In a nutshell this is a sponge cake soaked in milk which is why it has milk oozing out its pores and screamin’ to be eaten. Yes oozing. Oh and another thing, its eaten cold – ice cold, with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and if you like, topped with your favorite fruit. Either way you’re gonna love it.
In a large mixing bowl combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
Separate egg yolks and egg whites. In a separate bowl beat the yolks with ¾ cup of sugar. Mix in the vanilla and coconut milk.
Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture and mix these gently until combined.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites on high until you have soft peaks. Add ¼ cup sugar and beat on high until stiff peaks form.
Fold egg whites into the flour batter gently.
Pour the batter into a pretty serving pan and spread out until batter looks even.
Bake for 20-25 minutes. Check to make sure cake is ready by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If the toothpick comes out clean it’s ready. Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 20 minutes.
While the cake is still warm, pierce the cake all over with a fork making sure you pierce the edges. This will allow the milk mixture to drain into the cake when you pour it over the pierced cake.
Whip together the evaporated milk, the sweet condensed milk, coconut milk, and splash of rum (optional). This will make about 3 cups.
Slowly pour about 2 ½ cups over the entire cake. The milk will puddle over the cake. Make sure to get around the edges. Don’t worry about the puddling of the milk the sponge cake will absorb it in about 30 minutes. Save the rest of the milk for later. Cover the cake with plastic wrap, place in the fridge, and chill for about 4 hours or overnight.
Frosting:
In a large mixing bowl add the cold whipping cream and sugar and mix on high until fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. Reserve in a covered container in the fridge until ready to use.
Ladle a tablespoon of the leftover milk onto a serving plate. Place a piece of cake on the milk, add a dollop of whipping cream, sprinkle with toasted coconut, and top with pineapple chunks or your favorite fruit. Garnish with mint spring.
*Note: Toast coconut in a warm skillet without any oil. It toasts quickly so don’t leave unattended.
Notes
Be sure to make it the day before you plan to serve it, this will give the cake time to get really cold and all three milks to become one with the cake. The cold and creamy texture of this cake is perfect after a spicy meal.