Keke (Togolese West African Lime Cake)

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 25 minutes

• Total time: 40 minutes

• Servings: 8 servings

• Country of Origin: Togo

• Description: A light, zesty cake with a dense, moist crumb infused with fresh lime juice, widely served as a simple sweet end to meals across Togo.

• Presentation & How It's Eaten: Cut into squares or slices, sprinkled with crushed peanuts or dusted with powdered sugar. Served at room temperature alongside coffee or ginger juice.

• Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour

  • 2.25 tsp baking powder

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 2.5 tbsp butter, softened

  • 2 large eggs

  • Juice of 1 fresh lime (approx. 2 tbsp)

  • Zest of 1 fresh lime

  • 2 tbsp chopped peanuts (for garnish)

• Step-by-Step Directions:

  • Prep Oven & Pan: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and flour an 8x8-inch baking pan.

  • Cream Butter & Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

  • Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in fresh lime juice and lime zest.

  • Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Stir in flour and baking powder until just combined into a smooth batter.

  • Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  • Garnish & Serve: Let cool completely, sprinkle crushed peanuts over top, and cut into squares.

• Optional: Drizzle with a simple lime-sugar glaze (lime juice mixed with powdered sugar) for extra tartness.

• Cooking Tips: Do not overmix the batter once flour is added to maintain a tender crumb texture.

• Nutrition Facts:

  • Calories: ~250 kcal

  • Total Fat: 6g

  • Saturated Fat: 2.5g

  • Cholesterol: 55mg

  • Sodium: 130mg

  • Total Carbohydrates: 44g

  • Dietary Fiber: 1g

  • Sugars: 25g

  • Protein: 5g