Cardamom Cake and Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Cardamom Cake Recipe
Cardamom is a fragrant spice that gives desserts a warm, aromatic quality. This cardamom cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The cake is light, moist, and infused with the slightly citrusy and spicy essence of cardamom.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp ground cardamom
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and dust it lightly with flour.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cardamom, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Sour Cream and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the flour mixture and the sour cream (or yogurt) to the butter mixture in small batches, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden and springy to the touch.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a simple yet elegant finish.
This cardamom cake is subtly spiced, making it perfect for special occasions or afternoon tea. It can be enjoyed as-is or paired with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Classic Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Nothing beats the comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. These fluffy rolls are filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. They are the ultimate breakfast or dessert treat, perfect for gatherings or cozy mornings at home.
Ingredients:
Dough:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk (to thin the frosting, if necessary)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, whisk the warm milk, yeast, and sugar together. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough for 4-5 minutes.
- Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together until well combined.
- Roll and Fill the Dough:
- Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
- Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll and Slice:
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seams to seal the roll. Cut the log into 9-12 equal pieces, depending on your desired roll size.
- Second Rise:
- Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, spaced slightly apart. Cover and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they have puffed up.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- While the rolls are baking, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a little milk (if needed) to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Frost the Cinnamon Rolls:
- Once the cinnamon rolls are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes. Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls.
Serving and Storing:
For both the cardamom cake and the cinnamon rolls, serve them warm for the best experience. The cardamom cake can be stored at room temperature for 3-4 days in an airtight container, while the cinnamon rolls can be refrigerated and reheated as needed.
These two recipes offer a delightful mix of spice and sweetness, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving up cardamom cake with a fragrant touch of spice or indulging in soft cinnamon rolls covered in creamy frosting, you’re sure to impress!
