Bibikka

බිබික්ක

A slice of cake is perfect to be served with a scope of vanilla ice cream.

Bibikka is a rich moist cake, made from coconut, diced dates, puhul dosi (pumpkin preserve or melon candy), and chopped cashews, with the addition of kithul treacle, giving the cake its rich taste.  

Bibikka is believed to have been introduced to Sri Lanka by the Portuguese and is a popular confection to grace the tables of many Sri Lankans during the April Avurudu festive season. 

Makes 3.5kg

*Number of cake pieces dependent on the size of the cake tray used. 

Bibikka is a rich moist cake, made from coconut, diced dates, puhul dosi (pumpkin preserve or melon candy), and chopped cashews, with the addition of kithul treacle, giving the cake its rich taste.  

Bibikka is believed to have been introduced to Sri Lanka by the Portuguese and is a popular confection to grace the tables of many Sri Lankans during the April Avurudu festive season. 

Makes 3.5kg

*Number of cake pieces dependent on the size of the cake tray used. 

55 mins.

Preparation

2 hrs.

Baking

3-5 days

Resting

Ingredients

Utensils

Instructions

1.

  • 600g dates
  • 600g cashews
  • 600g melon preserve

Dice the dates, and chop the cashews, and melon preserve into fine pieces. 

2.

  • 600g semolina

Roast the semolina in a large saucepan or frying pan over low to medium heat for 2-3 minutes. 

There should be a change in texture- having a dry/ sandy texture. 

3. 

Remove from the heat and set aside. 

4.

  • 600g kithul treacle

Over medium heat, in a large wok, heat the kithul treacle for a few minutes (5-6 minutes).  

5.

  • 600g coconut

As the treacle is being heated, add the coconut and mix well to coat the coconut with the treacle.

6.

  • 600g dates

Reduce to low heat and add the diced dates and mix well.

7.

  • 600g cashews
  • 1 tbsp. Ralahami ground cinnamon

Add the chopped cashews, and a tablespoon of Ralahami cinnamon and mix to combine. 

8.

  • 600g melon preserve
  • 600g roasted semolina
  • 65g rice flour

Add the melon preserve, roasted semolina, and rice flour and mix, combining all the ingredients together. 

9.

Keep mixing the ingredients for about 10 more minutes.

Remove from the heat and keep mixing, ensuring that all the ingredients are combined together. 

10.

Preheat the oven to 100° (fan oven) or 120°C.

11.

Line 2 rectangular baking trays with baking parchment (baking tray size: 13 x 9 x 2 inches)

*Or use any square baking trays which you may have at home.  

The number of cake pieces is dependent on the cake tray used. 

12.

Equally, divide the cake batter into the prepared baking tins. 

13.

Bake the cake for 2 hrs. 

14.

After the 2 hrs, take the cake out of the oven and set them aside to cool for about 10 minutes. 

15.

Carefully remove the cakes from the baking trays and place them onto a clean tray and set them aside. 

16.

Once the oven temperature has gone down and the cakes have cooled, place the cakes back inside the oven. 

Leave the cakes inside the oven for 3-5 days, allowing the treacle to get soaked into the cake. 

17.

Slice the cake into desired pieces.

Enjoy a piece of cake with a cup of tea. 

Have you tried this recipe?

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