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Home » African dishes

Kashata

Dated: October 19, 2022 . Modified: Oct 19, 2022 by Kate Hahnel

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Kashata

Kashata is the ultimate East-African treat! It is sweet, delicious, and loved by kids and adults alike!

I have a feeling that you will love my Kashata recipe but before I get more words out, check out my vibibi, mahamri or collection of world cuisine recipes.

A plate of Kashata

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what is Kashata?

Kashata is a traditional East-African no-bake sweet very similar to the Indian coconut burfi, that is made by heating sugar and water to a syrup, which is then combined with other ingredients such as coconuts or peanuts. The cooked mixture is then cooled and cut out into sweets.

It is popular in African countries such as Kenya and Tanzania, particularly around coastal towns such as Mombasa, and is normally served as a snack or for dessert. Traditionally, freshly grated coconut was used to make Kashata but most people use desiccated coconut nowadays.

Growing up in Kenya, Kashata was along with Mabuyu, one of my absolute favourite candies to eat. It was so popular, almost every local Kiosk had them in stock and this still holds today. Not only is it loved as a snack or sweet treat by the children, but the adults also love to have it alongside some tea (chai) and coffee (kahawa).

A banner for the 2023 Juneteenth celebrations.

The color red holds significant symbolism for Juneteenth celebrations, and this kashata recipe is part of a collection curated by my fellow black food bloggers to honor the day.

useful tips when making Kashata

  • Make sure to get rid of any coconut shells as these can be unpleasant to bite into, should you grate your own coconut.
  • Use vanilla extract if you do not have cardamon powder. Whole cardamon seeds are also okay to use, just make sure to remove them before allowing your Kashata to cool.
  • Allow the sugar syrup to cook properly to a one-string consistency, before adding in the grated coconut. What this means is that the sugar syrup should be able to stretch to one string when stretched between the fingers.
  • The key to good Kashata is cooking at low heat once you have added all your ingredients.
  • Should your Kashata be too soft to cut, please do not panic. Simply reheat it for a few more minutes to allow any excess moisture to evaporate. Similarly, return it to the heat if too firm and crumbling, and reheat it along with two tablespoons of water.

how to store

Make sure to store your Kashata in airtight jars to prevent it from getting soggy. Stored properly in suitable jars, it will keep for up to 8 months (sometimes even longer).

A plate of Kashata.

try these other East-African Recipes

Craving more East African recipes? Then check out these simple meals:-

  • Chips Mayai
  • Githeri
  • Kenyan Food Recipes
  • Dagaa (Omena) Recipe
  • Kenyan Chapati

more delicious juneteenth recipes

With roots in the African diaspora, these recipes represent a rich culinary tapestry. Influenced by African traditions, these dishes offer a vibrant fusion of flavors and ingredients. Recipes such as Afro-Caribbean-inspired Mango Scotch Bonnet Chicken Wings, refreshing Zobo drink that is popular in West Africa, and Crispy Uda Pepper Shrimp featuring the Senegalese pepper showcase the diverse range of African culture. 

To make this year's Juneteenth celebration even more special, celebrate in style with these tasty red-themed recipes from our other talented Black food creators:-

  • Dish It With Tisha - Mango Scotch Bonnet Wings
  • Geo's Table - Jerk Pork Skewers
  • Sims Home Kitchen - Coconut Rum Cupcakes
  • Kerri-Ann's Kravings - Watermelon Coconut Jamaican Rum Punch

Great news, you have made it this far which means you probably made this Kashata recipe! It would go a long way if you could leave a ⭐ rating on the recipe card or comment in the comments section below.

Feel free to check me out and follow me on my socials Instagram and Facebook, or Pin recipes on Pinterest for later! Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel or my Newsletter for regular recipe notifications!

📖 Recipe

A plate of Kashata.

Kashata

Kate Hahnel
Looking to try out a new no-bake international dessert or snack? Then this East African coconut Kashata is just the thing for you.
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 13 minutes mins
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine East African, Kenyan, Swahili, Tanzanian
Servings 25
Calories 86 kcal

Equipment

cooking pan
cooking pan
Parchment paper
Parchment paper
tray
tray
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Ingredients
  

  • 1⅓ cups sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 cups grated or desiccated coconut
  • ½ teaspoon cardamon powder (use more if preferred)
  • 1-3 drops red food colour (or ½ teaspoon food colouring powder - use more if preferred)

Instructions
 

  • Add the water and sugar to a heavy-bottomed saucepan or pot. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Allow the sugar to boil to a syrup (test whether it is ready by spooning a small amount to a plate, allowing it to cool enough so you can touch it, and stretch it between your fingers. It should form a single string).
    Sugar syrup in a pan
  • Add the food colour, cardamon powder, grated or desiccated coconut, and combine. Reduce the heat to a low and cook for about 5-10 minutes, or until most of the liquid has evaporated and the Kashata has formed into a homogenous mass.
    Grated coconut and red food colour in a pan.
  • Transfer the mass to a greased plate or to a piece of parchment paper and spread it out so it has your desired thickness. Allow it to cool slightly to a point where it is still warm.
  • While the Kashata is still warm, use a knife to lightly make cut marks on the surface, without cutting all the way through. This will show you where to cut once it has cooled.
    Kashata on top of a piece of parchement paper.
  • Once cooled, cut it to your desired shapes and serve it as a snack or dessert. Alternatively, store it in airtight jars for later.

Notes

  • Should you grate your own coconut, make sure to get rid of any coconut shells as these can be unpleasant to bite into.
  • Allow the sugar syrup to cook properly to a one-string consistency, before adding in the grated coconut so your Kashata binds properly. What this means is that when you stretch the sugar syrup between your fingers, it should be able to stretch to one string.
  • Use vanilla extract if you do not have cardamon powder. Whole cardamon seeds are also okay to use, just make sure to remove them before allowing your Kashata to cool.
  • The key to good Kashata is cooking at low heat once you have added all your ingredients.
  • Should your Kashata be too soft to cut, please do not panic. Simply reheat it for a few more minutes to allow any excess moisture to evaporate. Similarly, return it to the heat if too firm and crumbling, and reheat it along with two tablespoons of water.

Nutrition

Calories: 86kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 0.5gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.05gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gSodium: 3mgPotassium: 38mgFiber: 1gSugar: 11gVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 0.2mg
Tried this recipe? I would love it if you could leave a rating by clicking on the stars above on this recipe card.Pin this recipe on Pinterest or tag me out on socials @weeatatlast. I love seeing your creations.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Renz

    June 15, 2023 at 3:51 am

    Niice. We call this sugar cake in Trinidad and Tobago. Definitely a favorite of mine.

    • Kate Hahnel

      June 15, 2023 at 10:27 am

      Wow! Glad to know that we have that in common! I love them too!

  2. Susan

    February 23, 2023 at 8:49 pm

    5 stars
    Love it kabisaaaa…..

    • Kate Hahnel

      February 25, 2023 at 6:50 am

      Thank you!!

  3. Paula

    October 21, 2022 at 8:08 am

    This one is amust try!!! My childhoood i missss it😋

    • Kate Hahnel

      January 12, 2023 at 9:04 am

      Thank you! It takes me back as well, and I hope I get to make them again soon!

5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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