Coconut Chocolate Cake

A Coconut Chocolate Cake is a rich and flavorful combination of moist chocolate cake with the tropical sweetness of coconut. Here’s a recipe for a decadent coconut chocolate cake:

Coconut Chocolate Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup coconut milk (or regular milk)
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Coconut Filling:

• 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 tbsp butter (optional, for extra shine)

For Garnish (optional):

• Toasted coconut flakes
• Chocolate shavings

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Prepare the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Stir in the coconut milk.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Slowly stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thin, but that’s normal).

5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Coconut Filling

1. Mix the filling: In a medium bowl, stir together the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until well combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

1. Heat the cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer (do not let it boil).
2. Melt the chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Stir in the butter for extra gloss, if using.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Layer the cake: Place one of the cooled chocolate cake layers on a serving plate. Spread the coconut filling evenly over the top.
2. Add the second cake layer: Place the second chocolate cake layer on top of the coconut filling.
3. Pour the ganache: Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides for a glossy, beautiful finish.

Step 5: Garnish (optional)

• Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or chocolate shavings on top of the ganache for an extra touch of flavor and decoration.

Refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes to let the ganache set. Enjoy the rich combination of chocolate and coconut in every bite!