Coconut Caramel Chocolate Cake (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Topping

01 - 113 g unsalted butter
02 - 165 g light brown sugar, packed
03 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
04 - 180 g sweetened flaked coconut

→ Cake

05 - 95 g all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
06 - 36 g unsweetened Dutch process cocoa powder
07 - 0.75 teaspoon baking soda
08 - 0.25 teaspoon salt
09 - 113 g unsalted butter, at room temperature
10 - 200 g granulated sugar
11 - 2 large eggs
12 - 2.25 teaspoons vanilla extract
13 - 160 ml whole milk

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 175°C. Very lightly spray the edges of a 25 cm cast iron skillet with cooking spray.
02 - Melt the butter in the prepared skillet over medium heat until foaming. Whisk in brown sugar and cook, whisking constantly for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is bubbling and thickened. Carefully add vanilla extract, whisking to incorporate.
03 - Remove skillet from heat and let caramel cool slightly for 1 minute. Sprinkle sweetened flaked coconut evenly over the caramel layer. Set skillet aside.
04 - In a medium bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to blend, then set aside.
05 - In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, less than 2 minutes.
06 - Reduce mixer speed to low. Add eggs one at a time, scraping down sides and mixing well after each addition. Increase speed to high and beat until the mixture is light and increased in volume, about 1 minute. Stir in vanilla extract.
07 - On low speed, mix in half of the flour mixture, followed by half of the milk. Repeat with remaining flour and milk. Mix until just combined; some dry flour may be visible.
08 - Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat on high speed for exactly 8 seconds to finish the batter. Do not overmix.
09 - Pour batter gently over the coconut layer in the skillet and spread into an even layer using an offset spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10 - Transfer skillet to a wire rack and cool for 5 minutes. Invert onto a plate using oven mitts. Allow to cool for 20 minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.

# Notes:

01 - for best texture and flavor, serve the cake on the day of baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.