Abstract

The effect of replacing wheat flour with cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) flour on the proximate composition, physical, sensory properties of cake were investigated. Baking trials were conducted at different levels of substitution (0, 20, 40, 50, 60, 80 and 100%). Cocoyam flour had higher values (p < 0.05) in all functional characteristics evaluated except for emulsifying capacity. Cake weights and volume increased with increasing cocoyam flour substitution while volume index decreased. Protein and fat contents of cake samples decreased (p< 0.05) with increasing levels of cocoyam flour substitution while ash and fibre contents increased. There was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in crust colour of samples. In terms of textural preference, cake prepared from 100% cocoyam flour was significantly higher than 100% wheat cake. Utilization of wheat-cocoyam flour blends in composite cake preparation will be beneficial to the nutrition of vulnerable groups considering the higher ash and fiber contents of of composite cake, and reduced carbohydrate and fat contents than control.

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