PRODUCTION AND SENSORY EVALUATION OF CAKE BLENDS MADE FROM AVOCADO PULP AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR BUTTER IN JOS, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the production and sensory evaluation of cake blends using avocado pulp as a substitution of butter in Jos North, Plateau State, Nigeria. An experimental research design was specifically adopted to make ground breaking discoveries for this study. The population of the study was made up of 20 respondents in the study area. There was no sampling technique employed as the entire respondents were used due to their manageable size. To achieve the aim of the study, four questions were asked. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire made up of 40 item statements. The data obtained from the respondents were analysed using frequency and percentage and were presented using clustered bar charts. The findings of the study revealed that majority of the respondents have knowledge on ingredients used in making cake from avocado pulp as 80% of them are knowledgeable about flour, butter, and eggs; 75% are knowledgeable about sugar and salt; and 65% knowledgeable about baking powder as ingredients used in making cake from avocado pulp.  The sensory evaluation of the avocado pulp cake revealed that that dark color is preferred, the aroma of the cake was liked slightly, the texture of the cake rated ‘good’, the taste rated ‘fair’, and the general acceptability was liked very much. It was also found that the respondents are only aware of health benefit of avocado pulp cake for being rich in healthy fats as majority of them are not aware at all that cake made from avocado has numerous health benefits which include promoting heart health, supporting weight management, boosting nutrients absorption among others. Therefore, the study recommended that as the study revealed that majority of the respondents are not aware at all that cake made from avocado has several health benefits, there is need for public enlightenment through media platforms with respect to the health benefits of cake made from avocado pulp.