Spiced Coffee Semolina Cake with Cardamom and Honey Drizzle
A moist semolina cake infused with Ethiopian coffee and aromatic cardamom, finished with a sweet honey drizzle for a unique dessert experience. This african-inspired desserts ready in about 50 minutes layers semolina flour, granulated sugar, (1 stick), melted unsalted butter 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
- 1.5 cups semolina flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick), melted unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup, cooled strong brewed Ethiopian coffee
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup, warmed honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together 1.5 cups semolina flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1 tsp ground cardamom until evenly combined.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat 3 large eggs with 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 3/4 cup cooled strong brewed Ethiopian coffee, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 3: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes to allow semolina to absorb moisture.
- Step 4: Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch round cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, mix 1/4 cup warmed honey with 1 tbsp lemon juice. When the cake is warm from the oven, poke small holes over the surface with a skewer and drizzle the honey mixture evenly to soak in.
- Step 6: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving, enjoying the rich coffee and cardamom flavors accented by the honey drizzle.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Coffee Semolina Cake with Cardamom and Honey Drizzle 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 Spiced Coffee Semolina Cake with Cardamom and Honey Drizzle?
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 Spiced Coffee Semolina Cake with Cardamom and Honey Drizzle?
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 Spiced Coffee Semolina Cake with Cardamom and Honey Drizzle 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 Spiced Coffee Semolina Cake with Cardamom and Honey Drizzle?
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.
