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Cardamom Cake

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Cardamom Cake is a traditional Swedish dessert with a warm, aromatic flavor profile. Featuring cardamom and lemon zest, this buttery, moist cake is topped with crunchy sliced almonds, making it perfect for fika or any special gathering. Simple to prepare and full of flavor, it’s sure to be a favorite!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground cardamom
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, at room temperature

For the Topping:

  • ¾ cup (90 g) sliced almonds
  • 23 tablespoons granulated sugar

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven:

    • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line the bottom of a 9-inch (23 cm) springform or cake pan with parchment paper, lightly greasing the parchment.
  • Prepare Dry Ingredients:

    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cardamom.
  • Mix Wet Ingredients:

    • In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and lemon zest. Add the softened butter and beat until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
  • Add Eggs and Vanilla:

    • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  • Combine Mixtures:

    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  • Prepare Topping:

    • In a small bowl, mix the sliced almonds with 2–3 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
  • Assemble and Bake:

    • Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Evenly sprinkle the almond topping over the batter. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Cool and Serve:

    • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or simply enjoy with coffee or tea.

Notes

  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Replace the buttermilk with almond milk and use dairy-free butter.
  • Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture in the batter.