Maurilius’s Batica Cake

Make it step by step

1. Dissolve the sugar in water in a heavy-based pan over a slow fire.
2. When the sugar is completely dissolved, add butter.
3. Remember to always keep the heat low.
4. Once butter has melted into the mixture, add the semolina, mix it in well and let cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Next add the coconut, stir till mixed in well and let the mixture cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.
6. Remove from heat and cool completely.
7. Meanwhile, beat the eggs in a clean bowl. Add beaten eggs to the cooled semolina mixture and blend well. I used an electric blender for this step.
8. Preheat oven to 160°C.
9. Put the baking powder in a cup and add 2 tbsps warm (not hot) water to it. It will start to froth.
10. Add the baking powder and vanilla essence to the cake mixture and blend in very well till incorporated.
11. Pour the cake mixture into a greased cake tin and bake at 160°C till a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean (approximately an hour, but could vary, depending on your oven).
12. Remove from the oven, let it cool a bit (cake will pull away from the edges of the tin as it cools). Serve warm.