Coconut and Jam Cake Bars

Coconut and Jam Cake Bars

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup milk
• Pinch of salt

For the Topping:

• 1 cup fruit jam (apricot, peach, or any jam of your choice)
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, depending on your preference)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a rectangular baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
   • Stir in the vanilla extract.
   • In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined.
2. Bake the Cake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
   • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
   • Allow the cake to cool completely.
3. Add the Jam and Coconut:
   • Once the cake is cool, spread a generous layer of fruit jam over the top of the cake.
   • Sprinkle shredded coconut evenly over the jam layer.
4. Chill and Serve:
   • Place the cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the jam to set.
   • Once chilled, cut the cake into bars or squares.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Serve the coconut and jam cake bars as a snack or dessert. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

These bars are a wonderful balance of sweetness from the jam, richness from the cake, and a tropical touch from the coconut. You can experiment with different types of jam depending on your taste preference. Let me know if you would like more variations or ideas!