Best African Ginger Cake Recipes

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AFRICAN GINGER CAKE



African Ginger Cake image

Make and share this African Ginger Cake recipe from Food.com.

Provided by milocompany

Categories     Dessert

Time 30m

Yield 20 pieces

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 cups flour, sifted
6 tablespoons sugar
3 teaspoons ginger
1/2 teaspoon red pepper, ground
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup water

Steps:

  • Sift the dry ingredients together into a bowl.
  • Rub in the fat thoroughly.
  • Add the liquid and mix to a firm dough.
  • Roll out on a floured board about 3/8 inch thick.
  • Cut into rounds.
  • Bake on a greased cookie sheet for about 15 minutes at 350 degrees.

APRIL BLOOMFIELD'S GINGER CAKE



April Bloomfield's Ginger Cake image

A spicy British classic made with fresh and dried ginger, this cake is just right for teatime. The recipe comes from chef April Bloomfield's book "A Girl and Her Pig."

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cake Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 cup boiling water
1 cup unsulfured light molasses (not blackstrap)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup packed dark-brown sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup finely grated fresh ginger

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees with a rack set in the center. Generously butter an 8-inch round, 3-inch high springform pan. Line bottom with parchment paper and place on baking sheet.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. In a small saucepan, stir together boiling water, molasses, and baking soda until molasses has completely dissolved.
  • Place butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes, scraping down sides of bowl as necessary. Reduce speed to medium-low and add egg; mix until combined. Add grated ginger and mix to combine.
  • Add flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the molasses mixture, scraping down sides as necessary. Batter will be very wet. Pour batter into prepared pan and transfer to oven. Bake until a cake tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 1 hour. Let cool slightly before removing ring from springform pan; serve warm.

WEST AFRICAN LIME CAKE



West African Lime Cake image

This is such an easy cake that even the kids can make it with some adult supervision.

Provided by seattlelove

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     African

Time 35m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup white sugar
2 ½ tablespoons butter, softened
2 eggs, beaten
1 lime, juiced
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon chopped peanuts, or to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Grease and flour an 8x8-inch baking dish.
  • Beat sugar and butter together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes; beat in eggs and lime juice. Stir flour and baking powder into butter mixture until combined. Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
  • Bake in preheated oven until brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Garnish with chopped peanuts.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 157.1 calories, Carbohydrate 29.1 g, Cholesterol 37.4 mg, Fat 3.5 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 2.8 g, SaturatedFat 1.8 g, Sodium 98.5 mg, Sugar 16.8 g

FRESH GINGER CAKE



Fresh Ginger Cake image

David Lebovitz's headily spiced cake, which Amanda Hesser wrote about in The Times in 1999, calls for a quarter-pound of fresh ginger. Mr. Lebovitz, who was a pastry chef at Chez Panisse in Berkeley, Calif., has since had a long career as a cookbook author and blogger. But this recipe, from his second cookbook, "Room for Dessert," is from relatively early in his writing career. Boldly flavored with just cinnamon, cloves, black pepper and, yes, a lot of fresh ginger, it is simplicity exemplified, coming together quickly and without a mixer. The cake - much like the recipe itself - ages well, its flavors melding and deepening over time.

Provided by Amanda Hesser

Categories     cakes, dessert

Time 2h

Yield 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup mild molasses
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup neutral oil, such as grapeseed, vegetable or canola
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons baking soda
4 ounces fresh ginger, peeled, sliced and finely chopped
2 eggs, at room temperature

Steps:

  • Position rack in center of oven and heat to 350 degrees. Line a 9-inch round cake pan with 3-inch sides, or a 9-inch springform pan, with a circle of parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl, mix together the molasses, sugar and oil. In separate medium bowl, sift together flour, cinnamon, cloves and black pepper.
  • In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup water to a boil. Stir in baking soda, then mix hot water into molasses mixture. Stir in ginger.
  • Gradually whisk the dry ingredients into batter. Add eggs, and continue mixing until everything is thoroughly combined. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, and bake for about 1 hour, until the top of cake springs back lightly when pressed or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of cake browns too quickly before cake is done, drape a piece of foil over it and continue baking.
  • Cool cake for at least 30 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of cake to loosen it from pan. Invert cake onto a cooling rack, and remove parchment paper.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 504, UnsaturatedFat 21 grams, Carbohydrate 71 grams, Fat 23 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 5 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 279 milligrams, Sugar 45 grams, TransFat 0 grams

LOUISIANA GINGERBREAD (STAGE PLANKS OR MULE BELLIES)



Louisiana Gingerbread (Stage Planks or Mule Bellies) image

Provided by Julia Moskin And Kim Severson

Categories     easy, quick, dessert

Time 30m

Yield About 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

Butter for pan and parchment paper
1 cup molasses
1/2 cup shortening, preferably trans fat-free
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, like muscovado
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
3 cups flour, more as needed.

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 400 degrees. Butter a rimmed sheet pan and line it with buttered parchment paper. In a small pan, melt molasses, shortening and ginger together over low heat. Transfer to mixer and mix at medium speed until well blended and slightly cooled, about 3 minutes. Mix in sugar.
  • Dissolve baking soda in a tablespoon of hot water and mix into molasses mixture. Working in alternating batches and mixing well after each addition, mix in buttermilk and flour; batter should be quite stiff, not runny. Add more flour a tablespoon at a time, if needed.
  • Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake in lower third of oven 10 to 12 minutes, until risen and firm. Cool in pan on rack. Cut into rectangles or use cookie cutters to make shapes.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 313, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 52 grams, Fat 10 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 4 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 157 milligrams, Sugar 28 grams, TransFat 1 gram

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African Ginger Cake Recipes: A Cultural Delight

Ginger has always been an important ingredient in African cuisine. This spice is known for its unique aroma and flavor, which can add a touch of warmth to any dish. One of the most popular ginger delicacy is the African Ginger cake. This cake not only tastes delicious but also holds a significant cultural significance. In this article, we will explore the African ginger cake recipe, its history and cultural significance.

The History of African Ginger Cake

The African Ginger cake has a fascinating history that dates back to the colonial era. Ginger was introduced to African cuisine during the slave trade era, as trading establishments along the west coast of Africa created trade routes between Africa and the Caribbean. The spice was particularly popular among the coastal tribe and was quickly incorporated into local cuisine.

One of the most iconic ginger desserts that emerged from African cuisine was the Ginger cake. The cake spread quickly throughout the continent and became a popular delicacy, particularly in South African countries like Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa. Today, the recipe has become a staple in most households and is often made during special occasions like weddings, birthdays and festivals.

The Cultural Significance of African Ginger Cake

The African Ginger cake holds significant cultural significance in many African countries. Here are the main reasons:

  1. Symbol of Celebration: Ginger cake is often prepared and enjoyed during special celebrations like weddings and festivals. It is a symbol of joy, happiness and community in many African cultures.
  2. Ritual Offering: Ginger is known for its medicinal and healing properties, and the Ginger Cake is believed to have purifying and cleansing properties. It is often included in rituals, particularly among ethnic groups like the Venda people of South Africa, who use the cake as an offering in traditional ceremonies.
  3. Traditional Medicine: As earlier mentioned, ginger is known for its medicinal properties, and the cake is believed to have healing properties. In some African cultures, it is used to alleviate stomach and joint pains, colds, and flu.
The Ingredients for a Perfect African Ginger Cake Recipe

There are many ways to make African Ginger Cake. Still, the main ingredients are ginger, flour, and sugar. Other flavor enhancing ingredients such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla can also be added to the recipe. Below is an ingredient list for an African Ginger Cake recipe.

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 and 1/2 cups of sugar
  • 2 tbsp of baking powder
  • 1 tbsp of ground ginger
  • 1 tsp of cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp of nutmeg
  • 1 tsp of vanilla extract
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 1/2 cup of canola oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup of finely grated fresh ginger
  • 1/2 tsp of salt
How to Make African Ginger Cake

Now that you have the ingredients let's jump into how to make an African Ginger Cake Recipe. Here are the steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. Grease a 9-inch cake pan with non-stick baking spray and dust the pan with flour.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, sift flour, baking powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg together. Add salt and sugar.
  4. In a separate bowl, add the grated fresh ginger, oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until it forms a smooth mixture.
  5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl and mix until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
  6. Pour the prepared batter into the greased cake pan and bake for 35 - 45 minutes (depending on your oven strength) or until cooked. You can determine if the cake is cooked by sticking a toothpick in the middle of the cake. If the toothpick comes out clean, your cake is cooked.
  7. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and place it on a cooling rack until it cools completely.
  8. Dust some icing sugar on the top of the cake before serving.
Conclusion

The African Ginger cake recipe is a delicious delicacy that has a rich cultural significance in many African countries. It is not only a symbol of celebration but also holds traditional medicinal properties. The taste and aroma of this cake will transport you to the streets of Africa. If you haven't tried it, now would be the perfect time to bake your own.

Valuable Tips When Making African Ginger Cake Recipes

Are you looking for an easy and delicious ginger cake recipe with an African twist? If so, you're in luck. Ginger cake has roots in traditional African cuisines and is a perfect dessert for any occasion. However, making an authentic ginger cake might be a tad bit challenging for some. Therefore, we've compiled a list of invaluable tips that will come in handy when making African ginger cake recipes. Keep on reading to learn more.
1. Grate Fresh Ginger
The base of the ginger cake is fresh ginger, which is the key component to give your cake its signature flavor. Therefore, it's best to use fresh ginger rather than ginger powder to make an authentic African ginger cake. When grating ginger, you'll want to use the fine side of a box grater or a microplane grater. Grating ginger is tedious work, but it's worth it to have that vibrant taste in the final product.
2. Use Brown Sugar
In most ginger cake recipes, brown sugar serves as the primary sweetener, and it is best to stick with it. Brown sugar gives the cake richness and depth of flavor, which makes it perfect for this recipe. Feel free to experiment with other sweeteners, but for an authentic African ginger cake, we recommend using brown sugar.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Separately
To achieve the perfect texture and consistency in your cake, ensure that you combine the dry and wet ingredients separately. Sift the dry ingredients, including the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and spices. In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients, including the molasses, brown sugar, eggs, grated ginger, and melted butter. Ensure that both mixtures are well combined, then slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. This will ensure that the cake batter is evenly mixed and without any lumps.
4. Don't Overmix the Cake Batter
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when preparing ginger cake is overmixing the batter. Overmixing makes the cake tough, and it loses its light and fluffy texture. Once all the ingredients are combined, mix the batter gently and sparingly. You want to avoid any big lumps, but keep the air in the cake batter to make it rise during baking.
5. Use the Right Baking Pan
Ensuring that the cake is baked evenly is also crucial to achieving a perfect ginger cake. And the type of baking pan you use can greatly impact the final product. For an African ginger cake, use a 9-inch round or square cake pan, or a bundt pan. These are the traditional baking pans used in most ginger cake recipes, and they ensure that your cake is evenly baked.
6. Add a Syrup Glaze on Top
For an extra kick, you can add a syrup glaze on top of the ginger cake. The syrup adds a lovely sweetness to the cake and adds beauty to the icing of the cake. Prepare the syrup glaze by heating up butter, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes. Once the glaze thickens and becomes syrupy, drizzle it over the cooled cake.
7. Store the Cake Properly
If you're not planning to serve your cake immediately, storing it in the right way is essential to keep it fresh for a longer time. Allow the cake to cool for at least 30 minutes before you wrap it and store it in an airtight container. You can also place it in the fridge, and it can last up to five days.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are some tips you should follow when making African ginger cake recipes. Ensure to use fresh ginger, brown sugar, and mix the wet and dry ingredients separately. Also, don't overmix the batter, use the right baking pan, add a syrup glaze on top, and store the cake properly. Follow these valuable tips, and you'll be sure to have a delicious and authentic African ginger cake.

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