Sierra Leone Fresh Ginger Cake Recipe for True Ginger Lovers

Calling all ginger fans! This Sierra Leone fresh ginger cake is unapologetically bold — made with freshly grated young ginger, warm spices, and a soft buttery crumb. It’s the perfect dessert for anyone who loves that sweet-heat ginger kick.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons grated young fresh ginger root
• 2 sticks unsalted butter
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two loaf pans.
2. In one bowl, mix flour, baking powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter with white and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs, grated fresh ginger, and vanilla.
4. Mix in milk, then gently fold in the dry ingredients until smooth.
5. Pour batter into pans and bake 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pans. Optional: dust with confectioners’ sugar and extra ground ginger.

Tip: For an even spicier cake, increase fresh ginger to 3 tablespoons and sprinkle crystallized ginger on top.

More African Dessert Inspiration

• Liberian Kanya Peanut Butter Candy
• Couscous with Honey
• Mango Potato Cake
• Chickpea Orange Cake
• Breadfruit Buttermilk Honey Cake