Coconut Cake Roll

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a jelly roll pan by greasing and flouring it.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
Mix it all together: Combine the wet mixture with the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Add shredded coconut: Gently fold in the unsweetened shredded coconut to incorporate.
Prepare for baking: Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan and spread it evenly.
Bake the cake: Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool slightly: Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes, then roll it up with parchment paper to help it retain its shape.
Cool completely: Let the rolled cake cool completely before frosting.
Whip the frosting: In a separate bowl, whip the coconut cream until light and fluffy.
Unroll and frost: Carefully unroll the cooled cake, spread the coconut cream frosting evenly, and then roll it back up.
Slice and serve: Cut into slices and enjoy!

Best ways to enjoy it

The Coconut Cake Roll is best enjoyed fresh but can be dressed up in creative ways for serving. Try drizzling melted chocolate or caramel over the top for an extra treat. Pair it with fresh fruit like berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elegant presentation. It’s also wonderful with a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness of the cake.

Keeping leftovers fresh

To ensure your Coconut Cake Roll stays delicious longer, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to 4-5 days this way. If you need to keep it longer, consider freezing it: wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it, allow it to defrost slowly in the fridge overnight for the best texture.

Helpful cooking tips

Here are some tips to elevate your Coconut Cake Roll:

Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing, as this helps achieve a nice fluffy cake.
Don’t skip the cooling step in the rolling process. It’s crucial to help the cake maintain its shape.
Keep the coconut cream in the refrigerator before whipping; this helps achieve a better, fluffier consistency.

Creative twists

Feel free to personalize your Coconut Cake Roll with exciting variations! Consider adding lemon zest for a citrus twist or folding in chocolate chips for richness. You could even swap out the coconut cream for a flavored frosting like chocolate or almond. Vegan options are easy too—coconut or almond milk works well paired with a plant-based cream.

Your questions answered

Q: How long does it take to prepare and bake the Coconut Cake Roll?
A: The total time is around 1 hour, which includes preparation and baking time.

Q: Can I use sweetened shredded coconut?
A: Yes, but the cake will be sweeter. Adjust sugar in the recipe if you prefer a less sugary taste.

Q: How can I make the cake gluten-free?
A: Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.