Malibu Rum Glazed Kiwi & Coconut Cake

 

If you're dreaming of a tropical getaway on a plate, this cake is for you.  Come to think of it, I should have stuck a little umbrella in it....And who knew kiwi's could provide so much moisture?  The sweetness of a kiwi cake is somewhat similar to that of a banana-based cake, but kiwi's provide much more tartness and has somewhat of a denser and heavier texture, even with the addition of baking soda and baking powder.  I think the moisture of the kiwi keeps the cake from rising too much (actually it didn't rise much at all) but in the end, the cake is sweet and has a unique texture of all its own.  Almost a fruit-cake quality.

I was approached by Zespri a few weeks ago and asked if I would help create some kiwi recipes for their social media.  I was beyond flattered and excited as kiwi's are one of my favorite fruits, and hello aren't they just gorgeous?!

 

 

The Zespri brand originated in New Zealand back in 1966 and is owned by over 2,500 growers.  Kiwi production constitutes a huge part of the country's economy with its farmers selling over 100 million trays each year! 

Sustainability and protecting the environment is a top priority for Zespri.  So important in fact, they've developed their own growing system that maintains not only consistent size, appearance, and taste for their kiwi's, but also uses environmentally considerate methods to grow, cultivate, store and ship their fruit.

Zespri sent over a beautifully wrapped box filled to the brim with perfectly ripe and candy-like sweet kiwis, which my son was convinced was all for him...as usual.

 

 

Kiwi's are not only a tasty pretty treat, they're also packed with loads of healthy goodness. Here's a list of Zespri's top ten reason's to go Kiwi:

1. Vitamin C - One serving of kiwifruit has 240% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C! This flu-fighter also wards off the effects of aging and stress, and powers up the immune system.
2. Fiber – Rough makes you smooth – two kiwifruit contain more fiber than a bowl of bran cereal. Fiber promotes
   a healthy heart, regular digestion, and helps lower cholesterol levels.
3. Potassium – A serving of kiwifruit has more potassium than a banana. A great fit for active lifestyles, potassium
   maintains fluid and electrolyte balance and releases energy during exercise.
4. Low Glycemic Index – Kiwifruit is an excellent addition to any weight-conscious diet as well as being diabetes friendly. With a low glycemic index (52), this low-fat, low-carb fruit makes a satisfying snack.
5. Antioxidant – Kiwifruit is an antioxidant all-star! Antioxidants attack free radicals and harmful by-products in your body, reducing your risk of cancer, heart disease and stroke.
6. Folate – Kiwifruit contains close to 10% of the recommended daily value of folate, vital for the health of mother and child during pregnancy, and for the prevention of birth defects.
7. Magnesium – Two kiwifruit have a healthy 30 mg of magnesium, which powers up energy levels and improves nerve and muscle function.
8. Lutein – This phytochemical found in kiwifruit helps to prevent age-related blindness and protect eyes against environmental stress and high-energy light.
9. Zinc – Important for boys and men because it helps produce testosterone. Everyone else needs the zinc in kiwifruit for healthy hair, skin, teeth and nails.
10. Vitamin E - Kiwifruit is one of the few low-fat sources of this potent cleanser and antioxidant. It also helps to lower cholesterol and boost the immune system.

Zespri Kiwi's, the ultimate super-food.

Malibu Rum Glazed Kiwi & Coconut Cake
makes one 9" loaf
printable version

Ingredients

For the cake:
1 1/2 cups cut Zespri kiwifruit (about 5 large kiwi's, a little more or less is okay)
1 cup brown sugar
zest of one large lemon
1 egg
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 applesauce
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
1/2 cup desiccated coconut (or any kind of coconut you can find)
2 tablespoons Malibu Rum

For the glaze:
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup Malibu Rum

1 peeled and sliced kiwi, for garnish

Directions:
Preheat over to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9" loaf pan. Line pan with waxed paper.

Peel and chop Kiwi. Place into medium sized saucepan. Add brown sugar and lemon zest.

 

Bring mixture to a boil and cook for one minute. Remove from heat.

 

With a hand mixer, combine egg, oil, applesauce, and Malibu Rum.

 

In a medium sized bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.

 

Add baking soda to the kiwi mixture and stir until it bubbles. 

 

Pour fruit mixture into egg mixture and stir to combine.

 

Fold in the dry ingredients to the fruit and egg mixture.

 

 

Fold in the walnuts and coconut. Stir until just combined.  I found these Ginger Coconut Walnuts which blended perfect with the recipe!

 

Pour batter into prepared pan.  Top with sliced kiwi's.  Bake in preheated oven for 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.

 

Cool cake in pan for 10 minutes, then remove from pan and allow to finish cooling on a wire rack.

Once the cake has cooled, prepare the glaze. Sift the powdered sugar into a small bowl. Add the Malibu Rum and whisk until smooth and shiny. Place cake (still on wire rack) on top of a cookie sheet with edges. Pour glaze evenly over cake, allowing excess to run down into the cookie sheet (makes for easy clean up).

Allow glaze to harden, slice and serve!

Enjoy!

 

Recipe adapted from Cafe Enchantee

 

Kiwi's lovingly provided by Zespri