Step 8: Glaze the Cake
Once the cake has cooled, use a skewer or fork to poke small holes all over the surface of the cake. This will allow the glaze to seep into the cake and add extra moisture and flavor.
Slowly pour the warm glaze over the cake, letting it soak in.
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of unsweetened shredded coconut over the top for an added touch of texture and flavor.
Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Orange Coconut Cake
Use fresh ingredients: Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest make a huge difference in flavor. Avoid bottled juice, as it lacks the vibrant citrus taste that fresh juice provides.
Room-temperature butter and eggs: Ensure your butter is at room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. Cold butter won’t mix well and can result in a dense cake. Similarly, room-temperature eggs mix more evenly into the batter.
Don’t overmix the batter: Once you’ve added the flour mixture, be gentle. Overmixing the batter can cause the cake to be tough instead of light and airy.
Check for doneness early: Every oven is different, so start checking your cake for doneness at the 30-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is ready.
