Ghanaian · Dessert · Medium
Nkate Cake (Ghanaian Peanut Brittle)
0.0 (0 ratings)- Total
- 52 min
- Prep
- 40 min
- Serves
- 12
- Calories
- 205
Roasted peanuts set in a thin amber caramel that snaps into crisp pieces, the Ghanaian sweet known as nkate cake.
Despite its name, Nkate Cake (Ghanaian Peanut Brittle) has no sponge or frosting. Crushed roasted peanuts meet hot caramel, then the mixture is pressed thin and cut before it becomes too hard to divide neatly.
Prepare the tray and tools before melting the sugar. Caramel changes quickly once it takes on color, and the peanut mixture begins to set as soon as it leaves the pan, so there is little time to hunt for a rolling pin.
Method
Grease a sheet of parchment and a metal spatula with 1 tsp vegetable oil. Set the parchment on a heatproof tray and keep another sheet nearby.
Spread sugar in a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook for , gently tilting the pan as it melts, until fluid and amber; avoid dark brown patches.
Stir in the peanuts and salt with a sturdy spoon. Cook over low heat for until the nuts are coated and the caramel is evenly fluid.
Scrape onto the prepared parchment. Cover with the second sheet and press to about 1/4 inch thick with a rolling pin, keeping hands away from the hot caramel.
After , remove the top parchment and score into 24 pieces with a knife wiped with the remaining oil. Cool for until hard, then break along the lines; allow 2 small pieces per serving.
Forkue tips
- Crush the peanuts before starting the caramel. Smaller fragments spread into a thinner sheet and make the brittle easier to cut.
Storing and reheating
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, separating layers with parchment. Avoid the refrigerator, where condensation can make the caramel sticky.
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Kitchen gear
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Image: AI-generated picture of the finished dish, made by Forkue. Yours will look like home cooking.
Nkate Cake (Ghanaian Peanut Brittle): FAQ
Why is my nkate cake sticky?
Humidity or pale, undercooked caramel can leave it tacky. Cook the sugar to amber and store the cooled brittle in a tightly closed container.
Can I use raw peanuts?
Roast them first so they have a full nutty flavor. The brief time in caramel is not enough to cook raw peanuts evenly.
How do I store and reheat Nkate Cake (Ghanaian Peanut Brittle)?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, separating layers with parchment. Avoid the refrigerator, where condensation can make the caramel sticky.
How long does Nkate Cake (Ghanaian Peanut Brittle) take?
About 52 min in total: 40 min prep and 12 min cooking.
What do I need to make Nkate Cake (Ghanaian Peanut Brittle)?
The key ingredients are roasted peanuts, plus pantry basics.
Any tips for Nkate Cake (Ghanaian Peanut Brittle)?
Crush the peanuts before starting the caramel. Smaller fragments spread into a thinner sheet and make the brittle easier to cut.
