Because They Said So Sourdough Apple Coconut Cake

Not that anyone needs an excuse to make cake, we're all free to do as we please. But in reality you need to set some boundaries, and yes, you sort of do need a reason to make cake. Even if it's something like, I knew you were coming so I baked a cake. But more often it's somebody's birthday or graduation, anniversary, retirement, wedding; holiday or bake sale, whatever. Or how 'bout the first day of Spring, that's a good one, right? Orrrrrrrr maybe because Sourdough Surprises said so.  

I hope you're tuning in to Sourdough Surprises each month because if not you really are missing out on some outstanding recipes and ideas. Not to mention you get to make cake because they said this month is all about Cakes!! Can you feel my excitement?! When I read it, I felt like they had announced it was my birthday or something. Like everyday in March was going to be my birthday and I could have cake everyday! You can bet as soon as I read it I was making this cake!

I know, I'm trying to get some help.

But in the mean time, cake. 

I went with an apple coconut cake because I've been having a hankering for that combo for a while now. Back in the day we made an apple coconut muffin that I was quite fond of so I know it would make a great cake. But I didn't know it would be this good! So moist and tender and satisfying it didn't even need frosting and you know how much I love to coat everything with glaze.

Most of the recipes I researched like this and this, used oil but I went with a butter base and I never looked back. And I added extra cinnamon 'cause not only does it go with apples but I love it with coconut. Apples, coconut and cinnamon, do I have to spell it out for you!

sourdough apple coconut cake

1 & 1/4 cups butter, at room temperature
2 cups sugar

3 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups white whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder 
1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup sourdough starter (100% hydration)

1/4 cup orange juice 

2 medium apples, finely chopped

1 cup flaked coconut 

Preheat oven to 350. Butter and flour a 9 inch tube or bundt pan and set aside. In a medium bowl whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon, set aside. 

In a stand mixer, cream butter and add sugar. Beat on medium until light and fluffy, scraping down the beater and bowl as necessary. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. 

Add 1/3 of flour mixture and the starter and beat on medium to blend, scraping down as necessary. Add  another 3rd of the flour and the orange juice and beat to blend. Add the rest of the flour and beat until everything is well mixed. 

By hand fold in apples and coconut making sure everything is well blended. Scrap the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.