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West African Keke Lime Cake Recipe — Zesty Citrus Dessert

West African lime cake, commonly called keke, is a delightful dessert that isn’t overly sweet and is incredibly simple to make. It was the perfect finish to our Togolese meal.

pieces of West African Lime cake called Keke cut into squares and topped with peanuts

This recipe uses just six basic ingredients: sugar, butter, eggs, lime juice, flour and baking powder. The batter comes together quickly and the optional chopped peanut topping adds a pleasant crunch. Baking takes about 25–30 minutes.

The recipe fits an 8×8-inch square pan or an 8-inch round cake pan. The texture is slightly denser than a typical sponge—closer to a brownie—which many people enjoy. Give it a try and see how you like it.

Other dishes for a Togolese meal

If you want to round out an authentic Togolese menu, consider serving other regional favorites such as grilled chicken, djenkoume (a tomato and cornmeal dish), or Togolese spaghetti salad. These dishes pair well with this light lime cake.

Some quick notes about Togo: its capital city, Lomé, is often praised for its wide boulevards and cosmopolitan feel. Historically it has been called the “Paris of West Africa” and the “Pearl of West Africa.” The name Lomé comes from the Ewe word alotime, meaning “among the alo plants,” referring to trees that once grew around the city.

For more background on Togo’s food, culture, and traditions, you can explore articles and travel stories that share recipes and cultural context. Following culinary journeys and recipe collections is a great way to discover authentic, ancestral dishes like Togolese spaghetti salad and others.

pieces of West African Lime cake called Keke cut into squares and topped with peanuts

West African Lime Cake

A quick and easy West African dessert that comes together in minutes.
Course
Dessert
Cuisine
Togolese, West African
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Servings
8 pieces
Calories
249kcal
Author
Darlene at International Cuisine

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Sugar white
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp Butter softened
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1 Lime juiced
  • 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 tsp Baking powder
  • 2 Tbsps Peanuts chopped, optional

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
  • Grease and flour an 8×8-inch square pan or an 8-inch round cake tin.
  • Cream the softened butter and sugar together with a hand mixer until light and fluffy.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until each is incorporated. Stir in the lime juice.
  • Fold in the flour and baking powder until just combined.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  • Bake for about 25 minutes, until the top is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool.
  • Garnish with crushed peanuts if desired, slice, and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 249 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 45 g |
Protein: 5 g |
Fat: 6 g