Swedish Cardamom Coffee Cake Recipe
Introduction
Delight in the warm and aromatic embrace of the Swedish Cardamom Coffee Cake, a scrumptious treat adapted from the beloved The Great Scandinavian Baking Book by Beatrice Ojakangas. The distinct flavor of cardamom elevates this cake to a new level of deliciousness, and while pre-ground cardamom can be convenient, grinding your own in a mortar and pestle unlocks an unparalleled depth of flavor that is simply irresistible. This cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a festive dessert for Christmas and Thanksgiving gatherings.
Recipe Overview
| Cook Time | Prep Time | Total Time | Yield | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 minutes | 25 minutes | 1 hour 15 minutes | 1 cake | Approximately 12 slices |
Description
This exquisite cardamom-infused coffee cake not only promises a delightful experience with every bite but also fills your home with an enticing aroma that will make your family and friends eagerly await its arrival on the table.
Nutritional Information (per slice)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3232.1 |
| Total Fat | 153.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 86.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 946 mg |
| Sodium | 1751.3 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 421 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.8 g |
| Sugars | 201.9 g |
| Protein | 50.3 g |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 10 cups |
| Baking soda | 1 ¾ teaspoons |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1 cup |
| Eggs | ½ dozen |
| Ground cardamom | 3 teaspoons |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 teaspoons |
| Sour cream | ⅔ cup |
| Confectioners’ sugar | for dusting |
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake will bake evenly and thoroughly, providing the perfect texture and flavor. -
Prepare the Pan:
Grease a 9-inch tube or bundt pan with a generous layer of unsalted butter. For an extra touch, dust the greased pan with cookie crumbs, which will help create a delightful crust on your cake and add a hint of sweetness. -
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking soda. Stir together until well combined, and then set the mixture aside, allowing the flavors to blend while you work on the wet ingredients. -
Cream the Sugar and Butter:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the granulated sugar and softened unsalted butter. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes. This step is crucial, as it incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a light and airy cake. -
Incorporate the Eggs:
Add the eggs to the sugar-butter mixture, one at a time, ensuring that you beat well after each addition. Continue mixing for about 5 minutes total. This process helps to create an emulsion that will provide moisture and richness to the cake. -
Add Flavors and Dry Ingredients:
Next, beat in the ground cardamom and ground cinnamon, allowing their fragrant spices to blend into the batter. Gradually add the flour mixture to the bowl and mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender. -
Mix in the Sour Cream:
Add the sour cream to the batter and beat until smooth, which should take about 1 minute. This addition will keep the cake moist and add a delightful tang. -
Transfer the Batter:
Pour the prepared batter into the greased tube or bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even baking. -
Bake the Cake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. This baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cake as it nears completion. -
Cool the Cake:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it stand in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture, allowing steam to escape while preserving the moistness. -
Dust with Confectioners’ Sugar:
Just before serving, lightly dust the cooled cake with confectioners’ sugar to create a beautiful finish that adds an elegant touch to your presentation.
Conclusion
This Swedish Cardamom Coffee Cake is a wonderful addition to any gathering, infusing a touch of Scandinavian charm into your culinary repertoire. Whether served at breakfast, brunch, or during festive holidays, this cake will undoubtedly become a cherished favorite among your friends and family. Enjoy each slice with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, allowing the rich flavors of cardamom to transport you to a cozy Scandinavian café.
Keywords
Swedish Cardamom Coffee Cake, Breakfast, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Brunch, Mixer, Oven, Small Appliance, < 4 Hours
