Ethiopian Coffee-Spiced Semolina Cake with Cardamom Syrup
A moist semolina cake subtly flavored with Ethiopian coffee and warm cardamom, soaked in a fragrant cardamom syrup for a sweet finish. This ethiopian-inspired desserts ready in about 50 minutes layers semolina flour, all-purpose flour, teaspoon 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 320 calories and feeds 6, 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 cup semolina flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup water
- 8 pods cardamom pods, crushed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- for dusting powdered sugar (optional)
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup semolina flour, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules until evenly combined.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat 3 large eggs with 3/4 cup sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 3: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Pour the batter into a greased 8-inch square baking pan.
- Step 4: Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, bring 1 cup water to a boil with 8 crushed cardamom pods and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Simmer for 5 minutes, then strain and discard pods.
- Step 6: While the cake is still warm, poke holes in the surface with a skewer and pour the warm cardamom syrup evenly over it. Allow the cake to absorb the syrup completely before serving.
- Step 7: Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ethiopian Coffee-Spiced Semolina Cake with Cardamom Syrup 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-Spiced Semolina Cake with Cardamom Syrup?
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 Semolina Cake with Cardamom Syrup?
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 Semolina Cake with Cardamom Syrup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Semolina Cake with Cardamom Syrup?
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.
