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Strawberry Hibiscus & Coconut Cake

August 7, 2018 by Salma Leave a Comment

Strawberry Hibiscus & Coconut Cake | The Polka Dotter
My creative journey into the world of blogging began just over a couple of years ago. Equipped with my camera and love for photography, baking and beautiful ceramics, I started documenting the sweet treats that would emerge from my kitchen.

I’ve always had a strong desire to create, but it took me a long time to appreciate the value in bringing my passions for photography and baking together in a meaningful way for myself and others. I couldn’t have imagined two years ago the opportunities that would arise as a result of this blog, or that I’d be sharing a post like this with you today.

And it is therefore with absolute delight that I present this recipe and collection of images, created in collaboration with internationally acclaimed lifestyle brand, Marimekko, renowned for their iconic, timeless prints. Inspired by the brightly coloured florals of this season’s Rosarium print, I wanted to create a treat that reflected the playful yet sophisticated nature of this collection.

This Strawberry Hibiscus and Coconut Cake is a naked cake comprised of delectable coconut and white chocolate layers filled with tangy strawberry hibiscus cream cheese frosting. The gorgeous vibrant hue of the frosting can be attributed purely to powdered hibiscus flowers and delightfully fragrant freeze dried strawberries. It’s a delightful layer cake to bring in the warmer weather.

All the stunning products seen in this shoot are available from Marimekko and you’re welcome to shop the Rosarium collection here. This is a sponsored post, and as always, all opinions and images are my own.

Strawberry Hibiscus & Coconut Cake | The Polka Dotter
Strawberry Hibiscus & Coconut Cake | The Polka Dotter
Strawberry Hibiscus & Coconut Cake | The Polka Dotter

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Strawberry Hibiscus & Coconut Cake

Strawberry Hibiscus & Coconut Cake | The Polka Dotter
Print Recipe

Makes a four layer 15cm (6”) cake and serves 8-10 people

Ingredients

Scale

Coconut and White Chocolate Cake

  • 180g unsalted butter, coarsely chopped
  • 120g good quality white chocolate, coarsely chopped
  • 330g (1 ½ cups) caster sugar
  • 85ml (1/3 cup) whole milk
  • 85ml (1/3 cup) water
  • 220g (1 ½ cups) plain flour, sifted
  • ¾ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp fine sea salt
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature, lightly whisked
  • 1 tsp good quality coconut essence

Strawberry Hibiscus Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 10g (2 tbsp) freeze dried strawberry powder
  • 10g (2 tbsp) dried hibiscus powder
  • 40ml (2 tbsp) whole milk
  • 200g cream cheese, softened
  • 100g unsalted butter, softened
  • 250g icing sugar, sifted

Decorations

  • ½ cup toasted coconut
  • 2–3 tbsp icing sugar

Instructions

Coconut and White Chocolate Cake

  1. Preheat oven to (170°C/150°C fan-forced) and line two 15cm (6”) round baking pans with greaseproof paper.
  2. Melt butter, white chocolate and sugar in a medium saucepan over low heat. Once melted, slowly add milk then water and stir until smooth.
  3. Transfer mixture to large bowl and allow to cool for about 10 minutes.
  4. In a medium bowl, sift flour together with baking powder and salt, then slowly add to melted ingredients, whisking gently until combined, taking care not to overmix, then gently whisk in eggs and coconut essence.
  5. Divide mixture evenly between prepared cake pans, weighing pans to ensure even distribution.
  6. Bake for approximately 50-55 minutes or until a cake tester inserted comes out clean.

Strawberry Hibiscus Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. Mix strawberry and hibiscus powders in a small bowl with milk to make a thick, dark pink paste. If needed, you may add an extra teaspoon or two of milk to ensure smooth.
  2. Beat butter and cream cheese in free standing mixer with paddle attachment until smooth and well combined, then add in sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
  3. Add pink strawberry hibiscus paste to cream cheese frosting and beat until pink, fluffy and well combined.

Assembly

  1. Assembling this cake is easiest when cake and frosting are both slightly chilled.
  2. Level each cake by slicing off the cake domes, then cut them in half lengthways to yield four cake layers in total. Use the base of one layer for the base of the cake, and the base of the other layer (turned upside down) for the top of the cake to avoid crumbs in the frosting.
  3. Place icing sugar in a large plate or tray, and very gently run sides of each cake layer in the icing sugar, dusting off excess. This gives the aesthetically pleasing white-washed appearance of the finished layer cake.
  4. Place the first layer on a round cake plate or turn-table and spread a quarter of the frosting on top, smoothing with a palate knife. Repeat frosting with each layer then sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes.
  5. Place the cake in the fridge for at least 30-60 minutes to allow the layers to set together, then serve at room temperature, slicing with a clean sharp hot knife.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @thepolkadotter on Instagram and hashtag it #polkadotbakes

Strawberry Hibiscus & Coconut Cake | The Polka Dotter

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Filed Under: Cakes Tagged With: Berries, Coconut, Hibiscus, Strawberry, White chocolate

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Welcome!

Salma Sabdia | Food Photography

Hi, I’m Salma, and I love creating beautiful images and sweet treats. If you’re looking for a little baking inspiration, you’ve come to the right place.

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Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and rememb Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
~ Max Ehrmann

Love this quiet scene at Pappa Sven. It was actually a test shot of the lighting, my first shot of the day. The lovely Libby had handed me a bud vase filled with a casual spray of flowers picked from one of Pappa Sven’s flower pots, and I had set out a few unfrosted coconut cupcakes on a her lovely cake stand, getting them ready to glam up with roasted strawberry icing.

I never usually care too much for my test shots, they are what they are, and I often prefer my last shots of a session, when the cakes are cut, the crumbs are scattered and the drizzles have dripped in their imperfectly perfect ways. And I’ve had a sneaky chance to indulge in whatever dessert I have prepared, all in the name of good photography and recipe testing.

But it’s true what they say, there’s a first time for everything, and this photo may actually be my favourite of the whole shoot, a genuine moment of calm in such a cosy space.

And if I had it my way - I’d share the full un-cropped version with you, that included the beautiful detail of the brick wall across the top of the window, but as Instagram would have it, we are obliged to a 4:5 ratio, so alas today this crop will suffice. 

Also I am absolutely elated and humbled that the tickets to this event are selling so quickly. Thank you to those of you who have already purchased a ticket, it truly means a lot to have you share this event with us 💕

And if you missed the event details - head to my last post or click the link in my profile 😊

#thinkpink #pinkribbon #afternoonteatime #pinkcupcakes #nordiclifestyle #pappasven #fundraiserevent #nbcfaus #foodphotographyandstyling #newcastleevents
Event Announcement! 💕 Join us for an intimate Event Announcement! 💕

Join us for an intimate and heartwarming Pink Ribbon Afternoon Tea, hosted by Salma Sabdia (@thepolkadotter) in the cosy surrounds of Pappa Sven’s Apartment (@pappasvens).

We’re raising funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (@nbcfaus), a cause that’s particularly close to our hearts, and we would love for you to share this special event with us.

Immerse yourself in our much loved ‘Pappa Sven’s Apartment’ and savour a selection of delectable pink-themed cakes, cookies and more, all specially crafted for this occasion. 

Event details:
Saturday 14th October at 2pm
Pappa Sven Apartment in Cooks Hill, NSW, Australia

Click the link in profile for more details and to book your ticket through the @pappasvens website.

We can’t wait to see you there!

#thinkpink #pinkribbon #afternoonteatime #pinkcupcakes #nordiclifestyle #pappasven #fundraiserevent #nbcfaus #foodphotographyandstyling #newcastleevents
Good spring morning 💕 aren’t these blooms abs Good spring morning 💕 aren’t these blooms absolutely stunning? 

Instagram usually has a strong dislike for my floral photography. I suspect they are too much of a departure from cakes and cookies, and it’s considered they may offend my dessert-loving audience 😂

What do you think? Do you like the occasional flower or two to start your day?

#springvibes #springflorals #ranunculus #ranunculusflower #flowerphotoshoot #bridgetbodenham #handmadeceramics #australianphotographer
SAVE THE DATE! OCTOBER 14 💕 We have a VERY sp SAVE THE DATE!

OCTOBER 14 💕

We have a VERY special event coming soon to one of Newcastle’s favourite spaces.

If a little sweet indulgence in a stylish Nordic setting is your idea of a good time, mark the afternoon of Saturday October 14th in your calendars, because you’ll be sharing it with us 😊 and best of all, you’ll be supporting a very worthy cause 💕

Tickets go on sale this week, and with a very intimate gathering planned, they will be limited. Keep an eye out on our socials do you don’t miss out 😊

#strawberrycupcakes #coconutcupcakes #nordiclifestyle #pappasven #pinkribbon #afternoonteatime #fundraiserevent #nbcfaus #foodphotographyandstyling
If you’re looking for the perfect dessert to get If you’re looking for the perfect dessert to get you through this summer weekend weather (at the start of spring!) this divine layered ice cream of strawberry, macadamias and mango will do just the trick 💕

Created last summer for @ausmacadamias | Recipe link in profile

#strawberryicecream #mangoicecream #macadamiaicecream #icecreamdessert #summerdessert #weekenddessert #foodphotographyandstyling #australianmacadamias #queenslandstrawberries #aussiemangoes
SAVE THE DATE! Hey Newcastle! We have been plann SAVE THE DATE! 

Hey Newcastle! We have been planning a VERY special event for you 💕

If a little sweet indulgence in a stylish Nordic setting is your idea of a good time, mark the afternoon of Saturday October 14th in your calendars, because you’ll be sharing it with us 😊 and best of all, you’ll be supporting a very worthy cause 💕

Stay tuned and keep an eye out on our socials, where we’ll be sharing all the details early next week!

#strawberrycupcakes #pappasven #pinkribbon #newcastleevents
Blood orange season has arrived, gently floating i Blood orange season has arrived, gently floating in with the soft spring breezes. It’s always one of my favourite times of the year.

Last year’s signature blood orange cake was this delicately striped Blood Orange + Earl Grey Bundt Cake, a crowd favourite that you can find on the blog.

(Along with the other twelve blood orange recipes. Yes, I just checked and would you believe there are no less than specifically THIRTEEN blood orange recipes. And I still think there’s room for number fourteen 😂). 

What’s your favourite flavour to pair with blood oranges? And are there any blood orange recipes you’d like to see this year?

#bloodorange #bloodorangecake #earlgreycake #bundtcake #teacake #springbaking #weekendbaking #foodphotographyandstyling #harrisfarm #redbellycitrus
The days are saying Spring has arrived. The sunshi The days are saying Spring has arrived. The sunshine is glorious and warms you all the way to the tips of your toes and deep inside your heart and mind.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
And the beautiful shades of magnolia pink and wattle yellow are already starting to retreat, giving way to tiny green shoots. 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
But the nights seem to remind us that Winter will linger a little longer, and to enjoy the indulgence of cosy beverages paired with cosy knits while we still can 💕
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
What’s the weather like in your little corner of the world?

#changeofseasons #cosynights #cosyvibes #bridgetbodenham #marimekko #unikko #teaculture
The magnolias are in full bloom again. It’s alw The magnolias are in full bloom again.

It’s always such a glorious sight to witness. Last year I shared the special story behind our magnolia tree, and I can’t help but share it again after I’ve spent the better part of the last week admiring her brilliant beauty.

The first time she flowered a few years ago, we were completely in awe. We had moved into our home in the middle of a scorching summer drought, and always wondered about this sickly tree that commanded prime position in the front yard.

So imagine our surprise when nine months after living in our home, this bare thin tired tree gave rise to the most stunning, enormous magenta magnolias. 

Every year that has followed we eagerly await the first week of August to indulge in her beauty. Her fuzzy winter coats are shed and give way to the most brilliant shade of deep pink splashed against the fresh greenery of the garden.

Such a special way to welcome in the warmer weather 💕

#magnolias #magnoliaflowers #springblooms #springbaking #flowerphotoshoot
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