Raffaello Cake

Ingredients

• 1Basic vanilla sponge (see recipe), 8-inch
• 1/2 cupVanilla soaking syrup (see recipe)
• 1 cupWhipped cream
• 1/4 cupWhite chocolate (melted)
• 1/2 tspCoconut essence
• 2 tbsp + extra for coatingDesiccated coconut
• 1 handfulWhole almonds (centre per Raffaello tradition)

Method

1. 1

   Fold cooled melted white chocolate into whipped cream. Add coconut essence and 2 tbsp desiccated coconut.

2. 2

   Slice the vanilla sponge into 3 layers.

3. 3

   Soak each with syrup. Spread coconut-white-chocolate cream between each layer. Optionally place a few whole almonds embedded in the cream of each layer.

4. 4

   Stack, crumb-coat, chill.

5. 5

   Final coat with the coconut cream. Press generous handfuls of desiccated coconut all over the sides and top until completely white-and-fluffy looking.