Cardamom and Honey Spiced Ethiopian Coffee Cake

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A moist coffee cake infused with Ethiopian coffee flavors, cardamom, and honey, perfect for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat. This Ethiopian-inspired recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 8 Ethiopian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp ground cardamom.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, cream 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar using a hand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
  5. Step 5: Alternately add the dry flour mixture and 1/2 cup cooled strong brewed Ethiopian coffee to the butter mixture in three additions, beginning and ending with the flour, mixing until just combined.
  6. Step 6: Fold in 1/2 cup plain yogurt and 1/4 cup honey until the batter is smooth.
  7. Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Step 8: Let cool slightly before slicing and serving with additional honey if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cardamom and Honey Spiced Ethiopian Coffee Cake take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Cardamom and Honey Spiced Ethiopian Coffee Cake?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cardamom and Honey Spiced Ethiopian Coffee Cake?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cardamom and Honey Spiced Ethiopian Coffee Cake for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cardamom and Honey Spiced Ethiopian Coffee Cake?

Ethiopian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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