Cardamom & Almond Coffee Cake
Introduction
Cardamom, known for its warm and aromatic qualities, is a fantastic spice that elevates both sweet and savory dishes. This delightful Cardamom & Almond Coffee Cake, crafted by renowned Toronto chef Christine Cushing, beautifully marries the unique flavor of cardamom with the rich, nutty crunch of almonds. Perfect for brunch or a special treat, this cake will fill your kitchen with a delightful fragrance and satisfy your taste buds with its tender crumb and spiced sweetness. Whether you’re serving it at a cozy morning gathering or as an indulgent afternoon snack, this coffee cake promises to impress.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
For the Cake:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
Instructions
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Prepare the Filling:
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- Drizzle in the melted butter and mix using a fork or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and baking soda. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, beating well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl and continue to beat the batter for about 1 minute to help develop the cake’s structure.
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Assemble and Bake:
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared springform pan, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the almond filling mixture over the batter.
- Add the remaining batter on top of the almond layer, spreading it gently if necessary.
- Sprinkle the rest of the almond filling mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake in the middle rack of the oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the cake from the pan and let it cool completely on the wire rack.
- Slice and enjoy this delightful coffee cake with a cup of coffee or tea!
Notes
- For a more intense cardamom flavor, you can increase the amount slightly, but be cautious, as cardamom is quite potent.
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the cake batter to achieve a light and fluffy texture.
- This coffee cake keeps well for several days at room temperature in an airtight container, making it a convenient choice for a make-ahead treat.
Enjoy the delightful blend of cardamom and almonds in this irresistibly fragrant coffee cake! 🌰☕🍰