10 Traditional Ethiopian Desserts

Looking for Ethiopian desserts? You might be in for a surprise! While Ethiopian cuisine offers a wide variety of delicious and vibrant dishes, the selection of traditional Ethiopian desserts is actually pretty limited.

Walk into any Ethiopian restaurant, and you’ll find a long list of amazing savory options. But when it comes to sweet treats? They’re much harder to come by!

1.Kahawa (Ethiopian Coffee)

Discover the magic of Ethiopian coffee, which may only make up 3% of the world’s coffee but packs a big punch in flavor. This coffee is smooth, rich, and never bitter when made just right.

Here’s how to bring out its best: boil water with cardamom pods first, then add the coffee toward the end. This way, the spice infuses into the water without making the coffee bitter. The result?

A cup that’s nothing short of amazing.

2.Easy Eggless Tiramisu

Tiramisu just got a whole lot simpler, and we’re here for it! This classic dessert is all about the essentials: rich coffee, creamy goodness, and a hint of booze (if you’re feelin’ it).

The best part? You don’t need any fancy-schmancy ingredients to make it delicious. Just remember, mascarpone is non-negotiable–trust us, it’s worth the trip to the store. While the booze is totally optional, let’s be real…

kids probably won’t go for the coffee vibe anyway, so why not give it a grown-up twist? This tiramisu is all about keeping things easy, flavorful, and totally worth savoring. Enjoy!

3.Roasted Apricot and Honey Ice Cream

That ice cream maker you bought online? It’s about to become your new best friend! Roasting apricots brings out their natural sweetness and creates a caramelized flavor that’s pure magic.

Honestly, it’s so good you could skip the honey, but why would you? Together, they’re a match made in heaven.

One bite and you’ll be glad you went the extra mile for that ice cream maker!

4.Ethiopean Fruit Salad

The secret to an amazing fruit salad? Using fruit that’s perfectly ripe! You want to avoid melons that are hard and bland or mangoes that are mushy and flavorless.

So, how do you know when papaya is ready? Gently press the flesh with your thumb. If it gives a little, it’s good to go!

If not, just store it in a paper bag to help it ripen. Mangoes work similarly–they’ll be slightly soft to the touch and give off a sweet scent from the stem when they’re ripe.

With a little patience, you’ll have the perfect mix for your fruit salad!

5.How to Make a Macchiato

Let’s talk about macchiatos–those delicious coffee drinks that can be a bit confusing. When most people think of a macchiato, they’re picturing that big, creamy Starbucks drink loaded with caramel syrup.

That’s actually a latte macchiato, and it’s totally worth every sip. But a traditional macchiato? That’s a whole different story. It’s a simple yet rich shot of espresso topped with a dollop of milk foam.

It’s strong, not too sweet, and all about that pure coffee flavor. Of course, if you’re in the mood for a sweeter twist, you can always add a little sugar.

One thing’s for sure–this isn’t the time for instant coffee. If you don’t have an espresso machine, no worries! A cafetière (or French press) works like a charm.

You can usually find one at a store like Winners, TJ Maxx, or Marshalls. Grab one, and you’re all set to make your own macchiato at home.

6.Mandazi (East African Doughnuts)

These doughnuts are a classic street treat that’s as light as air and packed with flavor. They’re spiced just right and have a tender texture that’s hard to resist.

The subtle coconut flavor shines through, thanks to both coconut milk and shredded coconut in the dough, which also gives them a delightful chewiness.

With less sugar in the mix, the spices and coconut take center stage. If you prefer it a bit sweeter, feel free to dust them with powdered sugar or dip them in a vanilla glaze.

7.Himbasha (Ethiopian Flatbread)

This lightly sweetened flatbread, spiced with the warmth of cardamom, is a celebration-worthy treat that’s ready in no time. The best part?

It’s made with everyday pantry staples, so you can whip it up quickly when the mood strikes.

To get started, whisk together flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, cardamom powder, and black sesame seeds in your stand mixer. Then, mix in raisins, oil, and warm water until everything comes together.

Knead the dough for about 7-10 minutes, let it rest, and then press it into a baking dish. Bake until golden brown, and you’re done!

Perfect for special occasions or any time you crave something sweet and satisfying.

8.Baklava

Let’s talk about something sweet–baklava is the ultimate treat for those with a serious sweet tooth! This rich, syrupy dessert is so indulgent that even a small slice is enough for most folks.

Worried about working with phyllo dough? Don’t be! Just remember to keep it covered with a damp towel and move quickly while assembling.

When it comes to brushing the pastry with butter, go big or go home–the more butter, the better!

Walnuts are the classic choice here, but feel free to get creative with pistachios or pecans if you’re feeling adventurous. Whatever nuts you pick, this baklava is sure to impress!

9.Classic Ethiopian Honey Wine

Before the rise of European bakeries in Ethiopia, a traditional dessert was often a glass of honey wine or beer. This sweet treat is made similarly to mead and typically ferments for about a week.

But don’t worry, this recipe simplifies the process! It’s important to note that this wine is very sweet, so if you prefer a drier taste, it might not be your cup of tea.

For me, the flavor is irresistible, and I only use local, organic honey–it truly makes a difference in the end result.

10.Fried Sweet Plantains

Looking for a sweet and crispy treat? These sweet fried plantains are a delicious twist on a Haitian classic.

Imagine the warmth of a friend’s kitchen, where the aroma of fried plantains fills the air after a hearty meal. The best part? No pressing needed!

Just peel, slice, and fry in hot oil for that perfect golden crunch. Canola oil works great, but feel free to switch it up with coconut oil for a bit of extra flavor.

Here’s a pro tip: soak the slices in saltwater beforehand to make them extra crispy. Just remember to pat them dry thoroughly before frying to avoid any oil splatter.

Once they’re golden, drain on paper towels for a few seconds, then toss them in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm. It’s the perfect sweet and spicy finish to this tasty treat!

10 Traditional Ethiopian Desserts

Recipe by Mohamed ShiliCourse: DessertsCuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Looking for Ethiopian desserts? You might be in for a surprise! While Ethiopian cuisine offers a wide variety of delicious and vibrant dishes, the selection of traditional Ethiopian desserts is actually pretty limited. Walk into any Ethiopian restaurant, and you’ll find a long list of amazing savory options. But when it comes to sweet treats? They’re much harder to come by!

Ingredients

  • Kahawa (Ethiopian Coffee)

  • Easy Eggless Tiramisu

  • Roasted Apricot and Honey Ice Cream

  • Ethiopean Fruit Salad

  • How to Make a Macchiato

  • Mandazi (East African Doughnuts)

  • Himbasha (Ethiopian Flatbread)

  • Baklava

  • Classic Ethiopian Honey Wine

  • Fried Sweet Plantains

Directions

  • Select your favorite recipe.
  • Organize all the required ingredients.
  • Prep a delicious recipe in 30 minutes or less!

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