If you love the comforting aroma of warm spices paired with a tender, buttery crumb, then this Cardamom Coffee Cake Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. With the unique warmth of cardamom weaving through every bite, this cake delivers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors that make it truly unforgettable. It’s a showstopper for weekend brunches or whenever you crave something deeply satisfying alongside your morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up of smooth, creamy light beige batter being stirred with a grey spatula in a clear glass bowl. The batter has a thick and soft texture with visible swirls and folds created by the spatula’s movement, which is partially inserted angled from the right side. The scene captures the glossy surface of the batter, showing its soft yet dense consistency against the transparent bowl’s curved edges. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple yet essential ingredients come together in this recipe to create a cake with incredible texture, rich flavor, and inviting color. Every element plays a key role, from the creamy butter breaking down into silky crumb to the cardamom that spices it up with a subtle, aromatic charm.

2 cups unsalted butter, at room temperature: The foundation of moistness and richness in this coffee cake.
2 cups golden brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and keeps the cake irresistibly tender.
4 large eggs, at room temperature: Bind everything together and add structure to the cake.
2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a sweet, warm aroma.
2 cups sour cream: Provides tanginess and keeps the cake moist and soft.
4 cups flour: The backbone of the cake, offering structure and crumb.
2 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully and become fluffy.
1 1/2 tsp baking soda: Works with sour cream to give lift and tenderness.
1 1/2 tsp ground cardamom: The star spice that infuses warm, floral notes throughout.
1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
1/2 cup golden brown sugar (for nut streusel): Adds a crunchy, sweet topping with a slight molasses taste.
1 Tbsp ground cardamom (for nut streusel): Continues the cardamom theme in a crunchy layer.
1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or both): Provides that perfect nutty crunch contrast in the streusel.

How to Make Cardamom Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Next, take a full-sized 12-14 cup non-stick bundt pan and butter it thoroughly, making sure every nook and cranny is coated. Lightly dust with flour for easy release later, so this beauty comes out perfectly shaped and intact.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer or electric beaters, cream together the softened butter and golden brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is key for the tender, airy crumb you want in your coffee cake.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully combined before adding the next. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to keep everything even. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which brings a warm, sweet undertone to the batter.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

Sift or whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cardamom, and salt. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed and no lumps remain in your flour mixture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

On a medium-low speed, alternately add the dry ingredients and sour cream to your butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. This technique creates a perfectly balanced batter. Give it one last gentle fold with a silicone spoon to make sure it’s all wonderfully integrated without overmixing.

Step 6: Prepare the Nut Streusel

Toss together the golden brown sugar, ground cardamom, and chopped nuts with a fork. This streusel will add a delightful crunch and spice contrast in the layers of your cake.

Step 7: Layer the Batter and Streusel

Begin by placing one-third of the batter into your prepared bundt pan. Sprinkle half of the nut streusel on top, then add another third of the batter. Next, add the remaining streusel and finish with the last third of batter. Gently spread the surface to create an even top.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden and Ready

Bake your cake for between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on your oven and pan. Keep an eye on it, and use the toothpick test after 1 hour to check for doneness. If the cake starts browning too fast on top, tent it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.

Step 9: Cool and Remove from Pan

Once baked, let the cake cool for about 10 minutes on a wire rack. Carefully run a flexible spreader around the edges and the center tube of the bundt pan to loosen the cake. Invert gently onto a plate or rack and allow it to cool further before slicing for neater pieces.

How to Serve Cardamom Coffee Cake Recipe

A single slice of yellow cake with two dark brown swirls running through it, showing a soft crumb texture and a slightly darker, crispy crust around the edges. The slice sits on a crumpled piece of white parchment paper, placed on a white plate with a blue geometric pattern. A fork rests on the plate, with a piece of the cake on its tines. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze over the top. You can also add a few toasted nuts for an inviting finish that highlights the nutty streusel within.

Side Dishes

This coffee cake pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of black coffee or a creamy latte. For brunch, it’s fantastic alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or a light whipped cream to balance the richness of the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, try slicing the cake into elegant wedges and serving on pretty dessert plates with a sprig of mint or edible flowers. You can also cut the cake into small squares and serve as bite-sized treats with coffee at a party or gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover coffee cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for 2 to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy over several mornings.

Freezing

This cake freezes well! Slice or keep whole, and wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Warm slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or toast lightly in a toaster oven to refresh the flavors and soften any chilled edges. It tastes wonderful warm with a bit of butter or cream cheese spread.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut for the streusel?

Absolutely! Walnuts and pecans are classic choices, but almonds, hazelnuts, or even pistachios work wonderfully too. Chop them roughly for a good crunch.

Is it necessary to use sour cream in this Cardamom Coffee Cake Recipe?

Sour cream adds moistness and a slight tang that balances the sweetness perfectly. You can substitute with Greek yogurt if needed, but the texture may vary slightly.

Can I make this cake in a regular cake pan instead of a bundt pan?

Yes, though baking times will differ. Use a 9×13 inch pan and start checking for doneness after about 45 minutes. The toothpick test is your best guide.

How strong is the cardamom flavor in this cake?

The cardamom is warm and fragrant but not overpowering. It complements the sweetness and nutty streusel beautifully, making every bite unique and inviting.

Can I add other spices to this coffee cake?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor profile. Just be mindful not to overshadow the distinctive cardamom.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Cardamom Coffee Cake Recipe enough for those who adore a spice-infused treat with every bite. It’s an extraordinary way to elevate your coffee break or brunch table with something classic yet a little unexpected. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again – a delicious new favorite guaranteed!