African-inspired Spiced Honey Cake

Ingredients

In this African-inspired version, the traditional Japanese Kasutera is transformed by incorporating African spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. These spices add a warm and aromatic flavor profile that is characteristic of African cuisine. Additionally, the cake is given a slightly caramelized crust, which adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the overall flavor experience. We alse have the original recipe for Kasutera, so you can check it out.

• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 150g (1 cup) all-purpose flour 150g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
• 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
• 60ml (1/4 cup) honey 60ml (1/4 cup) honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 60ml (1/4 cup) milk 60ml (1/4 cup) milk
• 60ml (1/4 cup) vegetable oil 60ml (1/4 cup) vegetable oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 20g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a loaf pan.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, salt, baking powder, and baking soda to the egg mixture. Mix well.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the flour, alternating with the milk and vegetable oil. Mix until just combined.
5. 5.
   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
6. 6.
   Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. 7.
   Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
8. 8.
   Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Honey — Use a good quality honey with a rich flavor to enhance the taste of the cake.
• Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom — Use freshly ground spices for the best flavor. If possible, toast the whole spices before grinding them to release their aromatic oils.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter.
• Serve the cake warm with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an indulgent treat.
• If you prefer a spicier cake, increase the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom according to your taste.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• This cake pairs well with a cup of spiced African tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Serving advice

Serve the African-inspired Spiced Honey Cake as a dessert or a sweet treat with a cup of tea or coffee. It can also be enjoyed as a snack throughout the day.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar before serving. You can also garnish each slice with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a drizzle of honey.