Vanilla Cardamom Cake Recipe
This vanilla cardamom cake recipe delivers delicate sweetness enriched by fragrant cardamom and pure vanilla. A tender interior stays wonderfully moist, creating a soft melt-in-the-mouth texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy orange frosting.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Digital kitchen scale
- Measuring spoons
- Balloon whisk
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- 9-inch cake pan
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula
- Fine grater
- Sifter
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup boiling water
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup canola oil
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1½ tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Frosting
- 1¼ cups sifted powdered sugar
- ⅛ cup softened butter
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk or orange juice adding a little more if needed
- Zest from 1 medium orange
Instructions
Step 1
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cardamom.
Step 2
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and oil until the mixture looks lighter and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3
- Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix gently after each addition until just combined. Slowly pour in the boiling water while stirring until the batter is smooth.
Step 4
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5
- While the cake cools, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually mix in the icing sugar, ground cardamom, vanilla, orange zest, and enough milk or orange juice to make a smooth, spreadable frosting.
Step 6
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Slice into equal portions and serve.