Orange Cardamom Upside-Down Cake

This orange cardamom upside-down cake is tender, soft, and comes together easily with just 15 minutes of prep time. Slices of jewel-toned Cara Cara oranges are placed on the bottom of the pan, then covered with a cake batter flavored with orange zest, cardamom, and vanilla. Once baked, cooled, and flipped, the orange slices create a sunny pattern and infuse each bite with delicious orange flavor. Enjoy this orange cardamom cake plain or with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. 

Every now and then, I find myself craving a good upside-down cake. There’s something so special about how the fruit caramelizes and how its juices soak into the cake as it bakes. That craving led to creating this orange upside-down cake with cardamom.

It only takes 15 minutes to prep, which keeps this cake approachable and easy to make, even on a weekday. You end up with a cake that has a stunning jeweled look, thanks to the caramelized orange slices. Each slice feels like a slice of sunshine because of its bright orange color. 

Cardamom adds a cozy aromatic twist to this orange upside-down cake without overpowering the citrus flavor. I layered it so you can taste it in every bite. First, it is mixed with the sugar added to the bottom of the cake pan, where the orange slices are placed. Next, a sprinkle of it is added to the cake batter.

I used Cara Cara oranges because of their sweet flavor and gorgeous color, but this recipe is flexible. Clementines, blood oranges, tangerines, or navel oranges all work beautifully, each bringing its own flavor twist to this cake. Blood oranges are another favorite of mine and would be striking in this cake recipe. 

For the batter, you can use full-fat Greek yogurt in place of sour cream if that’s what you have on hand. The fat is important here, as it adds richness and helps carry the flavors of the orange and cardamom throughout the cake. I don’t recommend low-fat or non-fat yogurt, as it can result in a drier texture.

Each slice of cake is great on its own, but a dollop of freshly whipped cream takes it to the next level.

Let’s walk through the recipe with some pictures.

Ingredients

• unsalted butter
• ground cardamom
• granulated sugar 
• cara cara oranges
• all-purpose flour
• baking powder
• salt
• sour cream
• whole milk 
• brown sugar
• a few large eggs
• vanilla extract
• whipped cream

How to Make Orange Upside-Down Cake

Preheat the oven and grease the sides and bottom of a springform pan generously with butter. Fit a round of parchment paper in the bottom of the pan and grease it with butter as well, ensuring that every surface is thoroughly greased. 

Mix some of the ground cardamom with some of the granulated sugar. Sprinkle the cardamom sugar evenly over the bottom of the greased and lined pan. 

Zest one to two of the oranges until you have a tablespoon of the zest, then set it aside. Use a sharp knife to cut the very top and bottom off of each orange.

With one of the ends resting on the cutting board, cut the pith and any remaining peel off of the oranges. Cut each orange into thin, round slices, about ¼-inch thick. Remove any seeds if present.

Arrange the orange slices on top of the cardamom sugar on the bottom of the pan. Cut any leftover slices into smaller pieces to fill any large gaps, then set the pan aside. 

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and remaining ground cardamom in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Whisk together the sour cream and milk in a separate, smaller bowl and set aside as well.

Add the butter to a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on low, working up to medium, until creamy (about one to two minutes). Add the remaining half a cup of granulated sugar along with the brown sugar and orange zest.

Beat on medium until light and fluffy, about two to three minutes, scraping down the bottom and sides of the bowl as needed. With the mixer running on medium-low, add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each, then mix in the vanilla. 

Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl. With the mixer running on low, add half of the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.

Add all of the sour cream and milk mixture, mixing until just combined. Scrape down the bowl as needed. Then, add the remaining flour mixture, mixing until just combined, and there are no longer any streaks of flour left.

Pour the batter over the oranges, then carefully spread the batter into an even layer. Gently tap the pan on the counter a few times to help settle the batter.

Bake the cake for on the center rack of the pre-heated oven until the cake is golden brown and a tester inserted into the middle comes out clean, about 40 to 50 minutes. When you move the pan, the center should be firm without a wobble. If it wobbles, the cake is not ready yet. 

Leave the cake in the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cool, run a knife gently around the edge before releasing the ring. Place a platter or large plate on top of the cake, then carefully invert. Slowly remove the bottom of the pan and peel off the parchment paper.

Slice and serve with lightly sweetened whipped cream if desired. 

How to Store

This orange cardamom cake will keep well at room temperature for up to three days in an airtight container. If you need to store it longer, you can refrigerate the cake for up to seven days.

This cake can be frozen for up to three months. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container to protect it from freezer burn. Thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator, then bring it to room temperature before serving.

More Winter Citrus Dessert Recipes

• Blood Orange Cheesecake
• Winter Citrus Cupcakes with Blood Orange Buttercream
• Orange Pound Cake with Orange Juice Glaze
• Winter Citrus Cake
• Blood Orange Meringue Pie with a Coconut Crust

What do you think of this beautiful upside-down orange cake recipe? What would you serve with a slice of this cake? Let me know in the comment section below. 

If you share across social media, make sure to tag #aclassictwist, so I can see your beautiful creation come to life!

Happy baking, friends!

Orange Cardamom Cake Recipe