Orange-Glazed Pound Cake with Cardamom Sugar
Dense pound cake brushed with a bright orange glaze and sprinkled with fragrant cardamom sugar for a citrus-spiced finish. This desserts-inspired desserts ready in about 95 minutes layers (340g) unsalted butter, softened, (450g) granulated sugar, large eggs 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 420 calories and feeds 12, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/4 cups (450g) granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp orange zest
- 1/3 cup (80ml) fresh orange juice
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan thoroughly.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together 1 1/2 cups (340g) softened unsalted butter and 2 1/4 cups (450g) granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
- Step 3: Add 6 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in 2 tsp vanilla extract and 2 tbsp orange zest until fragrant.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Step 5: Alternately add the flour mixture and 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk to the butter mixture in three parts, starting and ending with flour, mixing each addition until just combined.
- Step 6: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Step 7: Bake for 60-70 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake springs back lightly when touched.
- Step 8: While the cake bakes, whisk together 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar and 1/3 cup (80ml) fresh orange juice in a small bowl until smooth to make the orange glaze.
- Step 9: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack. Brush the entire surface generously with the orange glaze while warm.
- Step 10: Mix 1 tsp ground cardamom with 2 tbsp granulated sugar and sprinkle evenly over the glazed cake for a fragrant, crunchy finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Orange-Glazed Pound Cake with Cardamom Sugar take to make?
Total time is about 95 minutes (25 min prep + 70 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-Glazed Pound Cake with Cardamom Sugar?
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-Glazed Pound Cake with Cardamom Sugar?
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-Glazed Pound Cake with Cardamom Sugar for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). 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-Glazed Pound Cake with Cardamom Sugar?
Desserts 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.
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