Name: Orange Cardamom Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 2 tablespoons orange zest; ½ cup fresh orange juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup buttermilk

Have you ever tasted a cake that instantly transported you to a sunlit grove of citrus trees, warmed by spices? That’s exactly what the Orange Cardamom Cake delivers—a fragrant, soft, and moist treat with a delicate crumb that melts in your mouth. It’s a showstopper cake layered with subtle spice and citrus, perfect for brunches, celebrations, or when you simply need a pick-me-up on a slow afternoon.

This cake captures the zest of oranges and the floral warmth of cardamom in each bite. Topped with a creamy citrus glaze and often garnished with candied orange slices or pistachios, it brings a touch of elegance to any table. Whether you’re already a fan of cardamom or looking to expand your flavor repertoire, this is a cake worth baking from scratch.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into mixing and baking, let’s talk about the tools that will ensure this cake turns out perfectly:

Stand Mixer or Electric Hand Mixer: These are essential for creaming the butter and sugar together to achieve a light, airy texture.

Zester or Microplane: To get the most out of fresh oranges, a zester helps you collect the aromatic zest that forms the flavor backbone of the cake.

Citrus Juicer: Freshly squeezed orange juice enhances both the cake and the glaze—don’t settle for bottled!

9-inch Cake Pans (2): These give you the even, classic layers. Grease them well or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Rubber Spatula & Mixing Bowls: For folding in ingredients and scraping down bowls, these make sure everything is fully incorporated without deflating the batter.

Wire Rack: Cooling is key. A wire rack helps prevent soggy bottoms by allowing air to circulate around your cakes.

Gather your ingredients, set out your tools, and get ready for a scent-filled baking adventure!

Ingredients for the Orange Cardamom Cake

All-purpose flour – Forms the structure of the cake, keeping it tender yet stable.

Baking powder & baking soda – These leavening agents help the cake rise beautifully, creating a light and fluffy texture.

Ground cardamom – The signature spice. Just a small amount adds warmth and aromatic depth that pairs beautifully with orange.

Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

Unsalted butter – Adds richness and moisture, while creaming with sugar builds a fluffy base.

Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake and helps with structure when creamed with butter.

Eggs – Bind the batter together and provide structure and richness.

Orange zest and fresh orange juice – These brighten the cake with citrusy flavor and aroma, reinforcing the theme.

Buttermilk – Gives the cake moisture and a tender crumb, and the slight acidity enhances the leavening.

Vanilla extract – A background note that rounds out the other flavors.

How To Make the Orange Cardamom Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cardamom. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In your stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then mix in the orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract.

Step 5: Alternate Dry and Buttermilk

With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with dry ingredients. Do not overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Frost

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once cooled completely, frost with orange glaze or buttercream.

Serving and Storing Orange Cardamom Cake

Serve this cake slightly chilled or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with tea or coffee. You can garnish the top with candied orange slices or chopped pistachios for a visually stunning finish.

To store, cover the cake in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving. For longer storage, the unfrosted cake layers can be wrapped and frozen for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bottled orange juice?

Fresh juice is highly recommended for flavor. Bottled juice often lacks the vibrant citrus punch.

What’s a good substitute for cardamom?

You could use a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg, but it won’t have the same floral quality.

Can this be made dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a vegan butter and use a plant-based buttermilk (like almond milk with lemon juice).

Is the cake overly sweet?

No—the citrus and spice balance the sweetness beautifully. You can adjust sugar slightly if needed.

Can I make this into cupcakes?

Absolutely. Reduce the baking time to about 18-20 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Want More Cake Ideas?

If this Orange Cardamom Cake intrigued you, you might love the 2-Ingredient Pineapple Cake—a fast, fruity option with tropical flair.

Try the Cinnamon Donut Bread for another spiced bake with a comforting texture. Or, for something a bit more elegant, the Elegant Lemon Marbled Cheesecake Bars offer a zesty finish in a creamy format.

If you’re looking for a fruit-meets-spice combination, the Moist Apple Crumble Coffee Cake might just be your next favorite slice.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

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If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you use a glaze or a full buttercream? Did you add extra zest or a touch more spice? Leave a comment below.

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