Ragi Cake is a healthy and delicious dessert made using finger millet flour (ragi). It’s soft, moist, and naturally rich in calcium, iron, and fiber. This wholesome cake is perfect for kids’ snacks, tea-time treats, or even as a guilt-free dessert. It can be prepared with jaggery for a healthier option and flavored with cocoa, vanilla, or banana.
Ingredients
- Ragi (finger millet) flour – 1 cup
- Whole wheat flour – ½ cup (or maida)
- Jaggery powder (or sugar) – ¾ cup
- Cocoa powder – 2 tbsp (optional)
- Baking powder – 1 tsp
- Baking soda – ½ tsp
- Milk – 1 cup (lukewarm)
- Oil – ¼ cup (or melted butter)
- Curd (yogurt) – ¼ cup
- Vanilla essence – 1 tsp
- Chopped nuts / choco chips – 2 tbsp (optional)
Preparation Process
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a cake tin with butter paper.
- Mix dry ingredients – sift ragi flour, wheat flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Prepare wet mix – whisk jaggery powder, oil, curd, and vanilla essence. Add warm milk slowly.
- Combine – add dry mix into wet mixture using cut-and-fold method.
- Add toppings – mix in nuts/choco chips if desired.
- Bake – pour batter into tin, bake 30–35 mins until toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool & serve – let it cool fully before cutting slices.
Health Benefits
- Rich in calcium – strengthens bones.
- Contains iron – improves hemoglobin levels.
- High fiber – aids digestion & weight management.
- Low glycemic index – diabetic-friendly if made with jaggery.
- Great energy food for kids and adults.
Tips
- Always sift ragi flour to avoid lumps.
- Do not overmix the batter, otherwise cake becomes dense.
- Replace jaggery with coconut sugar for another healthy option.
- Add 1 mashed banana for extra softness and natural sweetness.
- Cool the cake completely before slicing for neat pieces.
Variations
- Banana Ragi Cake
- Add one mashed ripe banana to the batter for a naturally sweet, moist, and flavorful cake.
- Chocolate Ragi Cake
- Mix in cocoa powder or melted chocolate to make a rich, kid-friendly chocolate version.
- Dry Fruit Ragi Cake
- Add chopped almonds, cashews, walnuts, and raisins for a nutty and nutritious twist.
- Egg Ragi Cake
- Replace curd with two eggs to make the cake extra soft and fluffy.
- Coconut Ragi Cake
- Add grated coconut or a few tablespoons of coconut milk for a unique tropical flavor.
- Jaggery Ragi Cake
- Substitute sugar with jaggery for a healthier, earthy, and traditional taste.