Koko Samoa Cake

Name: Koko Samoa Cake
Yield: 7
Cuisine: Samoa
Ingredients: All-purpose flour — 250 g (2 cups); Cocoa powder or grated koko Samoa — 50 g (1/2 cup); Baking powder — 1 1/2 tsp; Salt — 1/2 tsp; Sugar — 200 g (1 cup); Eggs — 3; Vegetable oil — 180 ml (3/4 cup); Milk — 180 ml (3/4 cup); Vanilla extract — 1 tsp

The Quirky Foodster Team

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Servings

Ingredients

All-purpose flour — 250 g (2 cups)
Cocoa powder or grated koko Samoa — 50 g (1/2 cup)
Baking powder — 1 1/2 tsp
Salt — 1/2 tsp
Sugar — 200 g (1 cup)
Eggs — 3
Vegetable oil — 180 ml (3/4 cup)
Milk — 180 ml (3/4 cup)
Vanilla extract — 1 tsp

Method

Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a cake tin.
Whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt.
In a separate bowl, beat the sugar, eggs, oil, milk and vanilla until well combined.
Fold the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined.
Pour into the prepared tin and bake 35-40 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.
Cool in the tin for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack.

Introduction: A moist, richly flavoured cake made with local cocoa, a modern Samoan dessert favourite.

Cultural Background: This cake draws on Samoa’s cocoa-growing tradition, using local koko Samoa (cocoa) to create a dense, deeply chocolatey cake enjoyed at birthdays and family celebrations.

Tips: Don’t overmix once the flour is added, or the cake will turn dense. Use good-quality cocoa or grated koko Samoa for the richest flavour.

Variations: Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter; top with a simple chocolate glaze once cooled.

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Best fresh; individual slices can be warmed briefly in the microwave for a softer texture.

Nutrition: Approx. 320 kcal, 5 g protein, 38 g carbohydrate, 17 g fat per slice.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use cocoa powder instead of koko Samoa?

A: Yes, standard unsweetened cocoa powder works well as a substitute.

Q: Why did my cake sink in the middle?

A: This usually means it was underbaked; test with a skewer before removing from the oven.