Coconut Bliss Cake (Harissah)
Indulge in a slice of Coconut Bliss Cake, a delightful dessert inspired by traditional Middle Eastern flavors. This moist, fragrant cake boasts a rich coconut flavor reminiscent of your favorite coconut macaroons, but transformed into a luscious cake form. Originating from the Jordanian and Palestinian regions, this version of Harissah is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings or as a sweet treat for any occasion. The cake is soaked in a sweet syrup, achieving just the right balance of moisture and sweetness. It's easy to prepare and features a blend of simple ingredients, making it a wonderful addition to your dessert repertoire. If you can't find unsweetened coconut, substitute with sweetened coconut, adjusting the sugar content accordingly for a perfectly balanced sweetness.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
2 cups (Granulated.)
Eggs
6 (Large, at room temperature.)
Corn Oil
2 cups (Vegetable or canola oil can be substituted.)
Milk
1 1/2 cups (Whole or any milk of choice.)
Baking Powder
2 tablespoons (Leavening agent.)
Vanilla Extract
1 dash (For flavor.)
Lemon Juice
1 teaspoon (Freshly squeezed.)
Flour
2 cups (All-purpose flour.)
Shredded Unsweetened Coconut
4 cups (Typically found in Middle Eastern stores.)
Water
2 cups (For making syrup.)
Sugar (for syrup)
2 cups (Granulated.)
Vanilla (for syrup)
1 dash (Optional, for flavor.)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Coconut Bliss Cake?
Coconut Bliss Cake, also known as Harissah, is a moist and fragrant Middle Eastern dessert inspired by traditional Jordanian and Palestinian flavors.
What does Harissah taste like?
It features a rich coconut flavor reminiscent of coconut macaroons but in a soft, luscious cake form.
Where does this version of Harissah originate?
This recipe is inspired by traditional versions found in the Jordanian and Palestinian regions.
What makes the cake so moist?
The cake achieves its moisture from a combination of corn oil, milk, and a sweet syrup soak applied after baking.
Can I use sweetened coconut instead of unsweetened?
Yes, you can substitute with sweetened coconut, but you should adjust the added sugar in the recipe to maintain a balanced sweetness.
Where can I find shredded unsweetened coconut?
It is typically available in Middle Eastern grocery stores or the baking aisle of most well-stocked supermarkets.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 large eggs at room temperature.
What type of oil is best for this cake?
Corn oil is suggested, but vegetable or canola oil can be used as effective substitutes.
What kind of milk should I use?
You can use 1.5 cups of whole milk or any milk of your choice.
How much baking powder is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of baking powder as a leavening agent.
Is lemon juice used in the cake?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice is included in the ingredients.
What type of flour is recommended?
All-purpose flour is the standard choice for this recipe.
How much coconut is in the cake?
The recipe uses 4 cups of shredded unsweetened coconut.
What is the purpose of the syrup?
The sweet syrup is used to soak the cake after baking, ensuring it is perfectly sweet and moist.
What ingredients are in the syrup?
The syrup consists of 2 cups of water, 2 cups of sugar, and an optional dash of vanilla.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe that uses simple ingredients, making it a great addition to any dessert repertoire.
Should the eggs be cold?
No, the eggs should be at room temperature for the best results in the batter.
How much sugar is in the cake batter?
There are 2 cups of granulated sugar in the cake batter itself.
Is vanilla extract included?
Yes, a dash of vanilla extract is used in the cake for flavor.
What is the ingredient count for this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients listed for this cake and its syrup.
Is this a good dessert for gatherings?
Yes, it is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for gatherings or special occasions.
Is there a specific prep for the sugar?
The sugar should be granulated for both the cake and the syrup.
How much water is needed for the syrup?
You will need 2 cups of water to create the soaking syrup.
Can I add extra flavor to the syrup?
Yes, adding a dash of vanilla to the syrup is an optional way to enhance the flavor.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a dessert and specifically a Middle Eastern cake.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Tags include dessert, cake, middle eastern, coconut, harissah, and easy recipe.
Is the coconut shredded or flaked?
The recipe specifies shredded unsweetened coconut.
Does the cake have a strong aroma?
Yes, it is described as a fragrant cake thanks to the coconut and vanilla.
Is corn oil mandatory?
No, while recommended, you can substitute it with any neutral oil like vegetable or canola.
How is the sweetness balanced?
The sweetness is balanced by the ratio of coconut to sugar and the moisture provided by the soaking syrup.