Honey and Coffee-Spiced Ethiopian Cake
A moist cake infused with Ethiopian coffee grounds and sweetened with honey, highlighting flavors beloved in Ethiopian culture. This african-inspired desserts ready in about 50 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda 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 280 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 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tbsp ground Ethiopian coffee
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 2 tbsp ground Ethiopian coffee, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp salt until combined.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup honey, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 4: Add 2 large eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition, then mix in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Alternately add the dry flour mixture and 3/4 cup buttermilk to the wet ingredients in three additions, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix each addition until just combined; do not overmix.
- Step 6: Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 7: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Honey and Coffee-Spiced Ethiopian 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 Honey and Coffee-Spiced Ethiopian 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 Honey and Coffee-Spiced Ethiopian 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 Honey and Coffee-Spiced Ethiopian 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 Honey and Coffee-Spiced Ethiopian Cake?
African 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.
