Gateau Patate Douce (Gato Patat)

Name: Gateau Patate Douce (Gato Patat)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: Mauritius
Ingredients: Sweet potato, peeled and grated — 500 g (1 lb 2 oz); Grated coconut — 1 cup (80 g / 3 oz); Sugar — 1 cup (200 g / 7 oz); Eggs — 3; Semolina — 1/2 cup (90 g / 3 oz); Melted butter — 1/4 cup (60 g / 2 oz); Ground cardamom — 1/2 tsp; Vanilla extract — 1/2 tsp

The Quirky Foodster Team

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20 min

Prep

45 min

Cook

Servings

Ingredients

Sweet potato, peeled and grated — 500 g (1 lb 2 oz)
Grated coconut — 1 cup (80 g / 3 oz)
Sugar — 1 cup (200 g / 7 oz)
Eggs — 3
Semolina — 1/2 cup (90 g / 3 oz)
Melted butter — 1/4 cup (60 g / 2 oz)
Ground cardamom — 1/2 tsp
Vanilla extract — 1/2 tsp

Method

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking dish.
Beat the eggs and sugar together until pale and slightly thickened.
Fold in the grated sweet potato, grated coconut, semolina, melted butter, cardamom and vanilla.
Pour the batter into the prepared dish and smooth the top.
Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden brown and firm to the touch, with a skewer coming out clean.
Cool in the dish for 15 minutes before slicing into squares.

Introduction: A dense, sweet cake made from grated sweet potato, coconut and cardamom, a well-loved teatime treat across Mauritius.

Cultural Background: Sweet potato grows readily on the island, and this cake reflects the resourceful, produce-driven roots of much home baking, often prepared for family gatherings and religious festivals alike.

Tips: Squeeze out a little excess moisture from the grated sweet potato if it seems very wet, to avoid a soggy cake. Let the cake rest before cutting, as it firms up further while cooling.

Variations: Add a handful of raisins to the batter for extra texture. Dust with a little icing sugar before serving.

Storage: Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds, or serve at room temperature.

Nutrition: Per serving (approx.): 290 kcal, 5 g protein, 13 g fat, 40 g carbohydrate.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use canned sweet potato purée?

A: Fresh grated sweet potato gives the best texture, though

Q: Is this cake very sweet?

A: It has a moderate sweetness, balanced by the natural flavour of the