Name: Cardamom Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (or 1/2 cup neutral oil); 1/2 cup milk or plain yogurt; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1–1 1/2 tsp ground cardamom (adjust to taste); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt; Optional: powdered sugar or cardamom glaze for topping

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fragrant and unique flavor from cardamom
Soft, moist texture with a tender crumb
Pairs perfectly with tea or coffee
Made with simple pantry ingredients
Can be served as a loaf, bundt, or sheet cake
Easy to make in one bowl
Delicious with or without glaze or frosting
A cozy dessert for any season
Perfect for brunch, holidays, or gatherings
A unique alternative to traditional spice cakes

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour
granulated sugar
eggs
unsalted butter or oil
milk or yogurt
baking powder
ground cardamom
vanilla extract
salt
optional: powdered sugar or glaze for topping

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan, bundt pan, or 9-inch round cake pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together sugar and eggs until light and fluffy.
Add melted butter (or oil), milk (or yogurt), and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, ground cardamom, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined—do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze before serving, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 8–10 slices.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Cooling time: 15 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Add citrus: Include orange or lemon zest for a bright twist.
Use brown sugar: Swap half the white sugar for brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Top with glaze: Mix powdered sugar with milk and a touch of cardamom for a sweet drizzle.
Serve with fruit: Pair with poached pears, fresh berries, or roasted figs.
Make it dairy-free: Use plant-based milk and oil instead of butter.
Add nuts: Stir in chopped almonds or pistachios for texture.
Cardamom coffee cake: Add a crumb topping of brown sugar, butter, flour, and cardamom.
Swirl in jam: Add a swirl of raspberry or fig jam to the batter before baking.
Spice blend: Combine cardamom with cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves for a spicier version.
Make muffins: Divide the batter into muffin tins and bake for 18–22 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days if needed.

To freeze, wrap the cooled cake (whole or sliced) tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat, microwave a slice for 10–15 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through.

FAQs

What does cardamom taste like?

Cardamom has a warm, sweet, and slightly citrusy flavor with floral notes. It’s aromatic and pairs beautifully with baked goods.

Can I use ground cardamom or pods?

Ground cardamom is best for this recipe. If using pods, you’ll need to grind the seeds finely and measure accordingly.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

How much cardamom is too much?

Cardamom is strong, so a little goes a long way. Stick to 1–2 teaspoons unless you prefer a very bold flavor.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly, but it may affect the texture and sweetness balance.

What kind of milk should I use?

Whole milk, plant-based milk, or yogurt all work well in this recipe. Yogurt gives a slightly tangier, richer texture.

Can I add frosting?

Yes, cream cheese or vanilla buttercream frosting complements cardamom cake beautifully.

How do I know the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with a few crumbs when the cake is done.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double it and bake in two pans or a larger bundt pan. Adjust baking time accordingly.

Is this cake freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes very well. Wrap tightly and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Cardamom Cake is a cozy, aromatic dessert that’s simple to make and full of bold, beautiful flavor. With its soft texture and subtly spiced profile, it’s a unique addition to your baking repertoire—perfect for tea time, holidays, or just a quiet moment with something sweet. Once you try it, this cake might just become your new favorite.