High-Protein Strawberry Cardamom Snack Cake

High-Protein Strawberry Cardamom Snack Cake is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together. Made with pantry ingredients, cottage cheese for a protein boost, and ready to enjoy whether for breakfast, lunch, snack, or even dinner! 

There’s something charming about a High-Protein Strawberry Cardamom Snack Cake. It’s the kind of treat that sneaks up on you with its simplicity, but wins you over with an unexpected depth of flavor. 

What’s not to like about a tender, golden cake studded with juicy bursts of strawberries and  cardamom. It’s not flashy or over-the-top. BUT! Will definitely be given a second look if passed by on the kitchen table. 

Winning Combination 

Strawberries and cardamom might not be the most obvious pairing, but once you experience them together, it’s hard to imagine them apart. Strawberries bring their signature sweet, yet slightly tart flavors. Then cardamom, the understated hero. It’s warm and aromatic, with a hint of mystery that elevates the strawberries from familiar to unforgettable. Together, they strike a balance that’s both comforting and intriguing

In case you want to try a few recipes with cardamom and/or strawberries, don’t sleep on these: Cardamom Blackberry Brie Bites, Cardamom Spiced Carrot Cake, and Strawberry & Cardamom Croissants  

The Snack Cake Vibe & Versatility 

What sets this cake apart from its fancier cousins, hello, towering layer cakes or delicate pastries is its laid-back personality. A snack cake doesn’t demand a special occasion or hours of labor. It’s the friend who shows up unannounced with a smile and something delicious to share. 

The High-Protein Strawberry Cardamom Snack Cake fits this role perfectly. It’s the kind of thing you can slice into while curled up with a book, pass around at a casual get-together, or even sneak a piece of for breakfast without a shred of guilt. No frosting, no frills just pure, unadulterated goodness.

This cake’s versatility is part of its charm. It’s light enough to feel like a summery treat, yet the cardamom gives it a cozy edge that makes it just as welcome on a crisp fall day. It pairs beautifully with a steaming mug of tea, a cold glass of milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent. 

Ingredients Used to Make High-Protein Strawberry Cardamom Snack Cake

This High-Protein Strawberry Cardamom Snack Cake is a beautifully simple dessert that relies on a handful of pantry staples and a couple of standout stars to create its irresistible flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a key role in balancing the juicy sweetness of strawberries with the warm, aromatic spice of cardamom. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need: 

• Fresh strawberries
• Granulated sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Cornmeal
• Cardamom 
• Eggs
• Egg yolk
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Vanilla extract 
• Strawberry jam
• Cottage cheese
• Olive oil 

How to Make High-Protein Strawberry Cardamom Snack Cake

Making a High-Protein Strawberry Cardamom Snack Cake is a straightforward process that delivers a moist, flavorful treat with minimal fuss. Follow the steps below to bring this delightful snack cake to life in your kitchen.

• Preheat an oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9X13 baking sheet with parchment paper, leaving an overhang of about 2 inches on both sides. Spray with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, combine strawberries, 1 tbsp of granulated sugar, and pinch of salt. Set aside. 
• In a large bowl combine flour, cornmeal, 1 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, 1 tsp kosher salt, and cardamom. 
• In another large bowl, combine egg yolks, eggs, cottage cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice and vanilla extract. 
• Combine the dry and wet ingredients. Next, add in the olive oil and fold until combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Next, dollop some of the jam on top. Using a knife gently swirl jam into batter. Top with reserved strawberries and sprinkle a bit more sugar on top. Bake until the cake is brown, about 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. 
• Cool completely before serving! 

Variations of High-Protein Strawberry Cardamom Snack Cake

Here are some creative variations to switch up this delightful treat, each offering a fresh spin while preserving its cozy charm.

Strawberry Cardamom Peach Fusion: Introduce another fruit into the mix by swapping half the strawberries for chopped fresh peaches. The peaches add a juicy, slightly floral sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cardamom, creating a summery vibe that’s perfect for warm days. The result is a cake that’s bursting with fruit in every bite.

Cardamom-Spiced Strawberry Streusel: Top the cake with a buttery streusel made from flour, brown sugar, butter, and a pinch of cardamom. This adds a crunchy contrast to the soft, moist cake beneath, elevating it into a coffee-shop-worthy treat. The extra cardamom in the topping doubles down on that warm, spicy note.

Strawberry Cardamom Orange Zest Glow: Add the zest of one orange to the batter for a citrusy brightness that complements the strawberries’ tartness. A tablespoon of orange juice can enhance the flavor further, giving the cake a refreshing twist that feels both lively and harmonious with the cardamom’s depth.

Proper Storing 

Here’s how to store it properly, whether you’re saving it for later today, tomorrow, or even a few weeks down the line.

Room Temperature: Short-Term Enjoyment:  If you plan to enjoy the cake within a day or two, storing it at room temperature works perfectly. Place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out 

Refrigeration: A Few Extra Days: For storage up to 4 or 5 days the refrigerator is your best bet. To refrigerate, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap or store the whole cake in an airtight container. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes to take the chill off and bring back its full flavor and softness.

Freezing: Long-Term Treats: If you’ve made a big batch or want to save some for later, freezing is a fantastic option. The High-Protein Strawberry Cardamom Snack Cake freezes beautifully and can last up to 2-3 months. To freeze, let the cake cool completely. Cut it into squares for easy portioning, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe airtight container or plastic bag.