Coconut Bake with a Creole Twist

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we infuse the original Trinidadian Coconut Bake with the bold flavors of Louisiana Creole cuisine. While the original recipe focuses on the simplicity of coconut and flour, the Creole version incorporates a blend of spices commonly found in Creole cooking, such as paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper. This fusion creates a unique flavor profile that combines the tropical essence of coconut with the rich and aromatic spices of Creole cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Coconut Bake, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Additional butter or oil for greasing Additional butter or oil for greasing

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 9g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 12g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking sheet with butter or oil.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper.
3. 3.
   Gradually add the coconut milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
4. 4.
   Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently for a few minutes until smooth.
5. 5.
   Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf and place it on the greased baking sheet.
6. 6.
   Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the bake is golden brown and cooked through.
7. 7.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Coconut milk — Shake the can of coconut milk well before using to ensure the cream and liquid are well combined.
• Paprika — Opt for a high-quality paprika to enhance the flavor of the bake.
• Thyme — Crush the dried thyme between your fingers before adding it to the dough to release its aromatic oils.
• Cayenne pepper — Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.
• Butter — Use unsalted butter for a more controlled level of saltiness in the bake.

Tips & Tricks

• For a sweeter version, you can add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the dough.
• Serve the Creole Coconut Bake warm with a spread of butter or jam for a delightful breakfast or snack.
• Experiment with different spices to customize the flavor profile of the bake according to your preference.
• Leftover bake can be toasted and enjoyed the next day.
• For a savory twist, serve the bake alongside Creole-inspired stews or seafood dishes.

Serving advice

Serve the warm Creole Coconut Bake as a side dish to complement a variety of meals. It pairs exceptionally well with Creole-inspired stews, seafood dishes, or even as a delightful accompaniment to a hearty brunch.

Presentation advice

Present the Creole Coconut Bake on a rustic wooden board or a colorful plate to showcase its golden-brown crust. Slice the bake into thick pieces and serve it alongside your main dish or as the star of a brunch spread. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for an added touch of visual appeal.