Tuga Pops − Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 5 Days ago in Cake Recipes
5 out of 5 with 1 ratings

Portuguese Old Fashioned Coconut Cake Recipe

Bake this Portuguese old fashioned coconut cake for a brilliantly moist dessert. This moist coconut Bundt cake is soaked in hot milk for an unforgettable bite.
55 min 10 servings Easy Prep time 15 min Cooking Time 40 min

Stop searching for the perfect dessert and bake this incredible Portuguese old fashioned coconut cake today. I am absolutely obsessed with how this moist coconut Bundt cake turns out every single time. It relies on a brilliant technique involving traditional hot milk poured over baked coconut cake right in the pan. You will fall in love with this hot milk soaked coconut cake Portuguese style masterpiece.


 

The Story of Portuguese Old Fashioned Coconut Cake Recipe

Coconut cake holds a cherished place in Portuguese dessert history. During the Age of Discovery, Portuguese explorers introduced tropical ingredients like coconut from their voyages to Asia and Brazil. These exotic flavors quickly merged with traditional monastic baking techniques back home.

The use of hot milk to drench a freshly baked cake is a brilliant rustic technique. It creates an incredibly moist, custard-like texture inside the sponge. This comforting method has passed down through generations of home bakers.

Modern adaptations often pair this luscious cake with simple tea biscuits and fresh berries. The combination balances the tropical richness with a delightful contrast of textures. It remains a beloved staple for Sunday family gatherings.

To complement this creamy dessert, consider serving a vibrant bowl of macerated strawberries. Tossing the sliced berries with a touch of sugar and lemon juice coaxes out their natural syrups. The bright acidity beautifully cuts through the sweet, milky crumb of the cake.

Ingredients

4 large eggs300 g (1 1/2 cups) granulated sugar120 ml (1/2 cup) vegetable oil125 g (4.4 oz or ~1 1/2 cups) grated coconut (plus extra for sprinkling)240 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour4 g (1 teaspoon) baking powder240 ml (1 cup) hot water240 ml (1 cup) hot milk

Equipment:

Large mixing bowlWhisk or electric hand mixerRing pan or Bundt panMeasuring cups and spoons

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. Grease a ring pan or Bundt pan with margarine and dust it evenly with flour before setting it aside.
  3. Beat the eggs well with the sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fully combined.
  4. Add the vegetable oil, grated coconut, and flour mixed with baking powder, beating constantly after each individual addition.
  5. Pour in the hot water lastly and beat the batter once again until it is completely smooth.
  6. Pour the finished batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes.
  7. Remove the cake from the oven once fully baked but do not take it out of the pan.
  8. Heat the cup of milk until it is hot but not boiling.
  9. Pour the hot milk evenly over the baked cake inside the pan and let it cool completely.
  10. Unmold the cold cake onto a serving plate and sprinkle with a little extra grated coconut before serving.

Recommended Drink Pairings:

A chilled glass of sweet Portuguese Moscatel de Setúbal pairs beautifully first, offering bright apricot notes that perfectly highlight the toasted coconut. Alternatively, serve this rich cake with a strong, bitter Portuguese espresso (bica) to effortlessly balance the sweet hot milk soak. A tropical passion fruit iced tea or a crisp Late Harvest Riesling also provides refreshing, vibrant contrast.


Adapted from a Recipe by: Alimentação Saúde Beleza

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories
280 kcal
Fat
14 g
Carbs
35 g
Protein
5 g

You might also like

Gorete's Sponge Cake (Pão de Lo) Recipe

Gorete's sponge cake (pão de lo), a light and airy textured sponge cake, it tastes like the ones...

Level of Difficulty Easy
Servings 8
Portuguese Biscuit Cake | No Bake Coffee Dessert Recipe

Whip up this impressive Portuguese biscuit cake for your next gathering. This classic bolo de...

Level of Difficulty Easy
Servings 8
Pudding Cake (Bolo Pudim) Recipe

The delicious combination of pudding and cake make this pudding cake (Bolo Pudim) recipe a great...

Level of Difficulty Easy
Servings 8

Comments (0)

There are no comments for this recipe.

Tuga Pops

Joined 11 Years ago n/a
Share
this Page
Facebook Pinterest X Reddit