Something to celebrate: Lime and coconut cloud cake

Something to celebrate

Story by Mel Amos. Photograph by Jason Porter.

Delicate but delightfully citrus-y, this cake is perfect for celebrating birthdays, new babies or just because! I’ve used limes here, but feel free to use whichever citrus takes your fancy. We all need something to celebrate at the moment, so why not celebrate the flavours of spring citrus with this beautiful cake.

Lime and coconut cloud cake serves 12

Ingredients Lime curd

5 eggs 120g caster sugar 120g lime juice (approx 4 limes) Finely grated zest of 2 limes 140g unsalted butter, softened and diced Lime and coconut sponge 6 eggs 170g caster sugar 1 tsp vanilla paste Finely grated zest of 2 limes 100g plain flour 55g cornflour 50g desiccated coconut Pinch salt

90g unsalted butter, melted and cooled

Meringue 180g egg whites (approx 5 eggs) 1/4 tsp cream of tartar 300g caster sugar

To assemble

200ml pouring cream Pure icing sugar, for dusting

Method

Lime curd Whisk eggs and sugar together in a bowl. Add lime juice and zest, whisk together well. Place the bowl over a pot of gently simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Give it a whisk every few minutes and scrape down the sides of the bowl as it thickens to the consistency of thick cream – around 20-25 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes. Add the butter and using a stick blender, blend until the butter is fully incorporated and the curd is smooth. Cover with cling wrap placed directly onto the curd to prevent a skin forming. Refrigerate until completely cooled.

Sponge Preheat the oven to 170C. Grease and line a 23cm springform cake tin with baking paper.

Using a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, mix eggs, sugar, vanilla paste and zest on high speed for at least five minutes until pale, very thick and increased in volume.

Sift flour and cornflour together, then add the coconut. Using a metal spoon or spatula, fold half of the flour mixture through the beaten egg mixture. Add the remaining flour mixture and again fold through quickly – don’t overmix, or you’ll knock out the air.

Pour melted butter into a large bowl. Add a small amount of the egg mixture and gently fold through. Add the remaining egg mixture, again taking care not to overmix. Spoon batter into the prepared cake tin.

Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the cake springs back when pressed gently in the centre. Cool in the tin for 10 minutes before removing and cooling on a wire rack.

Meringue Preheat the oven to 150C. Grease and line two 23cm springform cake tins. If you don’t have two tins, trace two 23cm circles onto your baking paper to use as a template.

Place egg whites and cream of tartar into a clean mixer bowl. Using a clean whisk attachment, mix on medium speed until soft ribbons form. Add sugar in a thin, steady stream over a minute or two. Continue whisking until mixture is thick, stiff and glossy. Divide meringue equally between the two tins (or your two templates) then smooth over the surface to create an even layer while creating some decorative peaks.

Place meringues into the oven for 35 minutes. Leaving meringues in the oven, turn off the heat and leave the door ajar, until they’ve cooled. Once completely cool, remove meringues from their tins. Set aside until required.

Assembly Whip cream to soft peaks, set aside. Using a bread knife, cut the sponge in half horizontally through the middle. Take one of the halves and place it cut side up on your serving plate or cake stand. Take a couple of tablespoonfuls of lime curd and spread over the sponge. Place one meringue layer on top. Spread the majority of the lime curd onto this meringue layer, reserving a couple of tablespoonfuls. Now top the curd with dollops of whipped cream (don’t worry if the curd and cream start spilling out the sides a little – this adds to the cake’s beauty). Place the second sponge half on top, spread the remaining spoonfuls of curd onto the sponge and top with the second meringue layer. Dust with icing sugar. Refrigerate until serving. Best eaten within a day or two.

Renovation inspiration

If you’re looking to tranform your home over the spring months, look no further than these six local businesses that could have just what you’re looking for.

Above: Outdoor dining in style – designed by Adelaide Outdoor Kitchens.

GOOLWA KITCHENS

While kitchen trends may come and go, Goolwa Kitchens are all about finding the design that’s right for you. Creating custom-designed kitchens and cabinetry since 2001, our knowledgeable staff will guide you through every step of the process in bringing your kitchen dreams into reality. With a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility right here on the Fleurieu, your kitchen will be made with precision from the best quality materials. Contact our team to start creating a kitchen you’ll love. goolwakitchens.com.au

BETTA QUALITY CURTAINS & BLINDS

Don’t let your window furnishings be an afterthought – choose your curtains, blinds, shutters and awnings early to allow for seamless integration in your build or renovation. Including window furnishings early in your home renovation planning can make all the difference to the final look and feel of your home, helping to finish off your style theme and tie the overall look together. Visit our official LUXAFLEX® gallery showroom and we’ll work with you and your budget to find the perfect solution for your home renovation project. bettaquality.luxaflex.com.au

COASTAL HABITAT FURNITURE STORE

Coastal Habitat is a family-owned business in Victor Harbor and proudly supports SA and Australian furniture manufacturers along with IMG Comfort, Lazboy and many others. Our enthusiastic team is happy to help homeowners choose the right design and colour for your home. Pop into the store and be inspired to create your new space with our exciting range of furniture for the lounge, dining and bedroom along with everchanging homewares including art, rugs, lighting and more. coastalhabitatfurniture.com.au

BEV’S REMNANT HOUSE

A newcomer to Willunga’s High Street, Bev’s Remnant House offers unique and inspiring fabrics and homewares to transform any space into a warm and homely environment. Visit our new home in the Spock Sisters building and browse the extensive range of remnant fabrics from European fabric houses, local brands and designers, as well as our large range of Indian hand woodblock fabrics. We can make cushions and lampshades, or arrange upholstery, curtains and blinds for your new renovations. Open Wednesday to Saturday. bevsremnanthouse.com.au

ENHANCE POLISHED CONCRETE

On your next renovation project, consider transforming your existing concrete floors into something truly unique and beautiful. Seamless and hygienic with visual appeal and character, each polished concrete floor is individual. With the right machinery and knowledge, each vintage concrete floor will harness thermal mass properties, be hard wearing, smooth and easy to clean. The cost can be comparative to tiles or timber floors and there’s no mess thanks to our top notch dust extraction practices. Contact us for more information. enhancepolishedconcrete.com.au

ADELAIDE OUTDOOR KITCHENS

With over 25 years of experience in residential and commercial design and building, Justin and the team at Adelaide Outdoor Kitchens know how to turn your dream home into a reality. Known for bringing the ultimate outdoor lifestyle to their clients with custom outdoor kitchens, they also specialise in concrete benchtops, custom furniture, concrete basins and gorgeous bathroom vanities. The showroom is open and welcoming visitors by appointment. adelaideoutdoorkitchens.com.au