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Perfect Vanilla Cardamom Layer Cake with Easy Caramel Drizzle

vanilla cardamom layer cake - featured image

A moist and tender vanilla cake infused with aromatic cardamom, layered with whipped cream and finished with a luscious caramel drizzle. Perfect for special occasions or a comforting treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 tbsp ground cardamom
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (for caramel)
  • 6 tbsp (90g) unsalted butter, cubed (for caramel)
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream, warmed (for caramel)
  • ½ tsp fine sea salt (optional, for salted caramel)
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream for whipping
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • Vanilla bean seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
  2. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cardamom in a medium bowl; set aside.
  3. Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
  5. Reduce mixer speed to low. Alternately add dry ingredients in three parts and buttermilk in two parts, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops. Tap pans gently to release air bubbles.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto wire racks to cool completely.
  8. To make caramel drizzle: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt granulated sugar without stirring, swirling occasionally until deep amber color (about 8 minutes).
  9. Add cubed butter and whisk until melted. Remove from heat and slowly whisk in warmed heavy cream and salt. Let cool slightly until pourable.
  10. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar in a chilled bowl until soft peaks form. Stir in vanilla bean seeds if using.
  11. Assemble cake by placing one layer on a serving plate. Spread half the whipped cream evenly and drizzle with caramel.
  12. Add second cake layer, spread remaining whipped cream, and finish with a generous caramel drizzle. Let caramel drip down sides if desired.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk for smooth batter. Do not overmix the batter to keep cake tender. Watch caramel closely to avoid burning. Chill bowls and cream before whipping for best results. If caramel thickens, gently warm before drizzling. Cake layers should be completely cool before assembly to prevent melting the whipped cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: vanilla cake, cardamom cake, caramel drizzle, layer cake, easy cake recipe, homemade cake, dessert, special occasion cake