FoodieAtlas
Recipes around the World
Chigumu appears as a golden-brown baked cake with a soft, tender crumb and mild sweet flavor from sugar, enriched with butter and milk. This snack has been part of Malawian baking traditions for generations, combining the staple maize flour with simple ingredients. It is baked for school events, church gatherings, and family occasions as an affordable yet cherished treat. The texture of chigumu—tender but not fragile—makes it perfect for sharing and serving alongside tea or coffee.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine maize flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract (if using).
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, making sure not to overmix.
Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the Chigumu to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Chigumu is a sweet baked snack from Malawi made from a blend of maize flour and all-purpose flour with sugar, butter, milk, and eggs. The result is a tender cake with subtle corn flavor.
Chigumu originates from Malawi, where it is a popular snack made in homes, schools, and at community gatherings. It reflects the widespread use of maize in Malawian baking.
Key ingredients include maize flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, baking powder, salt, and optional vanilla extract.
Mix dry and wet ingredients separately to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake tough. Don't overbake—a moist crumb is ideal. Cool in the pan for a few minutes before turning out to prevent breaking.
Chigumu is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature with hot tea or coffee. It pairs well with fresh fruit and can be served as a light dessert or snack.