Ethiopian Coffee-Inspired Cardamom and Cinnamon Cake
A moist, spiced cake infused with Ethiopian coffee, cardamom, and cinnamon, perfect for a flavorful dessert or afternoon treat. This ethiopian-inspired desserts ready in about 50 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder 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 270 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.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup brewed Ethiopian coffee, cooled
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp ground cardamom, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp salt until evenly combined.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk 3/4 cup cooled brewed Ethiopian coffee, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup plain yogurt until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
- Step 5: Pour batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 6: Let cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve plain or dusted with powdered sugar.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ethiopian Coffee-Inspired Cardamom and Cinnamon Cake take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Ethiopian Coffee-Inspired Cardamom and Cinnamon 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 Ethiopian Coffee-Inspired Cardamom and Cinnamon 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 Ethiopian Coffee-Inspired Cardamom and Cinnamon 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 Ethiopian Coffee-Inspired Cardamom and Cinnamon 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.
