Characteristics of Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Flour and Its Application in Cake

Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the physicochemical, sensory and functional properties of coconut flour (CF), coconut wheat composite flour (CWCF) and Cake produced from CF and CWCF.

Methodology: Flour was prepared from matured ripe coconut fruit (CF). It was then blend with wheat flour (WF) into coconut wheat composite flour (CWCF) to produce cake. The CF and CWCF were subjected to proximate composition and functional properties analyses. Also, the physical properties, proximate composition and the sensory attributes of the cakes produced from CF and CWCF were determined.

Results: The moisture content of CF and CWCF ranged from 4.5 to 9.04 g/100 g, the ash content of CF and CWCF ranged from 4.10 to 6.41 g/100 g and the dietary fiber content of CF was 11.16 g/100 g. CWCF exhibited a higher (87.1± 0.6) water absorption capacity and packed bulk density (0.79 ± 0.3 g/ mL). In this study, the cake volumes increased significantly (P < 0.05) in wheat flour (WF) as compared to CWCF and CF. The specific cake volume observed ranged from 1.48 to 2.01 mL/g. The blend of 50% coconut and 50% wheat flour increased significantly (P < 0.05) the moisture content of the CWCF cakes. The total carbohydrate content of the cakes varied from 20.40 ± 0.02 g/ 100 g to 63.05±0.14 g/ 100 g. Fat, ash and crude fiber and minerals (Ca, K, P Zn, Mg and Fe) increased in CWCF cakes. The sensory analysis conducted showed that there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between CF cakes, WF cakes and CWCF cakes in the sensory qualities of appearance, texture, flavour and overall acceptability. In terms of appearance, the panelists scored coconut cake highest, but was significantly different (P < 0.05) from coconut wheat cake and wheat one. The least liked sample in terms of texture was wheat one.

Conclusion: The present study underscored the potential application of coconut flour in the production of cake and possibly other bakery products.