Orange Cardamom Almond Cake with Honey Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A moist almond flour cake infused with fresh orange zest and fragrant cardamom, topped with a sweet honey glaze that adds a delicate shine. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, layers almond flour, baking powder, ground cardamom into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 8 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups almond flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp ground cardamom, and 1/4 tsp salt until well combined.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 3 large eggs and 3/4 cup granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 2 tbsp orange zest, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Gently fold the dry almond flour mixture into the wet ingredients until fully incorporated. Pour batter into a greased 8-inch round cake pan and smooth the surface.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool 10 minutes.
  5. Step 5: While the cake cools, combine 1/4 cup honey and 2 tbsp fresh orange juice in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring until honey is liquefied and mixture is glossy.
  6. Step 6: Brush the warm honey glaze evenly over the top of the cake to give it a shiny, sweet finish. Let the cake cool completely before slicing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Orange Cardamom Almond Cake with Honey Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Orange Cardamom Almond Cake with Honey Glaze?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Orange Cardamom Almond Cake with Honey Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Orange Cardamom Almond Cake with Honey Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Orange Cardamom Almond Cake with Honey Glaze?

Mediterranean desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying