To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch (23 cm) cake pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups (190 g) of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. In a separate large bowl, cream 1/2 cup (113 g) of unsalted butter and 3/4 cup (150 g) of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, followed by 1/4 cup (60 ml) of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Next, gradually whisk in the dry ingredients until just combined. Gently fold in 1 pound (450 g) of fresh apricots, pitted and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces. You could also use canned apricots if fresh ones aren’t in season or readily available.
For the coconut crumble, in a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup (30 g) of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (20 g) of shredded coconut, 1/4 cup (50 g) of granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup (57 g) of unsalted butter, cut into small cubes. Rub the mixture together with your fingertips until large crumbs form.
Pour the apricot batter into the prepared cake pan and sprinkle the coconut crumble over the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve this apricot cake with coconut crumble as a brunch or dessert treat, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also keeps well covered at room temperature for a couple of days, making it perfect for taking to a potluck or sharing with friends and family.
Overall, this apricot cake with coconut crumble is an easy and delicious way to incorporate this tasty fruit into your baking repertoire. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adjusted to suit any taste, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of nuts or spices in the crumble topping. Happy baking!