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Spicy Ginger Cayenne Cake - Ghanaian Kelewele Spice Cake

Ghanaian Kelewele Spice Cake with Ginger and Cayenne

Alex Carter
A warm, aromatic cake inspired by Ghana's beloved Kelewele street snack, featuring a perfect balance of sweet plantain, spicy ginger, and a hint of cayenne heat. This moist, flavorful cake is a unique dessert that celebrates West African flavors.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour sifted
  • 1 cup ripe plantain, mashed about 1 medium plantain
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 0.5 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.33 cup whole milk

Notes

Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Make-ahead: Bake the cake a day in advance and frost with a simple ginger glaze if desired. Substitutions: For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Serving suggestions: Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.