Sheet Pan Orange Cardamom Cake with Glaze
A fragrant sheet cake infused with fresh orange zest and ground cardamom, topped with a simple citrus glaze for a bright finish. This dessert-inspired desserts ready in about 50 minutes layers all-purpose 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 280 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
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp orange zest
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1 tsp ground cardamom until combined.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add 3 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Step 3: Mix in 2 tbsp fresh orange zest and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Alternately add the flour mixture and 3/4 cup whole milk to the butter mixture in three additions, beginning and ending with flour. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 4: Pour the batter evenly into a greased 9x13-inch sheet pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 5: While the cake cools, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar with 1/4 cup fresh orange juice to make a glaze. Drizzle over the warm cake and let set before slicing.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sheet Pan Orange Cardamom Cake with 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 Sheet Pan Orange Cardamom Cake with 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 Sheet Pan Orange Cardamom Cake with 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 Sheet Pan Orange Cardamom Cake with Glaze 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 Sheet Pan Orange Cardamom Cake with Glaze?
Dessert 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.
