Soft And Moist Persian Love Cake

Ah, the traditional Persian Love Cake—a fusion of rose and cardamom, a symphony of flavours for the romantics and dessert aficionados alike. It’s moist, fluffy, and surprisingly easy to make from scratch. In just 20 minutes of prep, you’ll have all the taste without the kitchen marathon. This recipe? It’s your key to the ultimate cake indulgence.

“I made this beautiful and oh-so-tasty cake for the Persian New Year and it came out perfect! It was very easy to make and follow the instructions. The flavour combo of cardamom and rose water were delicious and this cake will definitely be part of my regular cake rotation! Thank you Shahzadi!” ~Shireen Ali

As we embrace the December festivities, it’s a beautiful time for Mr. D and me, marking 23 years since our union—the day that resonates with the warmth of our commitment and love. It also marks the period when I was on the path to becoming a dietitian.

Every year our celebratory table is adorned with classics that have accompanied us on our journey through the years: the exquisite Pan Fried Basa Fish Fillets and Indian roti with Kachumber, setting the stage for our culinary celebration, followed by the sweet delight of Falooda. But at the heart of it all lies our perennial favourite—the Persian Love Cake. Infused with the timeless essence of rose and cardamom, it symbolizes the enduring sweetness of our bond.

I hope you’ll join us in tasting the magic woven into these beloved recipes that hold a dear place in our hearts.

Unveiling the romance: The enigmatic history of the Persian love cake

The origins of this cake are steeped in mystery and legend, echoing tales of romance and ancient culinary traditions. Believed to have roots in Persian cuisine, this enchanting dessert is said to date back centuries, its recipe passed down through generations.

While its exact genesis remains shrouded, some believe it was crafted by a Persian woman to enchant a prince, infusing the cake with the essence of love through fragrant roses and aromatic cardamom. Others speculate its ties to the land of poetry and mystique, where every slice tells a story of courtship and devotion.

Regardless of its precise inception, the cake transcends time, embodying a confluence of flavours that celebrate love, tradition, and the artistry of Persian culinary heritage.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this fragrant rose and cardamom cake.

• Unsalted butter
• Eggs
• Yogurt: 3% fat yogurt adds moisture and richness
• Cardamom seeds
• Rose water
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Almond meal
• Baking powder
• Powdered sugar
• Milk 2% milk fat
• Dried roses
• Pistachios (roughly chopped)

How to make rose cake – a visual walk-through

Utilizing a stand mixer equipped with a whisk attachment has been my go-to for crafting this delightful cake. This method infuses the batter with just the right amount of air, ensuring a fluffy texture that truly elevates the experience.

However, if a stand mixer isn’t on hand, not to worry! A hand mixer or even good old-fashioned elbow grease and a whisk work just as well. The key is to blend the ingredients thoroughly to achieve that delightful consistency. Enjoy the simplicity of this recipe—whether it’s with modern gadgets or the charm of traditional methods, the result will be equally delightful.

Prepare the batter:

Mix dry ingredients:

Prepare the pan:

Bake to perfection:

Place the cake on the middle-low shelf of the oven preheated to 325°F and bake for approximately 60-70 minutes. Resist the temptation to open the oven door while the cake is baking to prevent temperature fluctuations that can impact the cake’s rise and texture.

To check for doneness, insert a skewer or fork into the center—the cake is ready when it comes out clean.

Cooling & leveling:

This step lays the foundation for the finishing touch—preparing the glaze to adorn your delightful rose cake.

Glaze preparation and decoration

For a complete list of ingredient measurements and detailed step-by-step instructions, you can find everything you need in the printable recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

Food safe storage

To preserve the exquisite flavours and texture of your cake, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days

If you prefer to prolong its freshness, refrigerate the cake, ensuring it’s well-covered to prevent drying.

For longer-term storage, store in an airtight container and freeze them; this method keeps the cake delicious for up to one month. Before serving, allow frozen cake slices to thaw at room temperature for an hour or gently warm them in the oven for a delightful treat.

Diabetes diet advice

If you’re eyeing a small slice of the delightful cake and have type 2 diabetes, here’s a friendly tip from a fellow foodie and diabetes educator. When you indulge, try pairing that lovely slice with a protein-rich or fibre-filled snack or meal. This combo helps keep those blood sugar levels in check by slowing down the cake’s sugars.

Oh, and don’t forget the magic of moderation—savour each bite like it’s the best thing ever! Plus, a post-treat stroll or some light exercise can work wonders in managing those sugar spikes. Balancing treats and nutritious choices is what it’s all about!

Excited to whip up the Love Cake? I’m all ears for your baking tales! Don’t be shy—share your feedback by dropping a comment and rating the recipe. Or capture a photo and share it on Instagram (@DesiliciousRD). Let’s sprinkle some baking magic together, and I can’t wait to be part of your sweet journey!

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