Dive into the aromatic world of cardamom cake, a delightful dessert that blends warm, fragrant cardamom spices with a rich, comforting coffee glaze. This cake delivers a unique taste experience that feels both exotic and familiar, perfect for any special event. The soft, moist cake features the distinctive taste of cardamom, a spice cherished in Scandinavian and Middle Eastern cooking for its intense yet sweet flavor. Topped with a silky coffee glaze, this cake becomes an irresistible treat that will capture your taste buds. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe will add elegance and sophistication to your baking skills. Let’s start making this exquisite cardamom cake with coffee glaze, and ensure every slice is as captivating as the last.
What is a Cardamom Cake with Coffee Glaze?
Cardamom Cake with Coffee Glaze is a delightful dessert that brings together the rich, aromatic flavors of cardamom spice and a sweet, robust coffee-infused glaze. Known for its complex flavor—simultaneously citrusy, minty, spicy, and herbal—cardamom is a favorite in both Scandinavian and South Asian kitchens. It’s particularly valued in baking, where it enhances sweet dishes with its pungent yet sweet taste, making it perfect for cakes and pastries.
In this recipe, cardamom takes center stage, giving the cake a fragrant, spicy-sweet flavor that beautifully balances with the creamy, sweet texture of the cake. The cake’s moist, rich texture often comes from adding yogurt or sour cream, which helps blend the spice flavors throughout the dessert.
The coffee glaze is a brilliant addition that complements the warmth of cardamom. Coffee, typically bold and bitter, is transformed into a sweet glaze that not only gives the cake a glossy, inviting look but also enriches its flavor profile. When poured over the cake, the glaze seeps in slightly, infusing it with a subtle coffee flavor that goes wonderfully with the aromatic cardamom. This pairing creates a sensory experience that combines taste and aroma, elevating the cake from a simple baked good to a gourmet delight. The result is a sophisticated dessert perfect for special occasions or as a luxurious treat to savor with a cup of coffee or tea.
Cardamom Cake with Coffee Glaze
12
servings20
minutes1
hour753
kcalThis Cardamom Cake with Coffee Glaze offers a symphony of flavors and textures, making it an unforgettable culinary delight. The cake itself boasts a delicate crumb that’s incredibly moist, achieved through the inclusion of rich, full-fat yogurt and whole milk. Each bite is infused with the warm, aromatic essence of cardamom, providing a sweet and spicy flavor that’s both comforting and exotic. The texture is soft and tender, a perfect canvas for the rich, velvety coffee glaze that crowns this dessert.
Ingredients
- Cake:
300 g unsalted butter, room temperature
400 g granulated sugar
4 eggs, room temperature
3 tsp vanilla bean paste
450 g all-purpose flour
3 ½ tsp baking powder
80 g almond flour
½ tsp salt
3 tsp cardamom powder
225 g full-fat Greek or Turkish style yogurt, room temperature
90 g whole milk, room temperature
- Coffee Glaze:
200 g powdered sugar, sifted
1 -2 tbsp freshly brewed coffee
Directions
- Preparation and Preheating: Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (347°F). Prepare a 10-inch Bundt pan by generously greasing it with butter. Dust it with flour to ensure a non-stick surface, and place the pan in the freezer while you prepare the batter. This helps create a crisp outer crust once the cake bakes.
- Creaming Butter and Sugar:
– In a large mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to cream together 300 grams of room temperature unsalted butter with 400 grams of granulated sugar. Beat them until the mixture is fluffy and light in color, which typically takes about 3 to 5 minutes. This process incorporates air into the batter, helping the cake rise.
– Gradually add 4 room temperature eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Add 3 teaspoons of vanilla bean paste during the final egg addition and mix until just combined. - Sifting and Mixing Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together 450 grams of all-purpose flour, 3½ teaspoons of baking powder, 80 grams of almond flour, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 3 teaspoons of cardamom powder. Sifting not only removes lumps but also aerates the flour, making the cake lighter.
- Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
– In another bowl, whisk together 225 grams of full-fat Greek or Turkish style yogurt and 90 grams of whole milk until smooth. This mixture adds moisture to the cake, enhancing its texture.
– Add the dry and wet ingredients alternately to the creamed butter mixture, starting and ending with the wet ingredients. Fold in each addition gently with a rubber spatula until just combined; avoid over-mixing to prevent the cake from becoming dense. - Baking the Cake:
– Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating that it is properly baked.
– Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then invert it onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This step ensures the cake retains its shape and moisture. - Preparing the Coffee Glaze: While the cake is cooling, prepare the coffee glaze by sifting 200 grams of powdered sugar into a bowl. Gradually whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of freshly brewed coffee until the glaze is smooth and reaches a pourable consistency.
- Applying the Glaze and Setting the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the coffee glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides evenly. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving to ensure it adheres nicely to the cake and creates a beautiful finish.
Equipment
Notes
- Importance of Ingredients Being at Room Temperature:
Consistency and Texture: Room temperature ingredients such as butter, eggs, and dairy mix together more thoroughly and create emulsions which trap air. When baked, this air expands and results in a fluffier cake. Cold ingredients can result in a cake that is dense or unevenly baked.
Emulsification: Ingredients like butter and eggs blend more seamlessly when they are at the same temperature, aiding in the emulsification process. This is crucial for a smooth batter that doesn’t separate or curdle. - Recommendations for Baking Equipment and Techniques:
Bundt Pan: Use a high-quality, non-stick Bundt pan to ensure the intricate design of the pan is beautifully defined in the cake without sticking. Greasing and flouring the pan are essential steps to ensure your cake releases perfectly.
Electric Hand Mixer: An electric hand mixer is recommended for creaming butter and sugar, as well as for incorporating eggs and vanilla. This tool helps to add volume to the mixture by incorporating air, which is essential for the texture of the cake.
Sifting Dry Ingredients: Always sift dry ingredients such as flour, baking powder, and spices. This not only helps to remove any lumps but also aerates the ingredients, resulting in a lighter cake.
Folding Technique: Use a rubber spatula to fold ingredients gently. This method helps to maintain the air in the batter, crucial for a light and airy cake. Over-mixing can deflate the batter, leading to a denser cake. - Options for Flavor Variations and Glaze Alternatives:
Flavor Variations:
– Spices: Experiment with other warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a different but equally delightful flavor profile.
– Citrus Zest: Add grated orange or lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy twist that complements the cardamom.
Glaze Alternatives:
– Vanilla Glaze: For a simpler taste, a vanilla bean glaze can replace the coffee glaze, offering a sweet and rich topping that enhances the cardamom flavor without the addition of coffee.
– Cream Cheese Frosting: For a richer topping, cream cheese frosting can be a decadent alternative to the lighter coffee glaze.
– Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a subtler finish, simply dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar. This is particularly appealing if you prefer less sweetness or a more understated appearance.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 753kcal
- Fat: 43g
- Sodium: 585mg
- Carbohydrates: 110g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 56g
- Protein: 11g
- Calcium: 152mg
- Iron: 3mg
Conclusion
This Cardamom Cake with Coffee Glaze recipe captures the essence of elegant baking with its delightful blend of aromatic cardamom and rich coffee flavors. The moist, tender crumb paired with the glossy, sweet glaze delights both the palate and the eyes. Its sophisticated flavor profile and beautiful Bundt shape make this cake an excellent choice for festive occasions and special celebrations. It’s the perfect dessert for holidays, family gatherings, or even as an upscale weekend treat.
This cake’s versatility allows you to adapt flavors and presentations to suit different tastes and preferences. Whether you stick with the classic coffee glaze or try out vanilla or cream cheese frostings, this cake is sure to please any crowd.
I encourage you to embrace the joy of baking by trying this exquisite recipe. Its unique flavors and stunning presentation will impress your guests and add a luxurious touch to any dining table. Perfect for any season and reason, this Cardamom Cake with Coffee Glaze is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of flavor and baking artistry. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s bake a masterpiece that will be remembered long after the last slice is enjoyed!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cardamom Cake with Coffee Glaze
- Can I use pre-ground cardamom instead of grinding it fresh?
- Yes, you can use pre-ground cardamom for convenience; however, for the best flavor and a more aromatic profile, freshly ground cardamom is highly recommended. Fresh grinding releases the essential oils and provides a more potent flavor that enhances the cake significantly.
- What can I use instead of a Bundt pan?
- If you don’t have a Bundt pan, a standard round cake pan or even a loaf pan can be used as an alternative. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust the baking time depending on the depth and shape of the pan you choose. Generally, a deeper or smaller pan requires longer baking time.
- Can I make this cake gluten-free?
- Absolutely! To make this cake gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure that the blend is a 1:1 substitution and check that it contains xanthan gum if the recipe needs elasticity.
- How long will this cake stay fresh?
- This cake will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days when stored at room temperature in an airtight container. For extended freshness, you can refrigerate it, which will help preserve its moisture and flavor for about a week.
- Can the coffee glaze be made without coffee?
- Yes, if you prefer not to use coffee or need a caffeine-free option, you can make a simple glaze using milk or a milk alternative mixed with powdered sugar. This alternative will still provide a sweet, creamy topping without the coffee flavor.
