Finnish Cardamom Tea Cake – A Fragrant, Moist Delight

Introduction

Finnish Cardamom Tea Cake is a tender and aromatic cake infused with the warm, citrusy notes of cardamom, making it the perfect companion for your afternoon tea or coffee break. This traditional Finnish treat, known as Pulla when made as bread, transforms beautifully into a moist cake with a rich, buttery flavor and a slight tang from sour cream. Whether you’re cozying up on a cold day or hosting a fika (the Swedish concept of a coffee break with treats), this cake is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• Easy to make – Simple ingredients and a straightforward method make this perfect for bakers of all skill levels
• Moist and tender – Thanks to the sour cream, this cake stays soft and delicious for days
• Perfect for any occasion – Serve it with tea, coffee, or as a light dessert after a meal
• Aromatic and unique – The flavor of cardamom gives this cake a warm, slightly citrusy, and floral note that makes it stand out

Taste & Texture

This Finnish Cardamom Tea Cake has a rich, buttery taste with just the right amount of sweetness. The ground cardamom adds warmth and depth, making each bite flavorful and slightly exotic. The texture is soft, moist, and slightly dense—perfect for slicing and enjoying with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Dietary Attributes

• Made with simple, wholesome ingredients
• Can be adjusted to be dairy-free with substitutions
• No artificial flavors or preservatives

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream

Notes on Quality

For the best flavor, use freshly ground cardamom if possible. Whole cardamom pods can be crushed and ground for a fresher, more aromatic taste. Unsalted butter gives better control over the cake’s saltiness, while high-quality vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor.

Possible Substitutions

• Replace sour cream with full-fat Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier taste
• Use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute for a non-dairy version
• Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with non-stick spray or butter.
• In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cardamom, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• In a separate mixing bowl, beat the melted butter and sugar with an electric mixer until creamy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until smooth.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients in two batches, mixing well after each addition. Stir until you have a smooth batter.
• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
• Bake for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

• Slice and serve with tea, coffee, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• For an even richer flavor, let the batter sit for 10 minutes before baking to allow the cardamom to infuse fully
• Do not overmix the batter, as this can make the cake dense instead of tender
• Use a serrated knife to slice the cake neatly without crumbling

Common Mistakes

• Using stale cardamom can lead to a dull flavor, so always check its freshness before baking
• Overbaking will dry out the cake, so keep an eye on it after 50 minutes and test with a toothpick
• Skipping the cooling step can cause the cake to break apart when removed from the pan

Time-Saving Tips

• Measure and prep all ingredients before starting to speed up the process
• Use a stand mixer for easy mixing and less effort
• Bake the cake a day in advance—it tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

• Serve with a warm cup of chai or coffee for the perfect afternoon treat
• Enjoy with fresh berries and whipped cream for an elegant dessert
• Spread with a little butter or honey for a simple and comforting snack

Presentation Ideas

• Dust the top with powdered sugar for a beautiful, bakery-style finish
• Garnish with sliced almonds or crushed pistachios for extra texture and elegance
• Serve on a wooden board with a cup of tea for a cozy, rustic feel

Beverage Pairings

• Pair with a spiced chai latte for a complementary warm spice profile
• Enjoy with a classic black tea or a mild, floral white tea
• A lightly sweetened espresso or cappuccino enhances the cake’s rich flavors

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days
• Refrigerate for up to a week, but bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture
• Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months

Reheating Methods

• Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-out-of-the-oven feel
• Toast slices lightly in a pan with a bit of butter for a crisp and flavorful twist

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose? Yes, but the cake may be denser. Try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for better texture.

What can I use instead of sour cream? Greek yogurt, buttermilk, or even crème fraîche work well as substitutes.

Troubleshooting

Why is my cake too dry? It may have been overbaked. Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer, as some ovens run hotter than displayed.

Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, the flavors develop even more if the cake sits overnight. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Make it dairy-free by using coconut oil and dairy-free yogurt
• Use a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free

Flavor Twists

• Add a teaspoon of cinnamon for a spicier kick
• Stir in orange zest for a bright citrus contrast
• Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for added crunch

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• Add a cinnamon-sugar topping for a cozy winter holiday feel
• Serve with fresh strawberries and whipped cream in the summer
• Make mini tea cakes in muffin tins for a cute springtime treat

Conclusion

Finnish Cardamom Tea Cake is a simple yet incredibly flavorful cake that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. Whether enjoyed with tea, coffee, or as an afternoon snack, its moist, tender texture and aromatic cardamom flavor make it a must-bake recipe. Try it today, and let me know how you like it in the comments!

Looking for more delicious bakes? Check out these recipes:
Old-Fashioned Fruit Cake
Iyengar Bakery-Style Eggless Mawa Sooji Cake
Old-Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes

Follow me on Pinterest for more amazing recipes: Cooking with Callie on Pinterest

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