Vanilla and Cardamom Drizzle Cake

One of my favourites, which I have made so many times

250g SR Flour
250g caster sugar
250g Butter
2 tsp vanilla extract or paste
3-4 cardamom pods
4 eggs

For the Drizzle
85g caster sugar
Juice 1/2 lemon
1 cardamom pod
1 tsp vanilla extract



Preheat oven. To 160* fan/ 180* oven, prepare and line a loaf tin.

Crush the cardamom in a pestle and mortar , put to one side.
Soften butter slightly in mixer until light and creamy, add sugar and cream together for a few minutes.
Lightly beat the eggs and slowly add to the mixture, add a little of the flour if it begins to curdle. Add the vanilla and cardamom, add the rest of the flour and mix until just combined.
Add to the prepared tin and pop in the oven for 45-50 mins. When done, remove from oven and keep in the tin.
For the drizzle put the sugar and juice in a pan and heat until the sugar dissolves,prepare the cardamom as before and add this and the vanilla.Make holes in the cake using a skewer. Pour the drizzle over the cake and allow to cool for about 15 minutes before removing from tin.