Description
Looking for a stunning dessert that balances bright citrus and warm spice? This Orange Cardamom Cake is your go-to. With layers of moist orange-infused cake, cardamom-spiced cream, and a smooth orange buttercream frosting, it’s elegant, aromatic, and deeply flavorful. Whether you’re after a quick breakfast treat turned showstopper or unique dinner ideas to wow your guests, this easy recipe fits the bill. It’s perfect for tea parties, birthdays, or when you’re craving sophisticated food ideas with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons ground cardamom
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon orange zest
½ cup fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk, room temperature
1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
½ cup mascarpone cheese, softened
¼ cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Orange zest curls
Crushed pistachios or edible dried flowers
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), grease and line two 8-inch or 9-inch cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cardamom.
3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in orange zest, juice, and vanilla.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture.
6. Divide into pans and bake 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool cakes completely on a wire rack.
8. Whip cream to soft peaks, then add mascarpone, powdered sugar, cardamom, and zest. Chill until ready.
9. For frosting, beat butter until smooth, add sugar, juice, zest, and vanilla.
10. Slice cakes into four layers, spread cream filling between each.
11. Apply a crumb coat, chill, then fully frost. Decorate as desired.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth, even batter.
Zest your oranges before juicing to capture essential oils.
Chill the cake layers before assembly for easier slicing and frosting.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 32
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 105