Ethiopian Spiced Butter Cake

Ingredients

In this Ethiopian adaptation of the Boterkoek, we incorporate traditional Ethiopian spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves to infuse the cake with a distinct Ethiopian flavor profile. These spices add a warm and aromatic touch, elevating the cake to new heights of deliciousness. We alse have the original recipe for Boterkoek, so you can check it out.

• 250g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened 250g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 300g (2 cups) all-purpose flour 300g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Sliced almonds, for garnish Sliced almonds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 20g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a round cake pan.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. 6.
   Transfer the dough to the greased cake pan and press it evenly into the pan.
7. 7.
   Garnish the top with sliced almonds.
8. 8.
   Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
9. 9.
   Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Butter — Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming with the sugar.
• Cardamom — Use freshly ground cardamom for the best flavor.
• Almonds — Toast the sliced almonds before garnishing the cake to enhance their nutty taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter.
• Serve the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of cinnamon and cloves slightly.

Serving advice

Slice the Ethiopian Spiced Butter Cake into wedges and serve it alongside a steaming cup of Ethiopian coffee for an authentic experience. The cake is best enjoyed fresh, but it can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar before garnishing it with sliced almonds. Serve it on a decorative plate or cake stand to showcase its golden-brown crust.