Coconut Sponge Cake: Lower Calorie Higher Protein Option
I’m excited to share a recipe that transports you to a tropical paradise with every bite: a light and airy coconut sponge cake layered with a creamy, luscious topping. Perfect for special occasions or simply to treat yourself, this cake is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will impress anyone lucky enough to snag a slice!
Ingredients
For the Sponge Cake:
- 4 eggs
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- Unsweetened coconut flakes (for garnish)
For the Punch:
- 3 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp Malibu (coconut rum)
- 2-3 tbsp coconut milk
For the Cream:
- 1 cup (8 oz) heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups (16 oz) 5% Greek yogurt
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 pouch (7g) gelatin
- 3 tbsp Hot water (to dissolve gelatin)
Directions
Step 1: Make the Sponge Cake
- Prep Your Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a round 9 inch springform cake pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Mix Eggs and Sugar: In a mixing bowl of a stand up mixer, combine the eggs and sugar. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture is thick and pale, about 5 minutes.
- Incorporate Flour: Sift the flour and baking powder into the egg mixture, adding it spoon by spoon. Gently fold it in to maintain that lovely airy texture.
- Add Coconut Flakes (optional): Fold in a generous amount of unsweetened coconut flakes for that tropical flair.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely in the pan.
Step 2: Prepare the Punch
While the cake is baking, mix together the rum, Malibu, and coconut milk in a bowl. This punch will soak into the sponge, adding a delicious moisture and flavor.
Step 3: Make the Cream
- Dissolve Gelatin: Pour hot water into a small bowl and stir in the gelatin until completely dissolved. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Yogurt and Gelatin: In a separate bowl, stir the Greek yogurt until smooth. Add 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Gradually add the gelatin mixture, spoon by spoon, stirring constantly.
- Whip Cream: In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Combine: Gently fold the whipped cream into the yogurt mixture until combined. Fold in unsweetened coconut flakes. Place in the fridge for 15-30 minutes until it starts to set but is still spreadable.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Slice the Cake: Once the sponge cake has cooled, carefully remove it from the pan and cut it in half horizontally.
- Soak the Layers: Place the bottom layer on a serving plate and moisten it generously with the prepared punch. Spread half of the creamy mixture on top.
- Add the Top Layer: Place the second layer on top, soak it with the remaining punch, and finish by spreading the rest of the cream on top.
- Garnish: Sprinkle unsweetened coconut flakes generously over the top for that final tropical touch.
- Place in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours before serving for the cream to set.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice into your beautiful cake and serve. Each slice is a dreamy combination of coconut and creaminess that will have everyone reaching for seconds!
Coconut Cake: Lower Calorie Higher Protein Dessert
Ingredients
Sponge cake
- 4 eggs
- ⅓ cup sugar 70 g
- ½ cup flour 60 g
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ⅔ cup Unsweetened coconut flakes 40 g
Punch
- 3 tbsp Water 45 g
- 1 tbsp 1 oz Malibu 28 g
- 2 tbsp 1.2 oz Coconut milk 35 g
- Mix all together
Cream
- 1 cup 8 oz heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups 5% Greek yogurt
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 gelatine pouch 7g (2.5 tsp)
- 3 tbsp Hot water to dissolve gelatine 45 g
Instructions
- Mix eggs with sugar on medium high speed
- Sift flour and baking powder spoon by spoon into the eggs and fold the flour in
- Fold in unsweetened coconut cakes
- I am using a round 9 inch cake pan. I lined it with parchment paper for easy removal
- Pour the batter and bake for 40 minutes at 350F
- Let it cool completely. You can remove it from the pan after the cake is cool enough to handle.
- After it cooled completely, cut the cake in half
- Moisten it with the punch (optional)
CREAM
- Pour hot water into gelatine and stir until completely dissolved
- Set it aside to cool slightly
- Stir the yogurt until smooth, add gelatine slowly, spoon by spoon and stir constantly while pouring
- Whip the cream with sugar
- Fold whipped cream into the yogurt and cool in the fridge until it starts to set but it is still loose (15-30 minutes) Keep an eye on it. I want it to be spreadable: not runny and not firm.
- Spread half of the cream over the first layer of the soaked cake, cover with the second layer, soak it with the rest of the punch and spread the rest of the cream.
- Sprinkle coconut flakes on top
Nutritional Information (per slice)
- Calories: 296
- Total Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Protein: 9 g
Final Thoughts
This Coconut Dream Sponge Cake is not just a feast for the taste buds; it’s also a showstopper at any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just enjoying a sunny afternoon, this cake will bring a little sunshine into your day. Enjoy every bite, and happy baking!
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