• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
G-Free Foodie logo
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Baked Goods
    • Beverages
    • Dairy Free
    • Desserts
    • Kid Zone
    • Main Dishes
    • Paleo Friendly
    • Quick & Easy
    • Recipes & Techniques by Cooks We Love
    • Salads & Dressings
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
    • Tips & Tricks
    • Vegan
  • Articles
    • Dining Tips
    • G-Free Foodie Guides
    • G-Free Foodie Mommies
    • G-Free Foodie Product Reviews
    • Gluten Free Advice + Experts
    • KC's Blog
  • About
  • Shop
  • Help!
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Browse Recipes
  • Articles
  • About
  • Shop
  • Help!
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home / Recipes / Desserts

    Gluten-Free Pound Cake: Cardamom & Vanilla Bean Pound Cake

    Posted On Jul 25, 2018 · Updated On Dec 15, 2022

    Gluten-Free Pound Cake: Cardamom & Vanilla Bean Pound Cake

    This incredible gluten-free pound cake recipe from our friend Alison is deliciously flavored with cardamom and vanilla. Serve with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or just a cup of coffee.

    Baked GoodsDessertsRecipes & Techniques by Cooks We Love

    Share

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This cardamom and vanilla-laden gluten-free pound cake is moist, tender and subtly spiced. Serve with sliced stone fruit or strawberries. It's even more delicious the next day!

    Article courtesy of Alison Needham, A Girl Defloured

    Here in Southern California the stone fruits have arrived. I know that must make those of you who are still suffering from a cold and schizophrenic spring, green with envy.  A few weeks ago we got cherries and apricots, and now come peaches and nectarines. For whatever reason, perhaps their great thirst in our terrible drought, they are sweet, juicy and amazing.

    We start by just eating them, a bit greedily, out of hand while sticky juice runs down our chins. Later in the season we decide that we need to bake them into crisps and pies, and pile them on a soft bed of pound cake with a blanket of sweet whipped cream. Later still we make them into jams and preserves.

    gluten-free pound cake recipe
    Perfectly delicious gluten-free pound cake? Yes please!

    It is what summer is all about. And summer is (almost?) upon us.

    Yesterday, for whatever reason, I was craving cardamom– its scent and taste are so intoxicating. Cardamom is citrusy and exotic smelling, with a subtle undertone of heat. Indians use it in many of their savory dishes. And Scandinavians use it in their baked goods.

    IMG_9590
    recipe for gluten free pound cake topped with fruit

    I baked it into a tender gluten free pound cake that was laced with vanilla beans and topped with crunchy sliced almonds. We ate it for dessert, topped with crème fraiche whipped cream and sliced apricots.

    It was perfect. Summer on our plate.

    What you'll need for this Gluten-Free Pound Cake Recipe:

    • salted butter
    • sugar
    • eggs
    • vanilla bean paste or Sonoma Syrup Co. Vanilla Bean Extract ‘Crush’ or the seeds scraped from one vanilla bean
    • almond extract
    • gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
    • baking powder
    • ground cardamom
    • xanthan gum  or gum free baking binder (omit if your flour blend already contains it)
    • fine sea salt
    • crème fraiche
    • whole milk
    • slivered almonds

    Gluten-Free Pound Cake Recipe Variations:

    • Gluten-Free Lemon Pound Cake: swap out the almond extract for lemon extract and add 2 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. (Keep the cardamom, but reduce it to ½ tsp.)
    • Gluten-Free Vanilla Pound Cake: omit the cardamom, and increase the vanilla bean paste to 2 TBSP
    • Traditional Gluten-Free Pound Cake: omit the cardamom, and increase the vanilla bean paste to 2 TBSP, omit the almond topping

    About this GF Pound Cake:

    This cake, adapted from Bon Appetit, is moist and tender and subtly spiced with cardamom. I like to serve it with sliced stone fruit, especially apricots, but it tastes equally delicious with sliced strawberries. The cake keeps well, and I think it tastes even better the next day.

    Let's make homemade gluten-free pound cake - from scratch!

    pound cake

    Gluten-Free Cardamom & Vanilla Bean Pound Cake

    Alison Needham
    This cardamom and vanilla pound cake is moist, tender and subtly spiced. Serve with sliced stone fruit or strawberries. It tastes even better the next day!
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 1 hr
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 10 servings
    Calories 345 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 loaf pan
    • parchment paper

    Ingredients
      

    • ¾ cup butter, softened 1.5 sticks
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 3 eggs, room temperature
    • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla bean paste or Sonoma Syrup Co. Vanilla Bean Extract ‘Crush’ or the seeds scraped from one vanilla bean
    • ¼ teaspoon almond extract
    • 2 cups or 260 grams gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
    • 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
    • 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if your flour blend already contains it)
    • ¾ teaspoon sea salt
    • ½ cup creme fraiche
    • ¼ cup whole milk
    • ¼ cup slivered almonds or chopped hazelnuts (OK to omit)

    For the whipped cream:

    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • ¼ cup sugar
    • ¼ cup creme fraiche
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or Vanilla Bean Extract ‘Crush’

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, and spray a standard loaf pan with gluten-free cooking spray.
    • Line the pan with a layer of parchment that goes up the sides and drapes over a bit. Spray again with cooking spray and set aside.
    • Beat the butter and sugar together in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on high speed for 5 minutes, until it is pale, light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one by one, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
    • Whisk the flour, baking powder, cardamom, xanthan (if using), and salt together in a medium bowl. Add to the butter mixture (while beating on low), alternately with the crème fraiche and milk.
    • Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is evenly incorporated and pour into prepared pan, smoothing the top. Sprinkle the slivered almonds evenly onto the cake.
    • Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove to finish cooling on a rack.
    • To serve, beat the cream until soft peaks form. Add the sugar, creme fraiche and vanilla and beat until combined. Serve the cake with sliced fruit and the creme fraiche whipped cream.

    Notes

    Store in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze tightly wrapped for up to 1 month.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 345kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 5gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 93mgSodium: 318mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 3gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 578IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 77mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword gluten-free baking, gluten-free cake recipe, gluten-free dessert recipes, gluten-free pound cake

    More fabulous gluten-free cake recipes you'll love:

    gluten-free angel food cake recipe topped with strawberries and cream

    The Best Gluten-Free Angel Food Cake Recipe

    It's incredibly simple to prepare gluten-free angel food cake. With just a few basic ingredients, you can make this traditional gluten-free angel food cake!

    Alison's Incredible Gluten-Free Lemon Cake

    This Gluten Free Lemon Cake recipe is loaded with lemony goodness. It’s bright, tart, and totally addictive. 

    gluten-free coconut cake

    The BEST Gluten-Free Coconut Cake

    This recipe for gluten-free coconut cake is fluffy, light, sweet, and bursting with coconut flavor. It's my favorite cake, and perhaps it will become yours as well!

    Alison's Amazing Gluten-Free Carrot Cake

    This delicious gluten free carrot cake is perfect for spring holidays, but equally appropriate for Christmas or Thanksgiving. And don’t forget birthdays! 

    Frequently Asked Questions about this Gluten-Free Pound Cake Recipe:

    Is pound cake gluten free?

    No, traditional or store-bought pound cake is not gluten-free. For a GF pound cake, you'll need to make it from scratch (or have someone bake one for you!)

    Is Sara Lee pound cake gluten-free?

    No, Sara Lee pound cake is not gluten-free. In fact, no Sara Lee products are certified gluten-free.

    Can I make this gluten free pound cake recipe without a stand mixer?

    Yes! You can use a hand mixer to make this pound cake recipe.

    Which flour is the best for gluten-free pound cake?

    King Arthur Measure for Measure or Pamela’s Gluten-Free Artisan Blend blend both make light, fluffy gluten-free cakes. If you're making your own blend, use gum free baking binder instead of xanthan or guar gum.

    What is the best gluten-free substitute for cake flour?

    King Arthur Measure for Measure or Pamela’s Gluten-Free Artisan Blend blend both make light, fluffy gluten-free cakes.
    If you're making your own blend, use gum free baking binder instead of xanthan or guar gum, and use no more than 50% nut flours. Always use finely ground flours for gluten-free cakes.

    How is pound cake different from regular cakes?

    Pound cake is traditionally denser than standard cakes, and is served without frosting or icing - although some recipes call for a glaze. Pound cake is also baked in a loaf pan.

    Originally, pound cake was made with a pound of each of four ingredients: flour, butter, eggs, and sugar. That's how the name came to be. However, gluten-free pound cakes need to be made with a different ration of ingredients.

    Why is it called pound cake?

    Pound cake was originally made with a pound of each of four ingredients: flour, butter, eggs, and sugar. That's how the name came to be.

    You May Also Like

    • The Best Grilled Nectarines Recipe With Mascarpone Filling
      The Best Grilled Nectarines Recipe With Mascarpone Filling
    • The Most Common Cooking Mistakes!
      The Most Common Cooking Mistakes!
    • The Best Gluten-Free Recipe For Strawberry Cupcakes from Sprinkles!
      The Best Gluten-Free Recipe For Strawberry Cupcakes from…
    • Seriously, Stop Demonizing Almonds
      Seriously, Stop Demonizing Almonds
    « Gluten Free Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cupcakes | Rachelle, Footloose And Gluten Free
    Frozen Cherry Lemonade | Tina, A Girl Who Loves To Eat »

    Share

    Reader Interactions

    Let Us Know What You Think Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Sign up for our Newsletter & live deliciously G-Free

    K.C. the G-Free Foodie

    K.C. is a farm-grown foodie, born and raised in the fertile fields of California’s San Joaquin Valley. After being diagnosed with Celiac Disease following years of unexplained illness, she has infused her gluten-free life with flavor, fork in hand. Learn more about K.C.

    Featured Recipes

    how to cook duck breast: perfectly cooked duck breast on salad

    How To Cook Duck Breast: Tea Brined Duck Breast

    Gluten-Free Colomba Pasquale

    Gluten-Free Colomba Pasquale | Easter Dove Bread

    White Chocolate Rocky Road colorful

    White Chocolate Rocky Road | Gorgeous + Easy Treat!

    Lamb Chops with Spicy Apricot Sauce recipe

    How to Cook Lamb Chops in The Oven: Lamb Chops with Spicy Apricot Sauce

    SHOP GLUTEN FREE FAVES

    Popular Categories

    • Appetizers + Snacks
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Dining Tips
    • Main Dishes
    • Quick + Easy
    • Salads + Dressings
    • Soups
    • Tips + Tricks

    Footer

    People

    • About Us
    • K.C. Cornwell
    • G-Free Foodie Gluten Free Advocates + Experts

    Business

    • Partnerships
    • Contact
    • Gluten Free Consulting Services
    • Privacy Policy & Disclaimer
    • Links & Cool Stuff

    Follow Me

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • TikTok

    G-Free Foodie © 2023 · All Rights Reserved