A traditional school jam and coconut tray bake that I’m sure you will love. Made with super soft sponge with a jam and coconut topping, I promise it’ll be hit with everyone.
The twelfth day of our lock down and I am cooking and baking more than usual. Yesterday while cleaning and sorting my cupboards (at least this quarantine is proving to be somewhat productive) I found a pack of desiccated coconut. And since the popularity of my Old Skool Retro Sprinkle Tray Bake, I thought I’d also re-create the popular jam and coconut bake. Remember these from school? Usually served with custard, it’s a very comforting dessert that always takes me back!
Being at home 24/7 is not too bad after all. I’m finding stuff I didn’t know I had and thinking of recipes from back in the day that I would like to try. This past two weeks I’ve baked 3 types of cakes! I’ll publish them on the blog as soon as I can. But for now, I wanted to share this classic.
The sponge is made using the same method from my other traybake, but with a few minor modifications. I used raspberry jam, but you can also use strawberry depending on your preference or whatever you have available in the cupboard. Some people prefer to use jams without the seeds or bits, but I prefer my topping with extra texture.
Traditional School Jam and Coconut Tray Bake
An old recipe back that reminds us of school days. Try this easy to make traditional jam and coconut tray bake. Serve with warm custard!
Ingredients
Sponge Cake
- 300g butter
- 300g caster sugar
- 300g self raising flour
- 5 large eggs
- 8 tbsp milk
- 1tsp coconut essence or vanilla essence
Cake Topping
- 25g desiccated coconut
- good quality raspberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 160°C (140 fan)/ 325 degrees F or Gas Mark 3.
- Line a 30cm x 23 cm x 3.5cm square tin with greaseproof paper.
- Cream the butter and sugar on medium speed together until smooth. Making sure to add the sugar 2 tbsp at a time. Adding the eggs one by one.
- Once all the eggs have been added, add in the flour using 2 tablespoons at a time to make sure the mixture is smooth.
- When all the flour is added, add the vanilla or coconut essence and mix well.
- Add the milk 2 tablespoons at a time, mixing in between.
- Pour the sponge cake mixture into the tray and bake for around 25-30 minutes.
- Keep an eye on the cake until it turns golden brown. You can see if the cake is done by sticking a toothpick or a knife into the middle of the cake. If it comes out clean then your sponge cake is done.
- Leave the cake to cool in the tin for about 15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack.
- Once the cake has fully cooled down, make the topping by spreading the raspberry jam evenly across the top of the cake.
- Sprinkle the rest of the coconut across the top of the cake.
Notes
If you want a lighter sponge, add a little bit more milk in the mixture.
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17 Comments
Thankyou for the memories x xxxx now x we can beat lock down with cake thankyou
Hi. Would this work with coconut flour? I am gluten free so trying to look for alternatives to regular flour. Thanks😊
Hi Kerry, I am not sure if it’ll work with coconut flour as I have not used it before. Though I might try to use a flour alternative next time I make this recipe, as I have a few people requesting a gluten-free version. Sorry, I’m not much help.
Could you use coconut milk instead of full fat milk?
Hi Dawn, though I have not tried using coconut milk, I cant see why it won’t be OK to use it. 🙂
Hi it says sprinkle the rest of the coconut on the top, was I meant to incorporate it into the cake mix? I didn’t see that in the recipe
Can you freeze it?
Hi Maria, Yes the cake is OK for freezing
Absolutely amazing recipe! Thank you. It went down a treat. I just used 250 g of everything so 4 eggs instead. And also used coconut milk as I don’t buy cows milk.
I made this and it came out great. Thanks
Hi how long do you have to bake this for as new to this baking lark.
Thanks Stuart
Hi Stuart, the cake takes around 25-35 minutes to cook, but all depends on your oven and how big the cake is. I would suggest to check it after 25 minutes, and insert a knife in the middle of the cake, if it comes out clean then the cake is done, if not then leave it for longer. I hope that helps 🙂
Perfect sponge recipe! tasted amazing thank you! X
I was dubious about 140 c fan oven for this cake. It took about 45 minutes but the cake came out ok. I had to sit and watch it . Thank you.
I love this recipe. It is so versatile. I have made the jam and coconut and the sprinkles, I have also made it as a lemon drizzle and chocolate,
Hi Angela! Thanks for the comment and Im glad you enjoyed it. 😊
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