Herman the German Friendship Coconut and Cherry Cake

This is the third cake I have made with this starter.

Hello, my name is Herman. I am a sourdough cake.

My starter is designed to sit on your worktop at room temperature (18-20ºC) for 10 days without a lid.

Day 1: Place the starter in a large bowl and cover loosely with a tea towel.

Day 2: Stir well

Day 3: Stir well

Day 4: The starter is hungry. Add 1 cup each of plain flour (150g), sugar (220g) and milk (250ml). Stir well.

Day 5: Stir well

Day 6: Stir well

Day 7: Stir well

Day 8: Stir well

Day 9: Add the same ingredients as day 4 and stir well. Divide into 4 equal portions and give friends 1 portion with a copy of these instructions. Keep at least 1 portion for yourself.

Day10: The starter is ready to make the cake.

Ingredients make 20 slices

1 portion starter (320g)

160 ml vegetable oil

150 ml milk

2 eggs (100g)

1 cup sugar (220g)

½ tsp. salt

2 cups plain flour (300g)

2 tsp baking powder

100 g desiccated coconut

100 g finely chopped glacé cherries

Method

Preheat the oven to 170º C normal bake (150º C fan forced). Line a 26 x 18 x 4 cm cake tin with baking paper. Place the starter, oil, milk, eggs, sugar and salt in a large mixing bowl and whisk until combined. Add flour, baking powder, coconut and cherries, blend until evenly mixed. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared tin. Spread ¼ cup shredded coconut (20g), ¼ cup white sugar (55g) and ¼ cup melted butter (55g) on top of the batter. Bake in the oven for approx. 45 minutes and allow cooling before cutting. Keep the cake stored in closed containers in the fridge.

Note: Try adding other ingredients such as pineapple pieces.