Persian Love Cake
The Persian Love Cake is a rich, aromatic dessert that combines the finest ingredients of Middle Eastern cuisine. Made with almond flour and infused with rose water, saffron, and cardamom, this cake is as flavorful as it is fragrant. Topped with a citrus glaze and garnished with pistachios and dried rose petals, it’s a visually stunning dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a romantic event or simply indulging in a sweet treat, the Persian Love Cake is sure to impress with its unique blend of flavors and elegant presentation.
Equipment
- 9-inch Springform Pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Electric mixer
- Microplane or Zester
- Sifter
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons rose water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon saffron threads crushed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
Glaze and Topping
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 teaspoon rose water
- ¼ cup chopped pistachios
- Dried rose petals for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cardamom, and crushed saffron. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer or whisk, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Then add the yogurt, vegetable oil, rose water, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and orange zest, and mix until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter to the prepared springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake the Cake
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, remove the cake from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Glaze and Topping
- Make the Glaze: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, orange juice, and rose water until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable; add more lemon or orange juice if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped pistachios and dried rose petals over the glaze before it sets, adding a touch of color and texture.
Serve
- Enjoy: Slice the Persian Love Cake and serve it on a beautiful plate. This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee and is perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Notes
Tips for Making the Perfect Persian Love Cake
- Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use freshly ground cardamom and high-quality saffron. The freshness of the spices will make a noticeable difference in the aroma and taste of the cake.
- Don’t Skip the Rose Water: Rose water is a key ingredient in Persian Love Cake, providing its signature floral flavor. Use a good-quality rose water for the best results.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the batter. However, keep in mind that the glaze adds a significant amount of sweetness, so adjust accordingly.
- Add Texture: For added texture, consider incorporating finely chopped pistachios or almonds into the cake batter.
- Make Ahead: The flavors of Persian Love Cake develop beautifully over time. Consider making the cake a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld together.