Okay, we’re just coming into the month of June which means that we’re well and truly back in the season of school trips, end of term parties and summer picnics 🙂

Here’s a really simple ‘mix and bake’ cake that I’ve been making for years.  So simple that DD9 can make it all on her own – though I generally get left with the washing up while she licks the bowl…  It’s a plain ‘tray bake’ kind of cake which doesn’t need any icing – which means even less work for the cook!  The dried coconut makes it lovely and sweet and moist.  You can, if you wish, jazz it up by adding chocolate chips or e.g. cranberries – that way, people won’t notice that you keep bringing the same cake to parties! ;D

You’ll need: 

• 800 ml dried coconut (use a jug to measure)
• 150 ml plain flour (use a jug to measure)
• 400 ml sugar (use a jug to measure) – you can use less if you wish
• 1-2 teaspoons vanilla powder
• 250g butter or margarine (one tub)
• 4 eggs
• OPTIONAL: about 100g (4oz) cranberries, raisins, chocolate chips, chopped apricot, chopped nuts 

Put everything into a bowl.  (I take the butter or margarine out of the fridge about 1 hour before I’m going to use it – that way you can mix it straight in.  If you’re running short of time, go ahead and melt it.)  Mix well to make sure that everything is moist.  That’s it! 😀  Remember to mix in any optional extras like chocolate chips.

Pour the mixture into a baking tray (I always line mine with baking paper for easy removal and wash-up) – size approx. 30×40 cm – and spread it out evenly.  Pop into the oven for about 30 minutes at 200c (400f).

Check after 30 minutes.  If it isn’t golden brown and springy, give it another 5 or 10 minutes.  Let it cool in tray and then slice into squares.

Unfortunately I don’t have a picture of the finished cake…DD9 took it to school before I could snap one!  Luckily, there were two pieces left.  One of which I ate (mmm!) and the other tiny piece is Daddys! ;D

Bon appétit!

Have a terrific Tuesday! 🙂