Coconut Raspberry Cake ~ Pure in flavor and simple in design this rustic cake is perfect for any time of day.
I have been eating this cake for breakfast, lunch and as a snack throughout the day. I love the subtle sweetness of the coconut paired against the bright fruity bite of the raspberries.
When I set out to create this cake I wanted it to be something simple and easy to make – a rustic cake that required no frosting or glaze. I also wanted to make sure the crumb would be less dense than a quick bread and lighter than a Bundt cake crumb.
After several test runs that included an exploding cake from too much leavener, a too dense cake from using the wrong fat ratio to an overbeaten cake, the fourth test run is what you see here. Perfectly light, seriously moist and full of flavor- I love this cake and I hope you do too.
A few notes:
- The method of adding baking soda to sour cream is from John Barricelli’s Sour Cream Coffee Cake. If you’ve never tried adding baking soda to sour cream (instead of sifting it in with your dry ingredients), give it a try. The sour cream fluffs up to twice its size in volume and ensures a more even distribution.
- Coconut cream is a base for many mixed drinks and can generally found near the liquor section of your store. Make sure to shake the can or the bottle before using as it can separate on the shelf.
- I used a 9 inch springform pan, but if you don’t have one a regular 9 inch cake pan will work just as well.
- The cake keeps wonderfully at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Coconut Raspberry Cake
Preparation: Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line bottom of cake pan or springform with parchment. Coat sides of pan with bake spray.
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ cups coconut cream
- 1 ¾ cups cake flour
- ½ cup almond meal
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- 1 ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs, plus one egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- ½ cup sweetened coconut shreds
- 1 1/4 cup raspberries
Instructions:
1. Mix baking soda into sour cream; set aside. Sift cake flour, almond meal and baking soda; set aside. In a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream butter, sugar and salt until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time beating after each addition until combined.
2. Turn off mixer. Fold coconut cream into sour cream mixture. Using a sturdy spatula or a wooden spoon, fold in dry ingredients in 3 batches, alternating with sour cream mixture. Fold in coconut and then fold in raspberries.
3. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 55-60 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Lovely. I’ve never heard the sour cream thing before. Very cool!
Yum! I love raspberry AND coconut, so I’m sure this is wonderful. Looks great, but easy enough to make at the same time.
I love the tip about about the baking soda to the sour cream – I will definitely give that one a try since I make several cakes that have sour cream in them.
This is definitely my kind of cake – simple, versatile and delicious!!
This cake looks so moist and delicious!
Lovely. Coconut and raspberry is a wonderful flavor combination. I fear the exploding cake version of the recipe. 😉
This sounds like a keeper! Can’t wait to try it 🙂
I don’t believe I’ve ever had coconut and raspberry together but it does utterly delicious!
Mmmmmmmm, sounds SO delicious and I don’t even like coconut!
Naomi, this looks REALLY REALLY gorgeous! My coconut-hating brother in law leaves today, so maybe I can make this for dessert one night this week. Hooray!
Love this…it’s so elegant. I bet I can make this one gluten-free.
Mm. I agree with Nancy. This looks so elegant, and I love the coconut and raspberry combination. I can’t wait to try it.
Fantastic flavor profile for a cake! Now I’m going to have to invite someone over so I can try it.
I can honestly say it looks just lovely, and I don’t even like coconut. Nicely done!
I would have trusted you after two attempts.. but four? This must be perfection!! Well done!
The raspberry and coconut combo must be excellent. I’ve never heard of the sour cream and baking soda trick, I’ll have to try it.
What I love about THIS cake Naomi, is that it’s a single layer which means it’s more manageable for two people (me and The Professor). And since I’ve ALWAYS been a fan of coconut AND raspberry, it’s the perfect Trifecta!
An exploding cake does not sound like a fun clean-up at all. Glad to see that you found the perfect balance of ingredients. This cake sounds wonderful as you say for any time of day. Happy New Year! xo
In the ingredients…2 ? baking powder. I think it would be 2 tsp. but would like to verify.
Thanks!
Can’t wait to try this. Hubby LOVES raspberry AND coconut! He says this would be the PERFECT cake if you can find a way to add bacon to this recipe!
Hi Pat,
Yes, that is 2 tsp. I’ve added this measurement to the recipe.
Thanks!
Naomi
OMG, Nadine LOL! He’s right!
My in-laws love raspberry and I bet they would especially love this cake. Love your pics!
Such a beautiful cake! Wish I had a slice right now! Take care and Happy New Year!
Wow, a beautiful cake with a wonderful combination of flavors. Love raspberries and coconut together. And I would have to agree that this would be a perfect cake for any time of the day.
Happy New Year!
Thanks so much! I heartily agree re: adding the bacon too ~ 🙂
I love love anything raspberry flavour! Lovely looking texture.
Looking at the ingredients I might take the inspiration with using coconut cream and try and make a dairy-free cake.
I need to come up with something tasty but dairy-free for oldest daugther….so she loves raspberry but hates texture of coconut shreds but coconut cream would add a moist texture.
Great tip re: the baking soda and sour cream! Would it work with buttermilk as well?
what a great tip on the sourcream! This sounds like a reliable recipe, after all, it has been experimented four times prior! i really admire your determination on this!
This sounds lovely. What a flavor combo. Maybe it will make this cold weather feel a little more like spring.
I’ve been all about coconut lately so this is really calling my name!
just made it, currently baking ill let you all know how it turns out ! The only thing I did differently was replace the almond meal with whole wheat flour