Cardamom Coffee Cake

A tender, aromatic coffee cake infused with warming cardamom and topped with a crunchy brown sugar-cardamom streusel. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.

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This American-style dessert yields 8 servings and takes about an hour from start to finish. It is vegetarian-friendly and pairs wonderfully with your favorite hot beverage.

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

For the best texture, ensure your eggs and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. When making the streusel, keeping the butter cold is essential for creating those distinct, crunchy clumps that define a great coffee cake.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra texture, add 1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts or pecans to the streusel. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream if desired for a slightly tangier profile.

Serviervorschläge

This cake pairs beautifully with strong coffee or chai. It is delicious served warm shortly after baking or at room temperature as a midday snack.

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Enjoy this aromatic bake that brings the warming spices of cardamom to your table in every bite. Happy baking!

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of flour is best for this cake?

All-purpose flour is used to provide the right structure and tenderness for this cake.

→ Can I substitute sour cream in the batter?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute without sacrificing moisture or flavor.

→ How do I achieve a crunchy streusel topping?

Cold, cubed butter rubbed into the dry ingredients creates clumps that crispen during baking, giving a crunchy topping.

→ What temperature should the oven be set to?

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) for even baking and golden crust development.

→ Are there any suggested additions for extra texture?

Adding chopped toasted walnuts or pecans to the streusel enhances crunch and flavor depth.