Broiled Teff-Spiced Ethiopian Honey Cake

Name: Broiled Teff-Spiced Ethiopian Honey Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 150 g teff flour; 100 g all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground cardamom; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 1/4 tsp ground ginger; 1/4 tsp salt; 3 large eggs; 150 g honey (preferably mild, floral); 120 ml whole milk; 80 g unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp dark brown sugar (for broiling topping); 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for broiling topping)

This honey cake blends nutty teff flour with warm Ethiopian spices, broiled to create a caramelized, tender crust and cozy aroma.

Prep15 minCook20 minTotal35 minServes6Difficultymedium

Method

How to make it

01
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
02
In a large bowl, whisk together teff flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and salt until evenly combined.
03
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with honey until smooth and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
04
Add milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture and whisk until fully incorporated.
05
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
06
Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
07
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is still slightly soft.
08
Mix dark brown sugar and 1 tablespoon melted butter in a small bowl to create the broiling topping.
09
Spread the sugar-butter mixture evenly over the cake surface, then set the oven to broil on high.
10
Broil the cake for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully, until the topping caramelizes and forms a golden crust with small bubbly spots.
11
Remove the cake from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool further.
12
Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a drizzle of additional honey or a small dollop of unsweetened yogurt.

From the editor

Cooking tips

If you can't find teff flour, substitute with whole wheat flour for a similar nutty flavor but less authentic texture.
Watch the broiling stage closely as sugar can burn quickly; aim for a bubbly, amber crust, not blackened spots.
Make ahead: bake the cake fully, cool, and refrigerate. Before serving, warm under broiler for 2 minutes to refresh the caramelized topping.
For a dairy-free version, swap milk for coconut milk and butter for coconut oil, though flavor will be subtly different.

Published May 3, 2026