Anguillan-Style Festive Cake

Ingredients

The Anguillan adaptation of Torta degli addobbi incorporates tropical fruits like mango and pineapple, which are not typically found in the original Italian recipe. Additionally, the use of local spices and rum adds a Caribbean twist to the cake, enhancing its flavor profile and giving it a unique Anguillan touch. We alse have the original recipe for Torta degli addobbi, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120ml) coconut milk 1/2 cup (120ml) coconut milk
• 1/4 cup (60ml) rum 1/4 cup (60ml) rum
• 1 cup (150g) diced mango 1 cup (150g) diced mango
• 1 cup (150g) diced pineapple 1 cup (150g) diced pineapple
• 1/2 cup (40g) shredded coconut 1/2 cup (40g) shredded coconut
• Cream cheese frosting: Cream cheese frosting:
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Tropical fruits for garnish Tropical fruits for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 62g, 45g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.4g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a round cake pan.
2. 2.
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a separate large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
4. 4.
   Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the coconut milk and rum.
6. 6.
   Fold in the diced mango, pineapple, and shredded coconut.
7. 7.
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
8. 8.
   Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. 9.
   Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely.
10. 10.
    In the meantime, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
11. 11.
    Once the cake has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top and sides.
12. 12.
    Garnish with tropical fruits and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mango — Choose ripe mangoes for the best flavor and sweetness. Peel and dice the mangoes just before adding them to the batter to prevent discoloration.
• Pineapple — Use fresh pineapple for a burst of tropical flavor. Remove the core and dice the pineapple into small pieces.
• Coconut milk — Shake the can of coconut milk well before measuring. Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer taste and texture.
• Rum — Opt for a high-quality dark rum to enhance the Caribbean flavors in the cake.
• Cream cheese — Make sure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature before preparing the frosting for a smooth and creamy consistency.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, toast the shredded coconut before adding it to the batter.
• If you prefer a stronger rum flavor, brush the cooled cake with a rum syrup before frosting.
• Decorate the cake with edible flowers or mint leaves for an elegant touch.
• Serve the cake chilled for a refreshing dessert on a hot day.
• This cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serving advice

Slice the Anguillan-Style Festive Cake into generous portions and serve it on dessert plates. Pair it with a scoop of coconut or mango sorbet for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Presentation advice

To create an eye-catching presentation, garnish the cake with slices of fresh mango, pineapple chunks, and toasted coconut flakes. Dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.