There’s something about spring that makes me want to make everything with coconut. Of course, being the only coconut fan in our home makes it tough to justify going coconut crazy. I do not need to be left alone with a whole bunch of coconut goodness!
But this weekend was Quinn’s birthday, and he was happily enjoying a little cheesecake as well as a birthday cake I made for the occasion. So it seemed like the perfect time to sneak in a little coconut treat.
This recipe uses unsweetened coconut, which I am liking more and more these days. It gives you the great flavor of coconut without the extra sweetness. (If you can’t find it locally, I highly recommend King Arthur Flour’s unsweetened coconut.) You can use that same coconut for the top, or go with the sweetened variety for a little extra sweet flavor.
These little cakes are, in a word, delightful. They’re so wonderfully sweet and delicate. And I just adore how the coconut and almonds on top get a little toasty as the cakes bake!
I envision these cakes being served on a beautiful platter on a dessert table amidst other sweet offerings. Sure, they may look unassuming, especially next to a beautifully frosted layer cake or a gorgeous pie. But one bite of one of these little guys, and you’ll be shoveling them onto your plate and hoping everyone else sticks with that layer cake.
Mini Coconut Cakes
Coconut and almonds star in these sweet, simple, and delightful Mini Coconut Cakes.
Ingredients
- 1 & 1/2 cups unsweetened dried coconut
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large egg whites
- pinch salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 tablespoons sweetened shredded coconut
- 2 tablespoons sliced or chopped almonds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan.
- Combine the unsweetened coconut, sugar, and flour. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk the egg whites and salt just until smooth. Add the butter and almond extract, and whisk until combined. Whisk in about half of the coconut mixture. Then gently fold in the remaining coconut mixture.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Sprinkle the sweetened coconut and almonds over the top of each cake.
- Bake 15 to 18 minutes, or until the cakes are golden brown and set. Transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Recipe slightly adapted from Bake!: Essential Techniques for Perfect Baking and Serious Eats.
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10 Comments on “Mini Coconut Cakes”
Hi, Jennifer! These look so delicious – thanks for posting the recipe. I’m wondering if it’s possible to make 12 full muffin size cakes instead of the minis… would you suggest it or not? And would you suggest increasing the bake time to 24-26 minutes? Many thanks!
Hi, Debbie. That should be fine. The only issue would be making sure they’re baked thoroughly. I’d only add 3 to 5 minutes to the baking time before checking for doneness.
I have Nick’s book and love it. I bet these little beauties are yummy! I’ll be making these soon…Rum version, of course.
Can this be made with coconut flour? Thanks.
Evelyn
Hi, Evelyn. I’ve never used coconut flour, so I can’t offer much advice other than to follow any substitution suggestions from the manufacturer.
Yum is right. I adore coconut (other than the fake stuff) and could eat it in anything and everything. I can’t imagine WHAT is wrong with coconut-haters. Same with nut-haters but that’s another comment. HAHA These look amazing. I can’t wait to make them but honestly Jennifer there is very little you post I don’t feel the same. You have an amazing talent for blogging about just the thing I need to make or want to make…or that I have ingredients for and you just seem to “know”. Thanks!!
I love anything coconut, and who doesn’t like a little muffin? These sound like a perfect little bite of yummy goodness! Pinned and sharing over at FB and G+!
Yay for coconut! IT’s one of my favorite spring flavors (though, personally, I could eat it year-round). These little cakes are so cute!
Delicious little cakes! I like how you used unsweetened coconut. The sweetened variety can be too much at times. They’re perfect as a snack.
I find that I prefer the unsweetened variety. The flavor and texture are much nicer!