When I say ‘cake’, what comes to your mind? Vanilla? Chocolate? Or perhaps a classic like Red Velvet? Well, get ready for something completely different- cardamom cake! Warm, fragrant, and way less sugary than your usual cakes, cardamom cake is the perfect balance between spice and sweetness.
So, does everyone love the Cardamom Cake Recipe?
I would say it’s more for those with a taste for the finer things. And the main reason for this is cardamom- it has such a unique, strong flavor that it completely transforms the usual cake experience!
Instead of the typical sugar rush, this cake offers a warm, aromatic richness that makes you truly savor every bite. It’s not the kind of cake you would find at a birthday party, but rather the kind you enjoy on a quiet evening, curled up with your favorite novel and a cup of tea. And I love the way the scent of cardamom fills the kitchen as the cake bakes, making it all warm and nostalgic! It has got that mature vibe- made for taste buds that are a little tired of all the frosting and sprinkles.
Ready to indulge in a warm, spiced, and utterly comforting treat?
Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Cardamom Cake Recipe
- A refreshing break from vanilla or chocolate.
- Soft and moist crumbs that melt in your mouth.
- Pairs beautifully with chai, coffee, or latte.
- Light, rich, and totally irresistible!
- Simple to make with pantry staples.
- Quick and easy to make, under 1 hour.
What Is Cardamom Cake?
Cardamom cake is a totally different take on your usual desserts- say goodbye to regular cakes and hello to spice!
Infused with cardamom —a spice that has a bold taste and a hint of citrusy sweetness —this cake is a flavorful spin on the classic vanilla or chocolate ones. As cardamom has a strong taste, it’s used in moderation, and yet it still shines through, adding the perfect amount of warmth in every bite! Apart from enjoying its own, it’s a perfect pair with coffee, tea, or your favorite cozy drink.
Cardamom cake is especially popular in Sweden for fika, the Swedish tradition of enjoying coffee and cake in the afternoon, and it is often referred to as coffee cake. I always think of cardamom cake as a Swedish specialty, although it’s also very popular in Southeast Asia.
Pro Tips For Making Cardamom Cake
Feeling nervous about switching things up? Don’t worry- cardamom might be bold, but with a few easy tips, it will be a piece of cake!
- Don’t go overboard with cardamom as its flavor may overpower the cake.
- Using freshly ground cardamom can make a big difference in terms of flavor.
- Mix the batter only until the ingredients are just combined, as overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Keep the butter, milk, and eggs at room temperature before starting to bake.
- Allow the cake to cool before slicing for the best texture and clean cuts.
Variations To Make Your Swedish Cardamom Cake Extraordinary!
The best part of baking a cardamom cake is that you can customize it with different flavors, textures, and toppings. Here are some easy and simple variations for your next bake:
Honey and Yogurt Combo
Keep it light and refreshing with the natural sweetness of honey and the tang of yogurt. Swap some of the sugar with honey and use plain yogurt instead of milk to make this cake tender and more delicious!
Apple Meets Cardamom
I have a soft spot for apple pies, and let me tell you, you can get the same comforting flavor from this cardamom cake as well! Start by peeling and chopping up some apples and add the juicy chunks into the batter. Finish the cake with a sprinkle of brown sugar and walnuts for a sweet, nutty crunch.
More Spices, More Flavor!
Fallen in love with the fragrance of spices? Dig even deeper with some other chai spices like cinnamon, ginger, a piece of clove or black pepper for a more flavorful experience!
Sweet and Exotic Coconut Twist
Want to add a tropical flair to your cardamom cake? Add some shredded coconut into the batter and top it with a coconut cream glaze for the perfect balance of warmth and the sweetness of tropical coconut!
Go Healthy With Almonds
Let’s upgrade your diet with the goodness of almonds! Swap regular flour with the almond one and sprinkle chopped almonds on top for a nutty and delicious aroma.
Orange-Flavored Delight
Add a strong zing to your cardamom cake with 1 tbsp of fresh orange zest! The bright, citrusy taste of the orange is the perfect complement to the warm, aromatic cardamom. To give the cake a sweet finish, drizzle a simple orange glaze and garnish with a few slices of candied orange peel for decoration.
Banana-Spice Fusion
Want to make the cardamom cake a nutritious and healthy breakfast item? Mash 2 ripe bananas and add them into the batter for a perfect cozy morning snack that you can grab on your way out! Make sure to reduce the amount of sugar used in this recipe, as bananas are naturally sweet enough.
Cardamom Cake | Swedish Cardamom Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 tsp ground Cardamom
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- ½ tsp Baking Soda
- ¼ tsp Salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 large Eggs (Room Temperature)
- ½ cup Whole Milk (Room Temperature)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Essence
Equipments
- Electric Hand Mixer
Instructions
Prepare Dry Ingredients
- Grab a medium-sized bowl and combine all the dry ingredients. Sift the flour, cardamom, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure there are no lumps.
- Use a whisk and gently stir the mixture until it looks smooth.
Mix Wet Ingredients
- In another mixing bowl, add the softened butter and sugar. Beat the ingredients on medium-high speed using a hand mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Add one egg at a time and beat after each addition.
- Pour milk and vanilla essence into the batter and mix gently until combined.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture in 2 parts and stir until they are fully mixed.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Grease and line an 8-inch round pan with butter, line the bottom with parchment paper, and dust the sides with flour to prevent sticking.
Bake, Cool, and Serve!
- Bake the cardamom cake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, let the cake cool to room temperature. Carefully transfer the cake onto a serving plate and dust the top with powdered sugar and pistachios for decoration.
- Serve a slice and enjoy every bite of this delicious cardamom cake!
I love the fact that cardamom cake doesn’t rely on sugar to be flavorful- it has got its own depth and aromatic punch from the spice itself! Be it the chilly mornings of winter or the hot, breezy days of spring or summer, cardamom cake is cozy and festive enough to enjoy in any season!
Not totally convinced yet? Well, guess what- cardamom coffee cake is actually known to be beneficial for our digestive system and has antioxidant properties as well. Just a little bit of extra info in case you needed another reason to grab a slice!
Recipe FAQs
What Can I Do If My Cardamom Flavor Is Too Strong?
If you have added too much cardamom, try mellowing out its flavor with a glaze or whipped cream on top.
Can I Use Black Cardamom For This Recipe?
No. Only the green cardamom variety is suitable for baking purposes because of its sweet and delicate flavor.
What Toppings Go Well With Cardamom Cake?
You can add whipped cream, honey, fresh berries, or a simple citrus glaze as a topping for the cardamom cake, but I prefer my cardamom cake with just a light dusting of powdered sugar on top.
Leave a Reply