Imagine a cake that transforms your ordinary morning into a sensory adventure - where the warm, exotic aroma of cardamom dances with bright, zesty orange notes, and a crumbly, buttery topping promises pure indulgence. This Orange Cardamom Crumb Cake isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary experience that will elevate your baking skills and tantalize your taste buds like never before. Perfect for weekend brunches, special occasions, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this cake is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup brown sugar for crumb topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or line with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cake.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer. This should take approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ground cardamom to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
- Fold in the fresh orange zest, distributing it evenly throughout the batter to maximize citrus flavor.
- For the crumb topping, mix brown sugar with a small amount of flour and softened butter until it forms a crumbly texture.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the prepared brown sugar crumb topping generously over the entire surface of the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light orange glaze for additional flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more consistent batter.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the batter just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender and light.
- Fresh Zest is Best: Use freshly grated orange zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor.
- Crumb Topping Technique: For the perfect crumbly texture, use cold butter and mix the topping with your fingertips.
- Oven Placement: Bake in the center of the oven for even heat distribution and consistent baking.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes to help it set and make cutting easier.
- Optional Elegance: A light dusting of powdered sugar or a simple orange glaze can take this cake from delicious to absolutely stunning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 65mg
