Tropical Aroma Cake with a Gibraltarian Twist

Ingredients

In this Gibraltarian adaptation, we incorporate local ingredients and flavors to give the Tropisk aroma-kake a unique twist. We enhance the tropical essence by adding fresh lemon zest and juice, as well as a hint of almond extract. Additionally, we replace some of the traditional ingredients with local alternatives, such as using coconut milk instead of regular milk and incorporating local citrus fruits for a burst of Mediterranean flavor. We alse have the original recipe for Tropisk aroma-kake, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup (40g) shredded coconut, toasted (for garnish) 1/2 cup (40g) shredded coconut, toasted (for garnish)
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 24g, 14g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 56g, 40g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. 2.
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. 4.
   Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, almond extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the coconut milk. Mix until just combined.
6. 6.
   Stir in the vegetable oil until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
7. 7.
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. 8.
   Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. 9.
   Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. 10.
    In the meantime, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth.
11. 11.
    Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
12. 12.
    Once the cake has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top and sides.
13. 13.
    Sprinkle the toasted shredded coconut over the frosting for garnish.
14. 14.
    Slice and serve the Gibraltarian Tropical Aroma Cake, and enjoy the tropical flavors with a Mediterranean twist!

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.
• Lemon zest — Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith.
• Shredded coconut — Toast the shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a tablespoon of rum to the cake batter.
• If you prefer a lighter frosting, you can substitute half of the cream cheese with whipped cream.
• Decorate the cake with fresh tropical fruits, such as sliced mango or passion fruit, for an added touch of vibrancy.
• To make the cake more visually appealing, use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to pipe decorative patterns on top of the cream cheese frosting.
• Serve the cake chilled for a refreshing treat on hot summer days.

Serving advice

Serve the Gibraltarian Tropical Aroma Cake as a delightful dessert after a Mediterranean-inspired meal. It pairs perfectly with a cup of aromatic coffee or a refreshing glass of iced tea.

Presentation advice

Present the Gibraltarian Tropical Aroma Cake on a beautiful cake stand or platter. Garnish the top with toasted coconut flakes and a sprinkle of lemon zest for an elegant and tropical touch.