Nkate Cake (Ghanaian Peanut Brittle Bars)
In short: Crunchy bars of roasted peanuts set in golden caramel and cut into squares while warm, a classic Ghanaian street sweet. It takes about 25 min in total and makes 12 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 25 min
- Servings
- 12
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 215 kcal
Nkate cake, also called groundnut cake or peanut brittle, is a Ghanaian sweet made from just two things: roasted peanuts and sugar cooked to amber. Vendors sell it by the bar at bus stops and markets, and children get it as a treat. The trick is working fast, because the caramel sets within minutes. Cut the slab into bars while it is still warm, then let it harden completely before eating.
Instructions
- Lightly oil a baking sheet, a spatula and a sharp knife. Have them ready within reach.
- Warm the peanuts in a dry skillet for 2 minutes and keep them warm.
- Put the sugar and water in a heavy, wide pan over medium-low heat. Do not stir, but swirl the pan now and then. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the sugar melts and turns amber, about 150°C (300°F).
- Take the pan off the heat and immediately stir in the peanuts, salt and ginger. Mix for about 30 seconds so every nut is coated.
- Pour onto the oiled sheet and press out to about 1 cm (1/2 in) thick with the oiled spatula.
- After 3 to 4 minutes, cut into bars with the oiled knife while the brittle is still warm. Cool for 30 minutes until hard.
Tips
- Hot caramel causes bad burns. Keep children away, use a heavy pan and have the oiled tools ready before you start.
- If the brittle hardens before you finish cutting, put the tray in a 120°C (250°F) oven for 2 minutes to soften it again.
Questions and answers
How long does nkate cake keep?
In an airtight container at cool room temperature it keeps for about 2 weeks. Humidity makes it sticky.
Why is my brittle chewy?
The caramel was not cooked far enough. Cook it until it turns deep amber and reaches about 150°C (300°F).
Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Honey or syrups give a chewier candy rather than a crisp brittle. Plain sugar caramelizes and sets hard, which is what this sweet needs.
How long does it take to make Nkate Cake (Ghanaian Peanut Brittle Bars)?
About 25 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Nkate Cake (Ghanaian Peanut Brittle Bars)?
About 215 kcal per serving, with 6 g of protein, 21 g of carbohydrates and 12 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 215 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 21 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 17 g |
| Sodium | 50 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
