This Orange Cardamom Coffee Cake offers a delightful twist on classic coffee cake recipes, perfect for your next brunch or afternoon treat. You’ll love the bright citrus notes and warm spice in this surprisingly simple recipe.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- All-purpose flour: You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.
- Granulated sugar: Brown sugar can be used for a deeper molasses flavor.
- Sour cream: Plain Greek yogurt works well as a substitute.
- Oranges: Both the zest and juice are crucial; don’t skip them.
- Cardamom: Freshly ground cardamom provides the best flavor.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- Zest of 1 large orange
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Tools: 9-inch round baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk, electric mixer (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures your Orange Cardamom Coffee Cake won’t stick.
2. Make the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cardamom. Add the cold butter pieces. Use your fingertips or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form. Set this aside.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients for the Cake
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cardamom. Make sure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and eggs until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, orange zest, and orange juice. This mixture forms the base of your delicious coffee cake.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your coffee cake tough. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
6. Assemble and Bake Your Coffee Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the batter. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Prepare the Glaze (Optional)
While the coffee cake cools slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Add more juice a little at a time if you desire a thinner glaze.
8. Cool and Glaze
Let the Orange Cardamom Coffee Cake cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack. Once mostly cooled, drizzle the optional glaze over the top.
Variation Ideas
- Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra crunch.
- Incorporate a tablespoon of dried cranberries or chopped apricots into the cake batter for added fruitiness.
- Swap out orange for lemon zest and juice for a Lemon Cardamom Coffee Cake.
Storage Instructions
Store your Orange Cardamom Coffee Cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. To enjoy it warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use bottled orange juice?
A: Freshly squeezed orange juice is highly recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used if absolutely necessary.
Q: My streusel didn’t get crumbly. What went wrong?
A: Ensure your butter is very cold. If it’s too soft, the streusel will become pasty instead of crumbly.
Q: Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake it a day in advance and store it at room temperature. Glaze just before serving for the best presentation.
Q: What if I don’t have cardamom?
A: While cardamom is key to this specific recipe, you could substitute it with cinnamon or a mixed spice blend if you prefer other coffee cake recipes.
Q: Can I bake this in a different pan?
A: A 9×9 inch square pan will also work, but baking times may vary slightly. Adjust as needed.