reuniondessert
Gâteau Patate
Sweet potato cake flavoured with vanilla and coconut — a classic Réunion dessert.
Prep
20 min
Cook
40 min
Servings
8
Difficulty
Easy
★★★★★
4.6(143 ratings)#sweet potato#coconut#vanilla#baked#dessert
About This Recipe
Gâteau Patate is a much-loved Réunion sweet made from mashed sweet potato mixed with coconut, vanilla and sugar, baked into a dense, fragrant cake. It is sold at markets and enjoyed at celebrations across the island.
Ingredients
Serves 8
- 500 gsweet potato(boiled and mashed)
- 100 gdesiccated coconut
- 150 gsugar
- 2eggs
- 1 tspvanilla extract
- 50 gbutter(melted)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven
Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a round cake tin.
- 2
Mix
Combine mashed sweet potato, coconut, sugar, eggs, vanilla and butter until smooth.
- 3
Bake
Pour batter into tin and bake 35–40 minutes until set and golden on top.
- 4
Cool and serve
Cool completely before slicing. Serve at room temperature.
Pro Tips
- →
The cake firms up as it cools — don't overbake.
- →
A little rum in the batter is traditional.
Variations
- •
Add grated lime zest
- •
Top with toasted coconut
Storage
Store covered at room temperature 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
History & Origin
Sweet potato cakes have been made in Réunion for centuries, using the abundant local variety brought originally from the Americas via Madagascar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use orange sweet potato?
Yes, any variety works; purple gives a striking colour.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving · 8 servings total
Calories290kcal
Protein4g
Carbohydrates48g
Fat10g
Fiber4g
Protein4g
Carbs48g
Fat10g
Time Summary
Prep time20 min
Cook time40 min
Total time60 min
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