Caramel Coconut Delight: A Treat for your Celebration

Friday of Easter week is a Solemnity, so instead of a meatless recipe, Monica Portogallo shares a celebratory dessert. Download our printable recipe card!

Sometimes, even when you are a nutritionist, the occasion calls for a decadent dessert. Celebrating Christ’s Victory over Death (AKA the Easter Octave) is one such occasion.  

When it’s an eight-day celebration, though, the dietitian side of me often compels me to make those decadent desserts in slightly healthier versions. Below is one such creation; it has a little whole wheat flour and a little less oil and sugar than the original recipe that inspired it, but it still has lots of delicious flavor.  

Caramel Coconut Delight

Cake 

• 1 cup all-purpose flour 
• ½ cup whole wheat flour  
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 
• 1/2 tsp salt 
• 1/4 cup oil (sunflower, canola, etc.) 
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce  
• 3/4 cup sugar 
• 3 eggs  
• 1/2 cup milk 
• 3/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut 
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (or ¾ cup regular chocolate chips) 
• 2 tbsp each shredded coconut and chocolate chips for top (optional) 

Caramel Sauce 

• ¼ cup white sugar  
• ¼ cup brown sugar (golden coconut sugar works too!) 
• ¼ cup butter 
• 2 tbsp milk 

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8” x 8” baking pan. 

In a large bowl, stir together the flours, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. 

In a separate bowl, combine the oil, applesauce, sugar, eggs, and milk. 

Pour the liquid mixture into the flour mixture and stir until combined. Fold in the coconut and chocolate chips. 

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the top with shredded coconut and chocolate chips, if desired. 

Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.  

While the cake is baking, prepare the caramel sauce. Place the sugars, butter, and milk in a small saucepan over medium heat and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture starts to thicken. 

Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes. Cut into squares and drizzle the caramel sauce on top to serve. 

What dessert does your family enjoy at celebrations? Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2024 Monica Portogallo
Images: Copyright 2024 Monica Portogallo, all rights reserved.