Ethiopian Coffee-Spiced Chocolate Cake with Cardamom Glaze
A moist chocolate cake infused with Ethiopian coffee and warm spices, topped with a delicate cardamom-infused glaze for a unique dessert. This ethiopian-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, 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 380 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 unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp instant coffee granules
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened unsalted butter
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 2 tbsp milk
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Step 3: Dissolve 2 tbsp instant coffee granules in 1 cup boiling water and let cool slightly.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar until fluffy. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
- Step 5: Mix in 2 tsp vanilla extract.
- Step 6: Alternately add the dry flour mixture and 1 cup buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Step 7: Stir in the cooled coffee mixture until batter is smooth.
- Step 8: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 9: While cake cools, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cardamom, and 2 tbsp milk until smooth to make glaze.
- Step 10: Drizzle the cardamom glaze over the cooled cake before serving for a fragrant finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ethiopian Coffee-Spiced Chocolate Cake with Cardamom Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (20 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 Ethiopian Coffee-Spiced Chocolate Cake with Cardamom Glaze?
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-Spiced Chocolate Cake with Cardamom Glaze?
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-Spiced Chocolate Cake with Cardamom Glaze 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-Spiced Chocolate Cake with Cardamom Glaze?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The cardamom glaze was a perfect balance with the rich chocolate. Made for a special occasion.
- ★★★★★
My Ethiopian aunt introduced me to this recipe, and it's a hit at every family gathering!
- ★★★★★
This cake is now my go-to for dinner parties. The coffee-spice blend is divine.
