Cameroonian Election Cake

Ingredients

The Cameroonian adaptation of Election Cake incorporates the unique flavors and ingredients of Cameroonian cuisine. While the original American Election Cake often includes ingredients like molasses and brandy, the Cameroonian version replaces these with local ingredients such as palm sugar and palm wine. Additionally, the spices used in the Cameroonian version may differ slightly, with the inclusion of indigenous spices like grains of paradise or African nutmeg. These adaptations infuse the cake with the distinct flavors of Cameroonian culture. We alse have the original recipe for Election Cake, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon grains of paradise (optional) 1/4 teaspoon grains of paradise (optional)
• 1/2 cup (100g) palm sugar 1/2 cup (100g) palm sugar
• 1/2 cup (120ml) palm oil 1/2 cup (120ml) palm oil
• 3 large eggs 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120ml) palm wine 1/2 cup (120ml) palm wine
• 1/2 cup (75g) raisins 1/2 cup (75g) raisins
• 1/2 cup (75g) chopped dates 1/2 cup (75g) chopped dates
• 1/2 cup (75g) chopped dried apricots 1/2 cup (75g) chopped dried apricots
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional) Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 20g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a round cake pan.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and grains of paradise (if using).
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, cream together the palm sugar and palm oil until well combined.
4. 4.
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the palm wine. Mix until just combined.
6. 6.
   Fold in the raisins, chopped dates, and chopped dried apricots.
7. 7.
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
8. 8.
   Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. 9.
   Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. 10.
    Once cooled, dust the cake with powdered sugar, if desired, before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Palm sugar — If palm sugar is not available, you can substitute it with brown sugar or coconut sugar.
• Palm oil — Red palm oil is traditionally used in Cameroonian cuisine, but you can use any neutral-tasting vegetable oil as a substitute.
• Palm wine — If palm wine is not accessible, you can replace it with apple juice or grape juice for a similar flavor profile.
• Grains of paradise — Grains of paradise are optional but add a unique flavor. If you can't find them, you can omit them or substitute with ground cardamom.

Tips & Tricks

• For added richness, you can drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and palm wine over the cooled cake.
• Feel free to customize the dried fruits according to your preference. You can use figs, prunes, or any other dried fruits you enjoy.
• To enhance the flavors, you can toast the chopped dried apricots before adding them to the batter.
• Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
• This cake tastes even better the next day, so consider making it in advance for optimal flavor.

Serving advice

Slice the Cameroonian Election Cake into generous portions and serve it as a dessert or a sweet treat during festive occasions. It pairs well with a cup of Cameroonian tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar and garnish with a few whole dried fruits. You can also serve it on a decorative cake stand or plate.