Persian Love Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as fragrant and delicious as it is enchanting, Persian Love Cake is the one! This beautiful cake is infused with the exotic flavors of cardamom, rosewater, and a hint of citrus, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. The moist, spiced cake is topped with a delicate glaze that brings it all together. Trust me, this cake is not just a treat for the taste buds—it’s a feast for the senses, and it’s sure to make any occasion feel extra special. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any time you want to add a little love and magic to your dessert table!

Why You’ll Love Persian Love Cake

Here’s why this cake will steal your heart:

Exotic Flavors

Cardamom, rosewater, and citrus combine in a way that feels both comforting and exotic. The warm, floral notes of the spices will make your kitchen smell incredible while the flavors come together in perfect harmony.

Moist and Delicious

The texture of this cake is absolutely divine—rich and moist, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of cake that’s perfect for serving with a cup of tea or coffee, or as the showstopper at a dinner party.

Elegant and Beautiful

With its golden, slightly crunchy top and delicate glaze, this cake is not just delicious, but stunningly beautiful too. It’s perfect for making any occasion feel extra special—whether it’s for a romantic evening, a celebration, or a gift for a loved one.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

You don’t need any fancy ingredients to make this cake, but the combination of spices creates a flavor profile that feels luxurious. It’s the perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to make something extraordinary.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• Flour: The base of the cake, giving it structure and a soft, tender crumb.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance out the aromatic spices.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise to create a light, fluffy texture.
• Ground cardamom: The star of the show! Cardamom adds that signature warm, spicy flavor that makes this cake so special.
• Citrus zest (lemon or orange): A touch of citrus zest brightens up the cake and balances the spices.
• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together, giving the cake its lovely, moist texture.
• Greek yogurt or buttermilk: Adds richness and moisture to the cake while keeping it soft and tender.
• Rosewater: Gives the cake a delicate floral flavor that’s characteristic of Persian desserts.
• Butter or oil: Adds moisture and richness for a perfectly tender cake.

For the Glaze:

• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze and creates a smooth, glossy finish.
• Rosewater: Adds a lovely floral aroma to the glaze, tying everything together.
• Lemon juice: Brings a bit of tang to balance out the sweetness of the glaze.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements can be found in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the cake comes out easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cardamom, and citrus zest. This helps ensure that the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the cake.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Add the yogurt (or buttermilk), rosewater, and melted butter (or oil), and continue whisking until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix—just mix until the batter is smooth.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden on top and firm to the touch.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While the cake is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, rosewater, and lemon juice to make the glaze. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more rosewater or lemon juice until it reaches a drizzle-worthy consistency.

Step 7: Glaze the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let the glaze set before slicing into the cake.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Slice the cake and serve! It’s perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, and it’s sure to be a hit at any occasion. Enjoy the delicate, spiced flavors and that sweet floral note from the rosewater.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Persian Love Cake

As a Sweet Snack

Enjoy this cake on its own with a cup of tea, coffee, or a refreshing iced drink. The delicate, spiced flavors are perfect for an afternoon snack or a light dessert.

For Special Occasions

This cake is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any romantic celebration. Its elegant appearance and unique flavor profile make it a standout dessert that will impress your guests.

With Fresh Berries or Whipped Cream

For an extra indulgence, serve this cake with a handful of fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream. The fruity freshness pairs wonderfully with the rich and aromatic flavors of the cake.

Additional Tips

Make it Ahead

This cake can be made a day or two ahead of time. In fact, the flavors improve after sitting for a bit, so it’s perfect for preparing ahead of a special occasion. Just store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Rosewater Substitution

If you’re not a fan of rosewater, you can substitute it with orange blossom water or simply leave it out. The cake will still be delicious, but the rosewater really does bring a special touch.

Adjust the Sweetness

If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe. Keep in mind that the glaze adds a lot of sweetness, so you can also adjust the sugar in the glaze to your taste.

Gluten-Free Version

If you want to make this cake gluten-free, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the ingredients of your blend to ensure it’s a 1:1 replacement for regular flour.

Adding Nuts

For a little crunch and extra flavor, you can add chopped pistachios or almonds to the cake batter before baking, or sprinkle them on top of the glazed cake for an added touch of elegance.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use almond flour for this recipe?

A1: Yes, almond flour can be used as a substitute for all-purpose flour. However, the texture of the cake may change slightly, so keep that in mind. You may need to adjust the liquid ingredients.

Q2: Can I make this cake without rosewater?

A2: Absolutely! You can skip the rosewater if you prefer or substitute it with orange blossom water or a few drops of vanilla extract for a different flavor.

Q3: How long does this cake stay fresh?

A3: This cake will stay fresh for about 3-4 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also refrigerate it for longer shelf life, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Q4: Can I freeze this cake?

A4: Yes, you can freeze the cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it will stay good for up to 2 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before glazing and serving.

Q5: What’s the best way to store leftovers?

A5: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it for longer, place it in the fridge and enjoy it within a week.

Q6: Can I make this cake dairy-free?

A6: Yes, you can make this cake dairy-free by substituting the butter with a plant-based butter or oil, and using a dairy-free yogurt (like coconut or almond yogurt).

Q7: Can I add other spices to this cake?

A7: Yes, feel free to experiment with other spices! A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg could be a lovely addition, or even a touch of ginger for a little extra warmth.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?

A8: Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and bake the cake in a larger pan. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on it.

Q9: Can I decorate this cake?

A9: Yes! You can decorate this cake with chopped pistachios, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar to add a bit of extra elegance.

Q10: What drink pairs best with this cake?

A10: Persian Love Cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea (think Earl Grey or jasmine tea), coffee, or even a refreshing glass of rose lemonade.

Conclusion

This Persian Love Cake is the perfect way to show someone you care. The beautiful blend of spices, floral notes, and citrusy freshness makes it a truly unique treat that will impress anyone lucky enough to try it. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or simply indulging in a sweet moment, this cake is a delightful, aromatic way to express love. Enjoy!

Print