Heavenly Cardamom Coffee Cake Recipe: A Delightful Sensation
When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a freshly baked coffee cake. The aroma of that perfectly spiced cake wafting through the house is enough to make any day better. And if you’re a fan of all things cardamom, then this Cardamom Coffee Cake recipe is just what you need in your life.
This recipe is not only incredibly easy to make, but it’s also incredibly delicious. With the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, this cake will have you hooked from the first bite. But what exactly is cardamom, and why is it so popular in baked goods?
Well, cardamom is a spice derived from the seeds of various plants belonging to the ginger family. It has a unique flavor that can be described as slightly sweet and floral with hints of citrus and mint. This flavor profile makes it an ideal addition to baked goods like cakes, where it complements the sweetness of the sugar and adds a lovely depth of flavor.
So whether you’re looking for the perfect coffee cake to serve up at your next brunch or just want a delicious treat to enjoy with your morning cup of joe, this Cardamom Coffee Cake recipe is sure to become a fast favorite in your household. So let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
As a coffee lover and baking enthusiast, I highly recommend trying out this delicious cardamom coffee cake recipe. Here are a few reasons why I believe you’ll love it too.
Firstly, the combination of cardamom and coffee is simply divine. The warm and slightly spicy notes of cardamom perfectly complement the rich and bold flavor of coffee. Both flavors shine through in every bite, making each slice of cake an absolute delight.
Secondly, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack or even as dessert after dinner. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying by yourself with a hot cup of coffee.
Thirdly, this recipe is easy to make, even if you’re not an experienced baker. With simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon, you can whip up this delightful confection in no time.
Finally, this cake can be customized to your liking with easy substitutions and variations. You can try swapping out the walnuts for almonds or hazelnuts, or adding in some chocolate chips or raisins for an extra burst of flavor.
In conclusion, whether you’re a die-hard cardamom fan or simply looking to try something new and delicious, this cardamom coffee cake recipe is definitely worth a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delicious Cardamom Coffee Cake Recipe:
-
Cake: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cardamom, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature, 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed, 2 eggs (one at a time), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cup sour cream
-
Streusel topping: 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons ground cardamom, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, pinch of salt, 1/4 cup walnuts, finely chopped
Note: You will also need whole cardamom pods if you choose to grind them yourself.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve gotten through the ingredients, let’s dive into the recipe for this delectable Cardamom Coffee Cake!
Step One: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×13 inch cake pan with unsalted butter or non-stick cooking spray.
Step Two: Make the Streusel Topping
Combine brown sugar, cardamom, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in unsalted butter with a fork or pastry blender until the mixture becomes crumbly. Then, add chopped walnuts and set aside.
Step Three: Mix the Batter
In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cardamom. In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in one egg at a time, continuing to mix until fully incorporated. Then, mix in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and spiced cardamom coffee.
Step Four: Combine and Layer
Add 1/2 of the dry ingredients to your batter mixture and lightly stir until just combined, then repeat with the remaining ingredients. Pour half of the coffee cake batter into the greased cake pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle half of the crumb mixture evenly over the top of the batter in the pan. Repeat this layering process with the remaining batter and streusel topping.
Step Five: Bake Away!
Bake for around 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool before serving.
This recipe may seem like it includes many steps, but they are all simple steps that will result in an incredibly delicious spiced cake that will be worth the effort.
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this cardamom coffee cake recipe is the versatility it offers for substitutions and variations to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. Whether you want to switch up the spices, flour, or even the dairy products, there are plenty of options to explore.
For a gluten-free option, use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also use oat flour for an added nutty flavor.
If you’re looking for a sweeter and nuttier version, swap out the cardamom with cinnamon or ground nutmeg in the streusel topping. You can even add chopped walnuts or pistachios into the streusel for added crunch.
For a vegan option, substitute the sour cream with plant-based yogurt or thickened coconut milk. Using plant-based butter spread can replace regular unsalted butter without compromising on taste.
If you prefer a sweeter cake you can increase brown sugar in the batter by 1/4 cup or even swap it out with granulated sugar.
Finally, if you want to go all out with flavors, try incorporating orange zest into the batter for an orange-cardamom variation. Add grated apples for an apple-cardamom twist. To switch things up, you can also make muffins instead of cake using this recipe.
Whatever variation or substitution you choose to explore – be it cinnamon and walnut cakes, coffee braids or spiced cardamom coffee muffins – have fun experimenting with new flavors while indulging in this delicious coffee cake treat!
Serving and Pairing
This cardamom coffee cake recipe is a delectable treat that can be served any time of the day. It is perfect for breakfast with a hot cup of coffee or tea, or as an afternoon snack. The aroma of cardamom and cinnamon infused in the cake makes it irresistible to the taste buds.
One great pairing for this cake is with a hot cup of spiced cardamom coffee. If you really love the taste of cardamom, then adding a pinch of it to your coffee will intensify its flavor and make it even more delicious. Another pairing suggestion is to serve it with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
For those who prefer savory over sweet, this cardamom coffee cake can also be paired with cheese, such as aged cheddar or brie. The richness of the cheese complements the sweetness of the cake, making for a delightful combination.
This cake can also be cut into small pieces and served alongside other baked goods like pistachio muffins or apple cardamom cakes to create an impressive spread for parties or gatherings.
Overall, this cake can be enjoyed in many ways, whether eaten alone or paired with other foods. The versatility of this recipe makes it ideal for any occasion and anyone looking for a delicious treat.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Cardamom Coffee Cake is versatile and can be made ahead of time, stored for a few days, and reheated as needed. If you want to make it ahead of time, you can bake the cake and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
When you’re ready to serve, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and reheat the cake for 10-15 minutes until it’s warm. The cake will still be moist and delicious even after being in storage.
If storing the cake for longer than two days, I would recommend freezing it. To do this, wrap the completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then wrap it again in aluminum foil. The cake can be frozen for up to three months. To defrost the frozen cake, remove the wrapping and thaw it overnight in the fridge or on your kitchen counter.
For maximum freshness, I would not recommend storing the streusel topping separately from the cake as its moisture content may change and create an unfavorable texture.
When reheating your slice of Cardamom Coffee Cake, add a scoop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra-sweet touch since these pairings work fantastically with most baked goods.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have the recipe for cardamom coffee cake, let me share with you some tips on how to make it perfectly. Trust me, paying attention to these tips will make all the difference in your baking experience.
Firstly, when measuring the ingredients, make sure to measure them accurately. Even a small difference in the amount of flour or sugar can affect the texture and taste of the cake. I recommend using a kitchen scale for measuring dry ingredients.
Secondly, do not overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in a tough and chewy cake. Mix the batter until just combined and avoid over-stirring it.
Thirdly, use room temperature ingredients. Cold ingredients will result in uneven mixing, whereas room temperature ingredients mix well with each other, resulting in better texture.
Fourthly, keep an eye on the baking time. The exact baking time might vary depending on your oven and altitude. Check the cake 5 minutes before it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, then it’s ready.
Fifthly, when making streusel topping, make sure to use cold butter and mix it until crumbly. A too-soft or too-melted butter will result in a paste-like mixture instead of crumbly topping.
Sixthly, if you want to add walnuts or any other nuts to your cake, toast them first. Toasted walnuts add extra flavor and crunchiness to your cake.
Lastly, serve this delicious cardamom coffee cake with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top. Trust me; this combination is heavenly!
Follow these simple tips to achieve a flawless cardamom coffee cake every time. Enjoy!
FAQ
Now that you’re familiar with the cardamom coffee cake recipe, let’s answer some frequently asked questions to ensure your baking experience is successful.
What does cardamom taste like in cake?
Cardamom possesses a delightful and invigorating taste with undertones of mint, lemon, and flower. This flavor profile perfectly complements the tanginess of citrus fruit in baked delicacies such as cake.
Does cardamom pair well with coffee?
Coffee with a strong flavor of cardamom is well-liked in various regions of the Middle East, including Israel. One way to prepare it involves adding whole cardamom pods directly into small cups of thick, rich coffee. Meanwhile, another approach is to combine the coffee and cardamom during the brewing process, making it a versatile recipe.
What’s the difference between coffee cake and streusel?
When it comes to crumb cake and coffee cake, the amount of streusel topping used is the key distinguishing factor. More often than not, crumb cake has a generously thick layer of streusel topping as compared to coffee cake. Additionally, coffee cake can be prepared without using any streusel topping.
How do you increase the flavor of coffee in a cake?
As a barista, some tips that I have for making coffee with unique flavors include infusing the batter with coffee through different ways. One popular method that bakers typically use is to add instant espresso powder to the batter. Another way to create a twist on classic coffee flavor is by adding a mocha swirl. For a final touch, packing the crumb topping with coffee will add an extra crunch and flavor. And if you’re feeling daring, you can add some boozy latte glaze to top it all off. These tips will take your coffee experience to the next level.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Cardamom Coffee Cake recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. With its rich and spiced flavors, it is a perfect treat for any occasion, from breakfast to dessert. It combines essential ingredients like unsalted butter, sour cream, and all-purpose flour with aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and walnuts. You can easily substitute and vary the recipe as per your preference – be it mixing it up with chocolate or pistachios.
This cake is perfect for family gatherings or office parties because everyone will fall in love with its amazing flavor. Therefore, I highly recommend baking this cake on your free day and sharing it with your family and friends. In addition to being a delightful pastry treat, cardamom coffee cake is also an easy-to-make recipe that you can prepare ahead of time or store in the fridge for later consumption.
So, give this recipe a try and enjoy the warm smell of fresh cardamom fills your kitchen. Besides having a heavenly taste, the Cardamom Coffee Cake Recipe will undoubtedly impress anyone who tries it. And I am pretty sure this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites too!
Cardamom Coffee Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
Topping
- 1/2 cup natural almonds, chopped coarsely
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cardamom
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- To make the topping: Mix together the almonds, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, cardamom and melted butter with a fork until crumbly.
- To make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Sift together 2 cups flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and baking soda and set aside.
- Cream together the softened butter and 1 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time and beat well between additions.
- Beat in the vanilla.
- Add the dry ingredients in thirds to the creamed mixture, alternating with the sour cream, beating in between additions and ending with dry ingredients.
- Scrape down the sides and beat for 1 more minute.
- Grease the bottom and sides of an 8-inch springform pan.
- Pour half of the batter into the pan and sprinkle with half of the almond mixture.
- Pour the remaining batter into the pan, spreading it out if necessary.
- Top with the remaining almond mixture.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes on the middle rack.
- The cake is done when a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Leave the cake in the pan and cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes.
- Remove from the pan and cool completely.