Gullah Geechee Cake is a delightful dessert that embodies the rich cultural heritage of the Gullah Geechee people, descendants of enslaved Africans who settled along the coastal regions of the Southeastern United States. This cake is not just a sweet treat; it's a celebration of the unique flavor profiles and ingredients that represent Gullah cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potatoes (about 1 medium sweet potato)
1 cup coconut milk
½ cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup shredded coconut (for garnish, optional)
Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients: mashed sweet potatoes, coconut milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cake.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan(s) and spread evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
If using, sprinkle the top with shredded coconut and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
