Description
This Easy Cardamom Coffee Cake is a fragrant and tender treat perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea. Featuring a spiced cardamom and cinnamon streusel topping and a moist, tender crumb, this cake combines warm flavors with a subtle sweetness. Its simple preparation and bake method make it ideal for home bakers wanting a comforting and flavorful dessert.
Ingredients
Cardamom Streusel Topping
- 1⅓ cup (165 grams) all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup (65 grams) dark brown sugar
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp Kosher or fine sea salt
- 1 stick (4 ounces or 8 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Cake Batter
- 1⅓ cup (165 grams) cake flour (see notes)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
- ½ tsp Kosher or fine sea salt
- 6 tbsp (3 ounces) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup (6 ounces) white granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅔ cup (5⅓ ounces) full-fat sour cream, room temperature
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Cardamom Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, dark brown sugar, ground cardamom, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted, cooled butter and mix with a fork or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set the streusel topping aside until ready to use.
- Prepare the Cake Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square or 9-inch round baking pan with butter or baking spray and set it aside.
- Sift Dry Ingredients for the Batter: In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cardamom, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar on high speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color, about 3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Reduce mixer speed to low. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until evenly combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the sifted flour mixture to the batter in several batches, mixing gently on low speed until just combined and no flour streaks remain—avoid overmixing for a tender cake.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface. Evenly distribute the cardamom streusel topping over the batter, gently pressing it down into the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool to room temperature in the pan. Dust the top with powdered sugar if desired before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use cake flour for a lighter, more tender crumb; if unavailable, you can substitute all-purpose flour but expect a denser texture.
- Ensure butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature to achieve a smooth, well-emulsified batter.
- The streusel topping adds great texture and flavor, so do not skip it for best results.
- This cake is best enjoyed the same day but can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Powdered sugar dusting is optional but adds a nice decorative finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
