Ingredients
Almond Topping
- ¾ cup (90 g) sliced almonds
- 2 – 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (240 g) all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 – 3 teaspoons ground cardamom
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 lemon, zested
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk or kefir yogurt
- 2 – 4 tablespoons powdered sugar for topping, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the pan and almond topping: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line the base of a 9-inch (23 cm) springform or cake pan with parchment paper, then lightly grease the parchment. Scatter 3 tablespoons (38 g) granulated sugar evenly over the bottom of the pan, followed by about ¾ cup (90 g) of sliced almonds. Set aside.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cardamom, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the granulated sugar and lemon zest together until the mixture resembles wet sand. Add the room temperature butter and beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Lower the mixer speed and beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla bean paste, blending until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Alternately add the dry flour mixture and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, beginning with dry, then buttermilk, repeating until all is combined. Mix just until no dry streaks remain; do not overmix.
- Bake the cake: Spread the batter evenly over the almond and sugar layer in the prepared pan. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35-42 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and invert: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Loosen the sides of the springform pan and carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate or cooling rack so the almond layer is on top. Gently peel off the parchment paper if it sticks.
- Serve: Optionally dust the top with powdered sugar. Slice and enjoy this fragrant, tender cardamom cake.
Notes
- Using room temperature eggs and butter ensures a smooth batter and better texture.
- Adjust the amount of cardamom to suit your spice preference; 2 teaspoons gives a mild flavor, while 3 teaspoons offers a stronger cardamom aroma.
- Buttermilk or kefir yogurt keeps the cake moist and tender; do not substitute with regular milk for best results.
- If you don’t have a springform pan, a regular 9-inch cake pan will work; just be sure to grease well and use parchment for easy removal.
- Allowing the cake to cool slightly before inverting prevents it from breaking.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use a suitable non-dairy yogurt.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European