Recipe

Ghanaian-inspired Skradinska Torta

Savory Plantain and Groundnut Cake

4.4 out of 5

Indulge in the flavors of Ghana with this delightful twist on the traditional Croatian Skradinska torta. This Ghanaian-inspired Skradinska Torta combines the rich and nutty taste of groundnuts with the sweetness of ripe plantains, resulting in a unique and mouthwatering cake that will transport your taste buds to West Africa.

Dessert› Cake› Skradinska torta

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Balkan cuisine› Croatian cuisine

African cuisine› West African cuisine› Ghanaian cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

45-50 minutes

Total time

1 hour and 10 minutes

Yields

8 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Gluten-free (if using gluten-free flour), Dairy-free (if using dairy-free butter and milk substitutes), Nut-free (if groundnuts are substituted with sunflower seeds), Low cholesterol

Allergens

Peanuts, Wheat, Eggs, Dairy

Not suitable for

Vegan (contains eggs and dairy), Paleo (contains grains and dairy)

Ingredients

In this Ghanaian adaptation of Skradinska torta, we replace the traditional ingredients like almonds and cherries with groundnuts and ripe plantains. The groundnuts add a distinct nutty flavor, while the plantains contribute a natural sweetness and moist texture. These changes infuse the cake with the flavors of Ghana, giving it a unique twist. We alse have the original recipe for Skradinska torta, so you can check it out.

2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (200g) groundnuts, finely ground 1 cup (200g) groundnuts, finely ground
1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
3 ripe plantains, mashed 3 ripe plantains, mashed
3 large eggs 3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 7g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 48g, 25g
Protein: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Salt: 0.4g

Preparation

1.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a round cake pan.
2.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, groundnuts, baking powder, and salt.
3.
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4.
Add the mashed plantains to the butter mixture and mix well.
5.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
6.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
7.
Pour the batter into the greased cake pan and smooth the top.
8.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9.
Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Groundnuts — Make sure to finely grind the groundnuts to achieve a smooth texture in the cake batter.
Ripe plantains — Use fully ripe plantains with black spots on the skin for the best flavor and sweetness.

Tips & Tricks

For added flavor, you can toast the groundnuts before grinding them.
If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving.
Serve the Skradinska Torta warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.

Serving advice

Slice the Ghanaian-inspired Skradinska Torta into wedges and serve it as a dessert or a sweet snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

Dust the top of the cake with a light sprinkle of groundnuts or powdered sugar for an elegant touch. You can also garnish each slice with a slice of ripe plantain or a sprinkle of groundnuts.