Bobotie-Inspired Savoury Cake Recipe
A unique and flavorful Bobotie-Inspired Savoury Cake that combines aromatic South African spices with hearty vegetables, minced meat, and cheese. This moist and savory cake is perfect for a comforting meal or special gathering, featuring a delightful blend of curry, turmeric, and traditional bobotie ingredients baked into a beautiful golden cake.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Savoury Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: South African-inspired
- Diet: Halal
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp mild curry powder
- 1 tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp sugar (just to balance flavours)
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla essence (optional but adds warmth)
Filling & Add-Ins
- 1 cup (150g) cooked minced beef or chicken (seasoned with curry, onions & bay leaves)
- ½ cup (80g) peas
- ½ cup (80g) diced carrots (lightly steamed)
- ½ cup (80g) chopped bell peppers
- ½ cup (100g) diced cooked potatoes (optional)
- ½ cup (100g) chopped sausages (optional)
- ½ cup (50g) grated cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp raisins (optional, classic bobotie touch)
Topping (optional)
- ½ cup (120ml) cheese sauce or melted cheddar
- A sprinkle of curry powder
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Start by warming your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a bundt pan or round cake tin to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, curry powder, turmeric, salt, and sugar until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, vegetable oil, milk, vinegar or lemon juice, and vanilla essence until smooth and silky.
- Make Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until a smooth batter forms with a comforting curry aroma.
- Add Filling Ingredients: Fold in the cooked minced meat, peas, carrots, chopped bell peppers, potatoes (if using), sausages (if using), grated cheddar cheese, and raisins (if using), distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Transfer to Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top gently. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake turns a deep golden color.
- Cool and Add Topping: Allow the cake to rest for a few minutes before carefully turning it out onto a serving plate. If desired, drizzle with melted cheddar or cheese sauce and sprinkle with a little curry powder for extra flavor.
- Serve: Serve warm alongside chutney or a light salad for a satisfying, savory treat inspired by traditional South African bobotie.
Notes
- Using vinegar or lemon juice in the batter helps keep the cake moist and tender.
- You can substitute the minced meat with cooked chicken or go vegetarian by omitting the meat.
- Optional ingredients like potatoes, sausages, and raisins add extra texture and flavor but can be omitted based on preference.
- Make sure to lightly steam the carrots before adding to ensure they are tender after baking.
- The cheese sauce topping adds richness but the cake is delicious even without it.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
- Reheat gently to maintain moistness and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of cake)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Bobotie, savoury cake, curry cake, South African recipe, savory baking, minced meat cake, vegetable cake