Print

Cardamom Cake Recipe

Cardamom Cake Recipe

5.3 from 16 reviews

This aromatic Cardamom Cake is a delightful treat featuring the warm, spicy flavor of ground cardamom infused into a soft and tender crumb. Perfect for afternoon tea or a special dessert, this cake combines the richness of butter and sour cream with the subtle warmth of cardamom, finished with a crunchy pearl sugar topping for extra texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 200g all-purpose flour (about 1 ½ cups)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 ½ tsp ground cardamom

Wet Ingredients

  • 150g unsalted butter, softened (about ¾ cup)
  • 200g granulated sugar (about 1 cup)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 120ml whole milk (about ½ cup)
  • ¼ cup sour cream (optional)

Topping

  • 2 tbsp pearl sugar (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line a 23cm (9-inch) round cake pan or an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cardamom until evenly combined to ensure the spices and leavening agents are well distributed.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer for 3–4 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, which helps create a tender cake texture.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Then stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in batches, alternating with the whole milk. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense. If using, gently fold in the sour cream to add moisture and tenderness.
  6. Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle pearl sugar evenly over the top for a crunchy, decorative finish if desired.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, signaling the cake is fully cooked.
  8. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring easy removal and preventing sogginess.

Notes

  • For best results, use freshly ground cardamom to enhance the flavor intensity.
  • Sour cream is optional but recommended for extra moistness and richness.
  • Pearl sugar adds a pleasant crunch and decorative touch but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to maintain its structure.
  • Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of black tea or coffee.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cardamom Cake, Scandinavian dessert, spiced cake, pearl sugar topping, easy bake cake