Bolo Polana

Name: Bolo Polana
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Mozambique
Ingredients: Ground cashews — 2 cups (240 g / 8.5 oz); Sugar — 1 cup (200 g / 7 oz); Eggs, separated — 5; Potato, boiled and mashed — 1; Zest of 1 lemon; Baking powder — 1/2 tsp; Whole cashews, to decorate

The Quirky Foodster Team

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (0)

25 min

Prep

45 min

Cook

Servings

Ingredients

Ground cashews — 2 cups (240 g / 8.5 oz)
Sugar — 1 cup (200 g / 7 oz)
Eggs, separated — 5
Potato, boiled and mashed — 1
Zest of 1 lemon
Baking powder — 1/2 tsp
Whole cashews, to decorate

Method

Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F) and grease a baking dish.
Beat the egg yolks with the sugar until pale and fluffy.
Fold in the ground cashews, mashed potato, lemon zest and baking powder.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks.
Gently fold the whisked egg whites into the cashew mixture in batches, keeping as much air in the batter as possible.
Pour into the prepared dish and smooth the top.
Arrange whole cashews decoratively on top.
Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and a skewer comes out clean.
Cool completely before slicing.

Introduction: A dense, moist cashew nut cake, one of Mozambique’s most celebrated desserts, made with ground cashews in place of flour.

Cultural Background: Named after the Polana neighbourhood of Maputo, this cashew cake showcases Mozambique’s status as a major cashew producer, its rich, nutty flavour and moist texture making it a favourite for celebrations.

Tips: Fold the egg whites in gently to keep the batter light, which is key to the cake’s characteristic moist, tender crumb. The mashed potato may seem unusual but is traditional — it helps keep the cake moist since there is no flour.

Variations: Use ground almonds in place of cashews for a different, though less traditional, version. Dust with a little icing sugar before serving.

Storage: Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Reheating: Not applicable — served at room temperature.

Nutrition: Per serving (approx.): 320 kcal, 8 g protein, 18 g fat, 32 g carbohydrate.

FAQs:

Q: Why does this cake use mashed potato?

A: Since the cake contains no flour, the potato helps bind

Q: Where does the name Bolo Polana come from?

A: It’s named after the Polana neighbourhood of