Orange Cardamom Cake

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Bright, citrusy, and warmly spiced, this Orange Cardamom Cake is the kind of dessert that instantly transports you to a Mediterranean café. The combination of fresh orange zest and juice with the aromatic warmth of cardamom creates a cake that feels both refreshing and cozy—perfect for both winter tea time and summer brunch tables.

This cake isn’t just about flavor, though. The texture is beautifully tender thanks to yogurt and olive oil, with a golden crust that lightly caramelizes in the oven. Whether served with a dollop of whipped cream or simply dusted with powdered sugar, it always delivers a slice of sunshine.

Why You’ll Love This Orange Cardamom Cake

It’s rare to find a cake that’s as simple to make as it is elegant to serve. This Orange Cardamom Cake doesn’t require fancy layers or fillings—just honest, well-balanced ingredients that speak for themselves. The citrus is vibrant but not overwhelming, and the cardamom adds a whisper of spice that makes the whole thing feel elevated.

You’ll love how it pairs with coffee or black tea. It’s also a fantastic option when you want a lighter dessert after a hearty meal. Bonus: it keeps well, and the flavor actually deepens the next day.

What Kind of Oranges Should I Use?

Fresh navel oranges are ideal for this cake because they offer lots of juice and zest with minimal seeds. But if you have blood oranges or Cara Cara on hand, those work beautifully too and add unique undertones. Avoid using bottled orange juice—it just doesn’t give the same brightness or fragrance as freshly squeezed juice.

Ingredients for the Orange Cardamom Cake

This cake is all about vibrant citrus and warm spice, balanced by creamy yogurt and subtle richness from olive oil. Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing for the best texture.

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Ground cardamom
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Plain yogurt
• Eggs
• Olive oil
• Fresh orange juice
• Orange zest
• Vanilla extract

Each ingredient plays its part: cardamom for aromatic depth, yogurt for moisture and tang, and orange zest to brighten everything up.

How To Make the Orange Cardamom Cake

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy release.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cardamom, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, yogurt, eggs, olive oil, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Combine and Stir

Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep the cake light and fluffy.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve and Store Orange Cardamom Cake

This cake serves 8 people comfortably and is a lovely choice for brunch, tea time, or dessert after a light dinner. You can serve it plain, or dress it up with a glaze made from orange juice and powdered sugar. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt also pairs nicely.

To store, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. It also freezes well—wrap slices individually and freeze for up to a month.

What to Serve With Orange Cardamom Cake?

Coffee or Espresso

The bold flavors of espresso or a dark roast coffee bring out the citrus and spice in the cake.

Spiced Chai Tea

The notes of cinnamon, clove, and ginger in chai make a perfect match with cardamom.

Greek Yogurt with Honey

A tangy, creamy spoonful of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey adds richness and contrast.

Fresh Berries

Raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries provide a fresh and juicy counterpoint.

Pistachio Ice Cream

For a slightly more indulgent pairing, pistachio ice cream echoes the warm, nutty tones of cardamom.

Candied Orange Peel

Serve a few strips alongside for extra citrusy punch and texture.

Rosewater Whipped Cream

Add a floral element that blends beautifully with the cardamom.

Light Sparkling Wine

Something crisp and lightly sweet can balance the richness of the cake while celebrating its fruitiness.

Want More Cake Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Orange Cardamom Cake, you might enjoy these unique takes on dessert favorites:

• Try our Southern Hummingbird Cake for a tropical twist on classic spice cake.
• Indulge in the rich and gooey Hot Fudge Brownie Bread when you’re craving deep chocolate decadence.
• Go for the nutty-sweet perfection of Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies.
• The Small Batch Pistachio Cream Cinnamon Rolls are just right when you want something warm and bakery-fresh.
• Or enjoy something fruity and refreshing like our Blueberry Cheesecake Heaven Rolls.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a glaze or keep it simple? Did you try it with Greek yogurt or go for the whipped cream?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

This Orange Cardamom Cake is sunshine in dessert form. The warmth of the spice, the brightness of fresh citrus, and the tender texture make it a go-to recipe whenever you want something elegant without the fuss. Try it once and it just might become your favorite simple cake to bake and share.

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