RecipesLiberiaLiberian Groundnut Cake

Liberian Groundnut Cake

A sweet and savory snack or dessert made from ground peanuts, sugar, and often a hint of spice, baked into a firm cake-like confection.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Servings12
DifficultyEasy
Liberian Groundnut Cake - Liberia traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 2 cups Roasted peanuts(unsalted, shelled)
  • 1.5 cups Sugar
  • 0.5 cup Water
  • 2 tbsp Butter or margarine
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 0.25 tsp Salt
  • 0.5 tsp Cinnamon or nutmeg(optional, for spice)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan.

    💡 Tip: Lining the pan with parchment paper can make removal easier.
  2. 2

    In a food processor, pulse the roasted peanuts until they are coarsely ground. Be careful not to over-process into a paste.

  3. 3

    In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until it reaches a syrup consistency.

    💡 Tip: A candy thermometer can help reach the right consistency (around 230°F/110°C).
  4. 4

    Remove the syrup from heat. Stir in the butter, vanilla extract, salt, and optional spices.

  5. 5

    Add the ground peanuts to the syrup mixture and stir until well combined and the peanuts are coated.

  6. 6

    Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.

  7. 7

    Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is firm.

    💡 Tip: The cake will firm up more as it cools.
  8. 8

    Let the cake cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares or bars.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Ensure peanuts are fully roasted for maximum flavor.
  • Do not overcook the sugar syrup, as it can become too hard.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

🔄 Variations

  • Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the mixture.
  • For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of white sugar.
  • Press some whole peanuts onto the top before baking for decoration.

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