The seven days of Kwanzaa are a special opportunity to join with family, friends and neighbors to celebrate African-American culture and spirituality. The celebration culminates with a large feast, the Karamu, where large groups gather to share joyful traditions. Cocoa powder gives the Chocolate Kwanzaa Celebration Cake its rich, chocolatey taste. Since cocoa powder also blends easily with other baking ingredients, there are no messy pre-melting steps.
Children can help decorate the cake with sliced fruits such as oranges, bananas and coconuts.
Serve the cake on a plate or stand, and display it on the Mkeka, the traditional Kwanzaa straw placemat. Grease and flour 12-cup fluted tube pan. Beat butter, sugar and vanilla in large bowl until creamy. Beat in eggs. Stir in bananas, coconut and orange peel, if desired.