Tender Cardamom Coffee Cake

This Cardamom Coffee Cake is a tender, aromatic dessert infused with warming cardamom and topped with a crunchy brown sugar-cardamom streusel. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack, this easy-to-make cake offers a delightful blend of moisture and spice.

Save

This American-style cake relies on sour cream and whole milk to achieve its signature soft texture, making it a reliable favorite for any home baker.

Ingredients

• Streusel Topping
• 1/2 cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup (42 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp fine sea salt
• 3 tbsp (45 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• Cake Batter
• 1 1/2 cups (195 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
• 1 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup (160 ml) sour cream
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) square baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 2

Prepare the streusel: In a medium bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter and rub with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture forms clumps. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 3

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cardamom for the cake batter.

Step 4

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla extract.

Step 5

On low speed, add half of the flour mixture to the butter mixture, followed by the sour cream and milk. Add the remaining flour mixture and mix just until combined. Do not overmix.

Step 6

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.

Step 7

Bake for 38–42 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

Step 8

Cool the cake in the pan for 15 minutes, then use the parchment overhang to lift it out. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the most tender cake, mix the batter on low speed once the flour is added and stop as soon as it is combined. Using room temperature eggs and softened butter helps create a smooth, emulsified batter.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra texture, add 1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts or pecans to the streusel. If you prefer, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream for a similar tangy richness.

Serviervorschläge

This cake pairs beautifully with strong coffee or chai. Serve it warm or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.

Save

Enjoy your homemade Cardamom Coffee Cake, a perfect blend of spicy-sweet flavors and satisfying textures.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What gives the cake its distinctive flavor?

Ground cardamom and a hint of cinnamon in both the batter and streusel topping create a warm, aromatic flavor profile.

→ Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt works well as a substitute, providing moistness and slight tang while keeping the cake tender.

→ How do I achieve the crunchy streusel topping?

The streusel is made by combining brown sugar, flour, cardamom, cinnamon, salt, and cold cubed butter, then rubbing until clumps form before baking.

→ What baking pan size is recommended?

A 9-inch square baking pan is ideal for even baking and the perfect thickness of the cake.

→ Can I add nuts to the topping?

Yes, chopped toasted walnuts or pecans can be added to the streusel for added texture and flavor.