🏠 Home > 🗺️ Recipes > 🍨 Desserts > 🇬🇭 Ghana Desserts > 🍨 Ghana Rice Pudding (Rice Water) , Ghana Coconut Toffee (Alewa) , Ghana Peanut Brittle (Nkate Cake)
🍨 Beginner-Friendly Ghana Desserts You’ll Love Making
Introduction
If you think Ghana is all about spicy stews and jollof rice, think again — the country also has a sweet side that’s every bit as comforting and full of character. Ghanaian desserts bring together tropical ingredients like coconut, plantain, millet, peanuts, and natural cane sugar to create sweets that are simple, satisfying, and deeply tied to everyday life.
Across Ghana — from street vendors in Accra to village kitchens in Kumasi — these desserts often appear at celebrations, family gatherings, and Sunday afternoons after a big meal. Unlike Western desserts, they’re rarely too sugary; instead, they highlight the natural sweetness of local fruits and grains.
In this article, we’ll explore three beloved Ghanaian desserts that are easy enough for beginners to make at home — no fancy tools or exotic ingredients required!
Here’s what’s on the menu today:
1.Ghana Rice Pudding (Rice Water) — creamy, coconut-infused comfort in a bowl.
2.Coconut Toffee (Alewa) — chewy coconut candy that melts in your mouth.
3.Peanut Brittle (Nkate Cake) — crunchy, nutty bars you can snack on anytime.
Ready to taste Ghana’s sweet traditions? Let’s get started! 🇬🇭✨
🔹 Recipe 1: Ghana Rice Pudding (Rice Water)
About this Recipe
Rice pudding is a universal comfort food — but Ghana’s version, called Rice Water, takes it to another level with a tropical twist. This dessert combines soft-cooked rice, creamy coconut milk, and a hint of nutmeg or vanilla to create a dish that’s lightly sweet and deeply soothing.
In Ghana, it’s often served warm in the morning or as a cozy dessert after dinner. Think of it as the West African cousin of rice pudding — simple, nourishing, and soul-warming.
Ingredients & Measurements
- 1 cup rice (preferably short-grain)
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ½ cup whole milk (or more coconut milk for vegan option)
- ¼ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp nutmeg or 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Rinse rice thoroughly and add it to a pot with water.
2.Cook on medium heat until the rice becomes soft and starts to break down.
3.Add coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4.Lower the heat and simmer until thick and creamy (about 10–15 minutes).
5.Add nutmeg or vanilla, stir, and taste for sweetness.
6.Serve warm or chilled, topped with shredded coconut or roasted peanuts (optional).
Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t rush the cooking — slow simmering helps the rice release starch for a creamy texture.
- Adjust the consistency with milk; thicker for pudding, thinner for breakfast-style “rice water.”
- Add a few raisins or dried mango bits for a fun twist.
FAQ
Q: Can I use leftover cooked rice?
A: Yes! Just simmer it in milk and coconut milk until soft — it’s a great way to reduce waste.
Q: How long does it last?
A: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk.
Q: Can I make it vegan?
A: Definitely. Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of dairy milk.
Summary
Ghana Rice Pudding is the definition of comfort food — creamy, fragrant, and filled with simple joy. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a warm, cozy dessert that captures the taste of home.
🔹 Recipe 2: Ghana Coconut Toffee (Alewa)
About this Recipe
Alewa, or Ghanaian coconut toffee, is one of the country’s most iconic sweets. It’s made by slowly caramelizing sugar and stirring in grated coconut until it becomes chewy and golden. Some versions include a touch of butter or milk for extra richness.
This nostalgic treat is sold in small plastic wraps by street vendors, loved by kids and adults alike. It’s not just candy — it’s a bite of Ghana’s cultural childhood.
Ingredients & Measurements
- 1 cup grated coconut (fresh or desiccated)
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp butter (optional for extra gloss)
- 1 pinch salt
- Optional: ½ tsp vanilla or almond essence
Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Combine sugar and water in a nonstick pan and cook over medium heat until it begins to caramelize.
2.Stir in grated coconut and mix continuously.
3.Add salt and butter, then keep stirring until the mixture thickens and turns golden.
4.Pour onto parchment paper, flatten, and let cool slightly.
5.Cut into small squares or roll into bite-sized balls before it fully hardens.
Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Keep stirring — caramel burns easily.
- For deeper flavor, use brown sugar instead of white.
- Add roasted crushed peanuts for an extra layer of texture.
FAQ
Q: How do I prevent my Alewa from getting too hard?
A: Don’t overcook; remove from heat as soon as it turns golden brown and thick.
Q: Can I make it without butter?
A: Yes — skip butter for a traditional version or replace with coconut oil.
Q: How long can I store it?
A: It lasts up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature.
Summary
Coconut Toffee (Alewa) is chewy, nutty, and full of tropical sweetness. It’s a beginner-friendly Ghanaian dessert that proves simplicity can still deliver incredible flavor.
🔹 Recipe 3: Ghana Peanut Brittle (Nkate Cake)
About this Recipe
If you’re a fan of crunchy, nutty snacks, Nkate Cake (pronounced “in-kah-teh”) will instantly become your favorite. It’s Ghana’s version of peanut brittle — roasted peanuts bound together with golden caramelized sugar.
Nkate Cake is a common sight at roadside stalls and school canteens, wrapped in clear plastic for easy snacking. The combination of crunchy peanuts and caramel sweetness is addictively simple.
Ingredients & Measurements
- 1 cup roasted peanuts (without skins)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp water
- ½ tsp salt
- Optional: a small knob of butter for smoothness
Step-by-Step Instructions
1.In a heavy-bottomed pan, add sugar and water; cook over medium heat until it melts and turns amber.
2.Add salt and butter (if using).
3.Quickly stir in the peanuts until evenly coated.
4.Pour the mixture onto a greased tray or parchment paper.
5.Flatten with a spatula and let it cool slightly before cutting into bars.
Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Work quickly! Once the sugar caramelizes, it sets fast.
- Use roasted peanuts only; raw ones will soften the texture.
- A silicone spatula helps prevent sticking.
FAQ
Q: Can I use other nuts?
A: Yes! Cashews or almonds work great, though peanuts are the classic choice.
Q: Why is my brittle sticky?
A: The caramel wasn’t cooked long enough; make sure it reaches a deep amber stage.
Q: How do I store Nkate Cake?
A: Keep in an airtight jar — it stays crisp for up to two weeks.
Summary
Ghana Peanut Brittle is crunchy, caramel-sweet, and endlessly snackable. It’s proof that sometimes, the simplest desserts are the best.
Final Thoughts
Making Ghanaian desserts at home is a fun and rewarding way to explore West African culture through sweetness. Each dish — from the creamy rice pudding to the chewy Alewa and the crunchy Nkate Cake — tells a story about Ghana’s love for sharing, family, and celebration.
You don’t need any special tools or chef-level skills — just basic ingredients and curiosity. These recipes are all beginner-friendly, and the results are as delightful as they are authentic.
So next time you crave something new, skip the store-bought sweets and whip up one of these Ghanaian desserts. You’ll not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also bring a touch of Ghanaian warmth right into your kitchen.
Sweet beginnings, Ghana style! 🇬🇭🍯
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