vanilla,cocoa, whole milk ; mix well. Add whipping topping mix well.
• Add to cream cheese and beat until smooth. ( If icing is too soft, add a bit more cocoa and sugar powder. If icing is too hard, add more whipped topping. Be careful when adding whipped topping. ).
• Cool each layer on cake racks. Put a dollop of icing on a large (12") plate before the first layer. Top each layer first with an ample amount of icing and then sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped walnuts. Frost sides with ample icing and then make a 1 inch icing skirt with remainder. (If icing is too thin to stay on the sided of the layers, cool both cake and icing in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes and try again.) Pat small amounts of the coconut into the sides and a little will naturally fall onto the skirt. Sprinkle the skirt with 1/4 cup chopped walnuts.
• Store in refrigerator. With all the walnuts, it cuts easiest with a bread knife. Enjoy.

CHOCOLATE COCONUT CREAM CAKE

Steps:

• Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Grease and flour a 9x13" cake pan.
• In a large mixing bowl, place the cake mix, cream of coconut, sour cream, oil, and eggs. Mix with an electric mixer on low for 1 minute.
• Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Increasing the mixer speed to medium, mix for 2 more minutes, until the batter is well blended.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
• Bake the cake for 40 minutes. It's done when it springs back when lightly pressed with your finger. It might need up to 5 more minutes, depending on your oven.
• Remove the pan from the oven and cool, in the pan, on a wire rack.
• Prepare the frosting:.
• Place the chocolate in a small glass bowl in the microwave, and melt on high power for 90 seconds. Stir until all the chocolate has melted. Set aside.
• Place the cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on low for 30 seconds. Add the melted chocolate, and blend with the mixer on low for another 30 seconds or so, until the chocolate is incorporated.
• Add the milk, vanilla, and 3 ½ cups of the powdered sugar. Blend on low speed for 30 seconds. Add up to ½ cup more sugar as needed to make the frosting a spreadable consistency. Mix on medium speed for 1 more minute, until the frosting is fluffy.
• Spread frosting on cooled cake.
• Sprinkle the coconut on top.

DARK CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F.
• Grease and flour two 9 inch round baking pans or one 13x9 inch pan.
• In large mixer bowl, stir together dry ingredients.
• Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla; beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
• Stir in boiling water by hand (batter will be thin). NOTE: I have tried it with 1/2 cup, 2/3 cup and 3/4 cup boiling water and we prefer it with less than 1 cup water. I usually use between 2/3 & 3/4 cups. The cake is still very moist but it doesn't seem to "fall" as much as it cools. This might have to do with our high humidity or brand of flour or other factors so I don't know if it will work for everyone.
• Pour into prepared pan.
• Bake 30 to 35 minutes for round 9-inch pans, 35 to 40 minutes for rectangular pan or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. (Do not use 8-inch pans or the batter will overflow.).
• Because they have a tendency to overflow if you fill them more than 2/3 full, I usually get about 27-28 cupcakes per batch. Bake for approximately 18-20 minutes.
• Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan to wire racks.
• Please note: baking cocoa isn't hot chocolate drink mix! Baking cocoa contains no sugar and it is found on the baking aisle. Chocolate drink mixes that you add to milk or water to drink WILL NOT work in this recipe.

CHOCOLATE COCONUT BUNDT CAKE

Steps:

• Can use a chocolate glaze if you prefer.
• Preheat oven to 350° degrees.
• Grease and flour a 10" bundt pan.
• Filling: In a small bowl, beat egg whites till foamy.
• Slowly add sugar while beating whites until stiff peaks form.
• Stir in flour and coconut and set mixture aside.
• Cake batter: In a large bowl, mix remaining ingredients.
• Beat for 2 minutes with mixer at medium speed.
• Pour about 1/3 to 1/2 of the batter into the pan.
• Spoon the coconut mixture evenly on top of the batter.
• Fill the pan with the remaining batter.
• Bake at 350° for 50-55 minutes, or until cake tester inserted into center comes out clean.
• Let cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, remove from pan and finish cooling on rack.
• When cool, top with glaze.
• Confectioner's Sugar Glaze: In a small bowl, gradually stir milk into sugar, glaze should be thick enough to stay on the top of the cake, yet"drip" down the sides a bit.