Jam and Coconut School Cake
A nostalgic British sheet cake made with soft sponge, sweet jam, and a sprinkle of desiccated coconut. Just like the classic school dinner cake, it is simple, comforting, and perfect with a cuppa or a splash of custard.
Servings: 12
Equipment
- 20x30cm Baking Tin 9x12 inch
Ingredients
- 280 g Soft Margarine at room temperature
- 280 g Caster Sugar (Superfine Sugar)
- 5 Free-range Eggs at room temperature
- 280 g Self-raising Flour
- 300 g Seedless Jam (Seedless Jelly)
- 100 g Desiccated Coconut (Shredded Coconut)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°c (160°c for fan-assisted ovens, Gas Mark 4 or 350°F) and a line 20x30cm (12x9-inch) baking tin with greaseproof paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the margarine and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is mixed through before adding the next. If the mxiture appears to curdle, simply add a spoonful of your flour to bring it back togther,.
- Sift in the flour and gently fold to create a batter.
- Transfer the batter to your pre-lined tin and bake in your preheated oven for 30-40 minutes until risen, golden and a skewer inserted comes out clean.
- Leave to cool in the tin for a short while before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once your cake has cooled completely; warm your jam for about 20 seconds in a microwave (this isn't essential but it does make it easier to spread). Spread your jam over the top of your cake, being careful to get right into the corners and edges. Sprinkle your coconut over the top of your jam to finish.
Notes
- Storage: Store your Jam and Coconut Cake in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll keep well for up to 4 days, if it lasts that long!
- Freezing: You can freeze the sponge before adding the jam and coconut. Wrap it tightly in cling film and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature, then finish with jam and coconut before serving.
- Serving: For full school dinner nostalgia, serve with a drizzle of custard (pink or otherwise!).
