Tamarind Fizz Cake Recipe

A tangy, effervescent tamarind cake with zingy citrus notes and a bubbly, champagne-inspired glaze that fizzes on your tongue with each delicious bite.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
45 mins
Serves:
1 cake (12 slices)
An overhead shot of a rustic bundt cake with a glossy tamarind glaze cascading down its ridged surface, captured in warm natural light. Close-up details reveal tiny champagne-like bubbles suspended in the amber-colored glaze, while the cake's moist, golden crumb shows subtle speckles of tamarind seed. The cake sits on a vintage cake stand surrounded by fresh tamarind pods, citrus slices, and crystallized ginger. Sprinkles of popping candy catch the light, promising the fizzy sensation that gives this cake its name. A slice has been removed to showcase the tender, caramel-hued interior contrasting with the shimmering exterior.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">225g unsalted butter, softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g light brown sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 large eggs, room temperature</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">300g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp baking powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">½ tsp baking soda</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">¼ tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120g sour cream</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">80g tamarind paste (concentrated)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Zest of 2 limes</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the tamarind glaze:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g powdered sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 tbsp tamarind paste</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp prosecco or champagne (or lemon-lime soda)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the fizzy topping:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g popping candy (Pop Rocks or similar)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp edible gold dust (optional)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Bundt cake pan (23cm/9-inch)</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Stand mixer with paddle attachment</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Microplane or fine grater for zest</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry brush</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Thoroughly grease a 23cm (9-inch) bundt cake pan, making sure to get into all the crevices. Dust with flour and tap out any excess. This careful preparation is crucial for a clean release of your beautifully shaped cake.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Properly mixed dry ingredients ensure even distribution of leavening agents throughout your cake for consistent rise.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>In a small bowl, mix the tamarind paste with 2 tablespoons of warm water until smooth. Tamarind paste can be quite thick, so this step helps it incorporate more easily into your batter. If your tamarind paste has seeds or fibers, strain it through a fine mesh sieve.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and both sugars on medium-high speed for 4-5 minutes until light and fluffy. This extended creaming process incorporates air into the butter, which will help your cake rise and create a tender crumb.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently. The mixture might look slightly curdled, but don't worry - this is normal! The flour will bring everything together.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Beat in the diluted tamarind paste, lime zest, and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture will take on a beautiful caramel color from the tamarind.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>With the mixer on low, add one-third of the flour mixture, followed by half the sour cream. Continue with another third of flour, remaining sour cream, and finish with the last third of flour. Mix just until combined after each addition. Alternating dry and wet ingredients this way prevents gluten development, which keeps your cake tender.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on your counter a few times to release any air bubbles that might be trapped in the batter.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Bake for 40-45 minutes until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs. The edges should be pulling away slightly from the sides of the pan. If the cake is browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Let the cake cool in the pan for exactly 10 minutes - any less and it might break, any more and it could stick. Then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here for a perfect release!</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>For the tamarind glaze, whisk the powdered sugar, tamarind paste, and prosecco or champagne until smooth. The mixture should be thick but pourable - add more powdered sugar or liquid to adjust the consistency as needed.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 12</h4>Once the cake is completely cool, place it on a serving plate and drizzle with the tamarind glaze, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Work quickly as the glaze will begin to set.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 13</h4>Just before serving, sprinkle the popping candy over the glazed areas and dust with edible gold dust if using. The popping candy must be added at the last minute as it will activate with moisture and lose its fizz if added too early.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 14</h4>Serve immediately for the full fizzy effect! As you eat, the popping candy will create a delightful fizzing sensation that complements the tangy tamarind flavor. The cake itself (without the popping candy) can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.</li></ol>

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I substitute the tamarind paste with another ingredient?

If tamarind paste is unavailable, you can substitute with a mixture of equal parts lime juice and brown sugar plus a touch of molasses for depth. Alternatively, pomegranate molasses provides a similar tangy-sweet profile, though the distinctive tamarind flavour will be altered.

Why does the popping candy need to be added just before serving?

Popping candy (like Pop Rocks) reacts with moisture and will lose its fizzing effect if added too early. The magic happens when these crystals dissolve on your tongue, releasing tiny carbon dioxide bubbles. Adding them at the last minute ensures that delightful fizzy sensation remains intact.

How can I ensure my bundt cake releases cleanly from the pan?

For perfect bundt cake release, thoroughly grease every crevice with softened butter or baking spray, then dust with flour. Allow the baked cake to cool for exactly 10 minutes—any less and it might break, any longer and it could stick—before inverting onto a cooling rack.