Coconut Passionfruit Wedding Cake: A Tropical Celebration of Flavor
Quick Wedding Cake Essentials
Contents
Prep Time: 1.5–2 hours
Cook Time: 30–45 minutes
Total Time: 3–4 hours
Servings: 12–16
Difficulty: Intermediate
Dietary: Vegetarian
Essential Equipment You’ll Need
Must-Have Tools
- Stand Mixer
- Three 8- or 9-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Offset Spatula
Nice-to-Have Extras
- Revolving Cake Stand
- Pastry bag and tips
- Kitchen scale
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Coconut Cake
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 12 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 4 eggs, separated
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 tsp coconut extract
- 1.5 cups desiccated coconut
For the Passionfruit Curd
- 1/4 cup passionfruit concentrate
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 egg yolks
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Preparation Method
Mise en Place
- Measure all ingredients precisely.
- Grease and line cake pans.
- Separate eggs.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cake Baking Steps
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg yolks, coconut extract, and applesauce.
- Whip egg whites separately to soft peaks.
- Gently fold egg whites into batter.
- Sift dry ingredients and fold into wet mixture.
- Divide batter into prepared pans.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
Passionfruit Curd Method
- Whisk curd ingredients over low heat.
- Cook until mixture thickens (about 160°F).
- Remove from heat, whisk in butter.
- Strain and chill for at least 2 hours.
Pro Tips for Wedding Cake Success
Critical Techniques
- Avoid over-mixing cake batter to prevent dense texture.
- Gently fold egg whites to maintain volume.
- Cook curd slowly to prevent scrambling.
Decoration Ideas
- Toast coconut flakes for garnish
- Add fresh passionfruit pulp
- Decorate with edible flowers
Storage and Serving
Storage Guidelines
- Refrigerate cake
- Best consumed within 48 hours
- Bring to room temperature before serving
Variations and Alternatives
Flavor Twists
- Add rum syrup for moisture
- Substitute lemon or mango for passionfruit
- Use gluten-free flour for alternative diets
Common Challenges to Avoid
- Prevent curdled curd by using low heat
- Avoid dry cake through careful mixing
- Ensure stable frosting by not over-whipping
Final Wedding Cake Wisdom
This tropical masterpiece combines the richness of coconut with the bright tang of passionfruit, creating a wedding cake that’s both elegant and memorable. Perfect for destination weddings or couples seeking a unique flavor profile.