Coconut and Cardamom Cake

Inspired by the nutty and mildly floral cardamom flavors of East African mkate mimina, a bouncy yeasted coconut and rice cake, this version of a classic, American-style yellow cake is made with a kiss of coconut extract and ground cardamom. The cake gets topped with a simple coconut-infused American buttercream and toasted coconut flakes to double down on the coconutty-ness. Think of the toasted coconut flakes that blanket the tender cake like you would sprinkles on steroids, adding flavor