INTRODUCTION

Coconut & Raspberry Traybake with Pink Custard is a delightful dessert that combines the tropical flavor of coconut with the tangy sweetness of raspberries. This treat not only looks stunning with its pastel pink custard but also tastes amazing. Whether you are hosting a gathering or just want to enjoy something delicious at home, this traybake is a perfect choice.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are many reasons to love this Coconut & Raspberry Traybake! First, it has a lovely mix of flavors. The sweetness of coconut and the tartness of raspberries come together wonderfully. Second, the traybake is easy to make. It does not require fancy skills or complicated techniques. Third, it is visually appealing. The pink custard on top makes it look fancy and inviting. Lastly, this dessert is great for sharing. The traybake is easy to slice into pieces, making it perfect for parties or family gatherings.

HOW TO MAKE Coconut & Raspberry Traybake

Making this Coconut & Raspberry Traybake is simple and fun. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you create this tasty treat at home.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make this delicious traybake, you will need the following equipment:

A baking tray (approximately 8×8 inches)
A mixing bowl
A whisk or electric mixer
A measuring cup and spoons
A saucepan for making the custard
A spatula
A cooling rack

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s a list of the ingredients you will need to make Coconut & Raspberry Traybake with Pink Custard:

200g unsalted butter, softened
200g sugar
4 eggs
200g self-raising flour
200g desiccated coconut
200g fresh raspberries
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
300ml milk
100g icing sugar
Food coloring (pink)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). This ensures that the oven is hot enough when you put the traybake in.
Prepare the Baking Tray: Grease your baking tray with butter or line it with baking paper. This will help prevent the cake from sticking.
Mix Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, add the softened butter and sugar. Use a whisk or electric mixer to beat them together until the mixture is creamy and light.
Add Eggs: Crack the eggs into the bowl one by one, mixing well after each addition. This will help incorporate the eggs into the butter-sugar mixture.
Add Dry Ingredients: Now, add the self-raising flour, desiccated coconut, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the bowl. Mix until all the dry ingredients are fully combined with the wet ingredients.
Fold in Raspberries: Carefully fold in the fresh raspberries. Be gentle so that you do not crush them too much.
Pour into Tray: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking tray. Spread it evenly with a spatula to ensure it bakes uniformly.
Bake: Place the baking tray in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the tray from the oven. Let the traybake cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Make Pink Custard: In a saucepan, heat the milk until it is warm but not boiling. In a bowl, mix icing sugar and a few drops of food coloring. Slowly whisk in the warm milk until it is smooth and pink.
Serve with Custard: Once the traybake is cool, cut it into squares and serve with the pink custard drizzled on top.

HOW TO SERVE Coconut & Raspberry Traybake

Coconut & Raspberry Traybake is best served fresh. You can arrange the slices on a beautiful plate and drizzle the pink custard over the top just before serving. This not only enhances the look but also adds a creamy texture that complements the cake. For an added touch, consider garnishing with a few fresh raspberries or some shredded coconut on top.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Coconut & Raspberry Traybake

You can keep any leftover Coconut & Raspberry Traybake in an airtight container. It will last for about 2-3 days at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, this traybake can be frozen. Wrap individual slices tightly with plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you are ready to eat them, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

This traybake pairs well with a variety of delicious sides. You can serve it with:

A scoop of vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream
Fresh fruits such as strawberries or blueberries
A cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack

VARIATIONS

You can easily customize this traybake to suit your tastes:

Add Nuts: Consider adding chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for added crunch.
Change the Fruits: Swap raspberries for other berries like blueberries or strawberries for a different flavor.
Use Different Flavors: You can switch out coconut for other flavors like pistachio or lemon zest for a unique twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes! Frozen raspberries work well too. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the batter.

2. How do I know when the traybake is done baking?
You can check if the traybake is done by inserting a skewer or toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready.

3. Can I make the pink custard in advance?
Yes! You can make the pink custard a few hours before serving. Just store it in the refrigerator and give it a quick stir before drizzling it over the cake.

4. Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can use gluten-free self-raising flour instead of regular flour. This will make the traybake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Coconut & Raspberry Traybake

If you want to prepare this traybake in advance, here are some helpful tips:

You can bake the traybake one day before serving. Simply store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
Prepare the pink custard a few hours before serving and keep it in the refrigerator.
For best results, assemble the traybake and add the custard right before you serve it. This ensures that it stays fresh and delicious!

This Coconut & Raspberry Traybake with Pink Custard is sure to impress your friends and family! Simple to make and full of flavor, it’s a perfect dessert for any occasion. Enjoy baking and indulging in this delightful treat!