Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Ingredients for This Persian Dessert
- Step-by-Step Recipe
- Variations and Substitutions
- How to Serve This Persian Cake
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
Introduction
Persian Love Cake is a beautifully spiced and nutty dessert, bursting with cardamom, rosewater, and almonds. The legend behind this cake says it was baked to win the heart of a Persian prince, but regardless of its story, it’s a cake that has continued to win hearts worldwide for its delightful flavors and texture. Made with almond flour and a rich blend of spices, this Middle Eastern-inspired dessert is perfect for special occasions, afternoon tea, or when you’re simply craving something new and unique. This Persian Love Cake recipe is incredibly easy to make and will impress anyone who tries it! For a deeper dive into Persian cuisine, you can explore more on Wikipedia.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
✅ Authentic Flavors – Infused with cardamom, rosewater, and pistachios.
✅ Simple to Make – No special skills needed.
✅ Gluten-Free Option – Can easily be made with almond flour.
✅ Great for Special Occasions – Perfect for weddings, anniversaries, or tea parties.
✅ Pairs Well with Tea or Coffee – Enjoy with Persian tea or your favorite drink.
Ingredients for This Persian Dessert
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (or coconut yogurt for dairy-free version)
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp rosewater
- Zest of 1 lemon
Garnish
- ¼ cup chopped pistachios
- Dried rose petals
- Drizzle of honey or powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Prepare the Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch cake pan and line it with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix the almond flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cardamom. In another bowl, mix melted butter, Greek yogurt, eggs, rosewater, and lemon zest. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
2. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack.
3. Garnish & Serve
Once cooled, sprinkle with pistachios and dried rose petals. You can also drizzle honey or dust with powdered sugar for extra sweetness. Serve with Persian tea or saffron milk for the ultimate experience!
Variations and Substitutions
Gluten-Free Version
For a completely gluten-free cake, simply use all almond flour instead of regular flour.
Dairy-Free Option
Swap out the Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt and use olive oil instead of butter.
More Citrus Flavor
Add a bit of orange zest for an extra layer of brightness.
How to Serve This Persian Cake
- With Persian Tea – A perfect pairing with a cup of black Persian tea or herbal tea.
- With Ice Cream – Try it with rose, pistachio, or vanilla ice cream.
- For Breakfast – Enjoy with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey.
- As a Dessert Platter – Pair with baklava, Turkish delight, and fresh fruit.
FAQs
How long does Persian Love Cake last?
It will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days in the fridge.
Can I make it without rosewater?
Yes! You can substitute vanilla extract or orange blossom water for a slightly different flavor.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
Persian Love Cake is a delightful treat that combines warm spices, floral notes, and a rich almond base. It’s a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress anyone with a sweet tooth. Try this easy Persian Love Cake recipe today, and let the flavors speak for themselves!