Description
This Orange Cardamom Cake brings together fresh citrus and warm spice for a festive dessert that stands out. The tender crumb is infused with real orange juice and aromatic cardamom, creating a balance of brightness and depth.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh orange juice
- 1/2 cup (120ml) full-fat yogurt or sour cream
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, room temperature (for frosting)
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, room temperature (for frosting)
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1 tsp ground cardamom (for frosting)
- 1–2 tbsp orange juice, as needed (for frosting)
- Zest of 1 orange (for frosting)
- Optional: Orange peel curls, crushed green cardamom pods, toasted pistachios or fennel seeds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cardamom, and salt until evenly combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 3 to 4 minutes until pale and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the orange zest and vanilla extract.
- Add the orange juice and yogurt to the batter and mix until combined. Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just incorporated.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Add ground cardamom, orange zest, and orange juice to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Once the cake layers are completely cool, place the first layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting over the top. Repeat with the second and third layers.
- Garnish the top with orange peel curls, crushed cardamom pods, or toasted pistachios or fennel seeds. Chill briefly before slicing.
Notes
- Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze for extra flavor.
- This cake is perfect for holiday gatherings or cold-weather baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 1067
- Sugar: 60 grams
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 42 grams
- Saturated Fat: 25 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 163 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 13 grams
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: Orange Cardamom Cake, Holiday Dessert, Citrus Cake