Cardamom Coffee Cake Recipe

If you are on the lookout for a delicious way to brighten your mornings or impress guests at brunch, this Cardamom Coffee Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brings together the warm, fragrant spice of cardamom with a tender, moist crumb that practically melts in your mouth. The luscious sour cream adds richness while the cinnamon-cardamom crumble topping adds a delightful crunch, making every bite a harmonious combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re sipping your morning coffee or sharing a cozy afternoon treat, this coffee cake never fails to create smiles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking this golden beauty. Each component plays a starring role, whether in lending that soft crumb, the warm spice notes, or the irresistible crumble topping.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cake structure and a tender crumb.
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the sour cream for gentle leavening.
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom: The star spice imparting that warm, floral aroma and flavor.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors overall.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a tender texture.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake evenly without overpowering.
• ¼ cup brown sugar: Brings a subtle molasses depth and moisture.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and provide structure.
• 1 cup sour cream: Keeps the batter moist and adds slight tanginess for balance.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
• ⅓ cup brown sugar (for crumble): Sweetens the crumbly topping with a caramel note.
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (for crumble): Creates the dry base for the topping’s crisp texture.
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom (for crumble): Continues the signature spice flavor in every bite.
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (for crumble): Adds warmth and depth to the topping.
• Pinch of salt (for crumble): Balances the sweet and spice in the crumble.
• 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed (for crumble): Creates the crumb topping’s buttery, flaky texture.
• ½ cup powdered sugar (optional glaze): Sweetens the glaze with a silky finish.
• 1–2 teaspoons milk or cream (optional glaze): Helps achieve that perfect drizzling consistency.
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional glaze): Enhances the glaze with delicate warmth.

How to Make Cardamom Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing an 8×8-inch baking pan with butter or parchment paper to ensure your cake never sticks. Next, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cardamom, and salt in a medium bowl. This combination forms the base dry mix that carries the flavorful spice throughout the cake.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is critical because it creates tiny air pockets that help your cake stay tender and rise well, while also giving a rich, caramelized flavor.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Wet Ingredients

Beat in the eggs one at a time to make sure they fully combine and create a smooth batter. Then stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract for moisture and enhanced flavor. The sour cream adds a subtle tang and ensures your cake stays moist even after baking.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Careful not to overmix—you want the batter to be integrated but still light to keep that perfect tender texture in your finished coffee cake.

Step 5: Prepare and Add the Crumble Topping

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the topping forms coarse crumbs. Evenly sprinkle this fragrant mixture over the cake batter in the pan. This topping will bake into a crisp, buttery crunch that perfectly complements the soft cake beneath.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake your cake for 35 to 40 minutes. Use a toothpick to test doneness; when it comes out clean, your cake is ready to be removed from the oven. The golden crust and aromatic spices will make it hard to wait for it to cool!

Step 7: Cool and Optional Glaze

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want to take it up a notch, mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla to create a light glaze that drizzles beautifully over the cooled cake, adding a hint of extra sweetness and shine.

How to Serve Cardamom Coffee Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar or a gentle drizzle of the vanilla glaze sends this cake over the top aesthetically and flavor-wise. For a little extra festive touch, consider sprinkling chopped toasted nuts or a few fresh berries on top just before serving—they add color, texture, and an elegant look that’s sure to impress.

Side Dishes

This Cardamom Coffee Cake Recipe pairs perfectly with a cup of hot coffee or chai tea, highlighting the warm spices in both the drink and the cake. For a brunch spread, fresh fruit salad or creamy yogurt blends nicely for a balanced and delightful meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving slices on vintage floral plates with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. You can also cut the cake into smaller squares for a buffet or party, allowing everyone to enjoy a little bit of that fragrant cardamom goodness. The crumble topping makes each piece visually inviting and wonderfully textured.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your coffee cake has cooled completely, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain its moist texture and crumble topping. Avoid refrigerating if possible, as this can dry out the cake.

Freezing

If you want to keep your Cardamom Coffee Cake Recipe fresh longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap then foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature and refresh slightly by warming in the oven for a few minutes to regain that fresh-baked aroma.

Reheating

Warm leftover slices in a preheated 325°F oven for about 10 minutes or until just heated through. This revives the cake’s softness and restores the crumble topping’s crispy texture, making it taste almost like freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I substitute the sour cream in this Cardamom Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream as it provides similar moisture and tanginess without altering the texture much. Just use the same amount and keep the rest of the recipe the same.

What does cardamom add to the flavor of the coffee cake?

Cardamom adds a unique, warm, and slightly floral spice that brightens the cake and pairs beautifully with cinnamon and vanilla. It’s often described as exotic and aromatic, bringing an intriguing depth to this classic coffee cake.

Can I make this cake in a different pan size?

Yes, but baking times might change depending on the pan size. If using a larger pan, expect a shorter bake time and for a smaller pan, slightly longer. Keep an eye out for that toothpick test to check doneness.

Is the glaze necessary?

The glaze is completely optional but it adds a lovely, sweet finish that contrasts nicely with the spice and crumble. If you prefer a simpler cake, it tastes amazing without it too!

How do I get the crumble topping to be perfectly crispy?

Use cold butter when mixing the crumble topping and avoid overworking it. This technique creates little pockets of butter that bake into a crisp and flaky topping that’s simply irresistible.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Cardamom Coffee Cake Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. Its balance of warm spices, tender crumb, and buttery crumble topping makes it a comforting and elegant treat for any occasion. So go ahead, bake a batch, and share the joy of this fragrant, flavorful cake with your friends and family—you won’t regret it!

Cardamom Coffee Cake Recipe

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4.1 from 52 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Cardamom Coffee Cake is a fragrant and moist treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Featuring warm spices like cardamom and cinnamon in both the cake and crumb topping, it offers a delightful balance of sweet and aromatic flavors. The sour cream adds tenderness and a slight tang, while an optional vanilla glaze gives a finishing touch of sweetness.

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Ingredients

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Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Crumble Topping

• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed

Optional Glaze

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 teaspoons milk or cream
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cardamom, and salt. This creates the base of your cake’s dry mix.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined for a smooth batter.
4. Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, then stir in sour cream and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet batter, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
6. Pour Batter Into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the surface evenly with a spatula for uniform baking.
7. Prepare Crumble Topping: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
8. Add Crumble Topping: Evenly sprinkle the crumble mixture over the top of the cake batter in the pan, creating a sweet and spiced crunchy layer.
9. Bake the Cake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
10. Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely to avoid sogginess.
11. Prepare and Drizzle Glaze (Optional): If desired, whisk powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth, then drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake for extra sweetness and moisture.

Notes

• Do not overmix the batter after adding dry ingredients to keep the cake tender.
• Use cold butter for the crumble topping to achieve a crumbly texture.
• The optional glaze adds sweetness but can be omitted for less sugar.
• Ensure the cake is fully cooled before glazing to prevent melting the glaze.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American