Persian Love Cake

The Persian love cake is moist, light, and flavored with rosewater, cardamom and cinnamon. This fragrant sweet treat is finished with a lemon glaze, rose petals, and crushed pistachios.

It is not known what the exact origin of Persian Love Cake was. According to one theory, it is a well-traveled adaptation of Bolo di Amor (Portuguese Love Cake), which was in the 16th Century transformed by Sri Lankans and served as a semolina Christmas cake. The cake then made its way from Sri Lanka to Iran where it was further developed with the addition rosewater. This flavor is very familiar to Middle Eastern palates.

In Iran, it became a legend that the Persian love cake was created when a young Persian girl fell in love with an Iranian prince. She baked a cake with rose water and aromatic spices to make him fall for her. The cake is unfamiliar to many Iranians, which makes the situation even more complicated. I was one of those who were exposed to the cake through my Western upbringing. This delicious dessert is now a part of my modern Persian lifestyle.

This delicious dessert is sure to be a hit in your collection of cake recipes. This sophisticated dessert, which includes nutty almonds, a lemony glaze that is not too sweet, and warming spices, is loved by all members of my family.

Persian Love Cake Ingredients

The majority of ingredients for this cake can be found in supermarkets with a good selection, except for the edible dried rose petals. You can buy dried rose petals at Middle-Eastern stores, online or leave them out.

• Almond meal:Almond meal is also known as almond flour. It's made by finely grinding skinned, skinned nuts. The ground almonds lend the cake its moist texture, nutty taste and crumbly texture.
• All purpose flour: Made of wheat, all-purpose is the flour that gives structure to a cake. If you use a gluten free all-purpose blend, the cake may be more dense than the original.
• Baking soda and baking powder: Create an airy texture and help the cake rise.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds flavor and stability to the cake. Be sure to use soft butter (around room temperature), which will allow you to cream the sugar and butter together more easily.
• Superfine Sugar: Also called caster sugar or castor sugar due to its fine grain, superfine sugar dissolves easily. This recipe can also be made with regular granulated or caster sugar.
• EGGS: The eggs add richness and structure to the cake.
• Greek yogurt Adds a tangy taste to the cake and makes it lighter.
• Rose Water: Gives the cake a floral taste. Find it in the baking aisle or in international foods. Or, you can buy our favorite rosewater from our online shop. You can adjust the rosewater amounts to suit your tastes.
• Citrus The zest and juice of oranges and lemons add a bright flavor and aroma.
• Cardamom cinnamon: The cake is flavored with cinnamon and cardamom ground.
• Sugar powder: A simple but elegant glaze is created by mixing sugar powder with lemon juice, rose water and a little bit of rosewater.
• Garnishes: Dried edible Rose petals, and crushed Pistachios to decorate the cake. Be sure to use raw, unsalted pistachios. If you cannot find dried rose petals in your local supermarket or Middle-Eastern specialist food stores, you can simply leave them off.

This cake recipe

You'll also need parchment paper and a 9- or 10-inch cake pan to make this Persian Love Cake.

Make the Batter

• Prepare yourself. Pre-heat your oven to 350degF. Butter the bottom, sides and bottom of the cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment.
• Combine dry ingredients. Place a fine-mesh sieve over a large dish. Add 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 tablespoon baking soda, 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon cardamom to the sieve. The sieve should be tapped with your palm until the powder is fine. Use a whisk to mix 1 3/4 cups almond flour.
• Use a hand or stand mixer fitted with beaters to cream the butter and sugar. Add 8 tablespoons softened butter to a large bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer. Also add 1 cup sugar. Beat the mixture on medium-high for about 5 minutes until it is pale, fluffy and light. About halfway through, use a rubber spatula and scrape the bowl's sides. It is important to add air to the mixture.
• Add the yogurt and eggs. Add four eggs one by one to the butter mixture. Add each egg one at a time, mixing until completely incorporated. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of your bowl between additions. Add 1/2 cup yogurt and mix again until well combined. Scrub the sides of your bowl. Add 1/2 orange and 1/2 lemon juice, along with 1 tablespoon rosewater. Mix again.
• Combine:Add dry ingredients to wet. Beat the batter until it becomes thick and cohesive. Scrape down the sides when necessary. This shouldn't take more than a minute.

Bake, Soak and Decorate The Cake

• Bake a cake. Spoon mixture into the cake pan. Spread the batter with the back of the spoon. Bake the cake for 40 minutes or until it is well-risen and the skewer that you insert in the middle comes clean.
• Cool. Let the cake cool for 2 minutes in the pan, and then turn it out carefully onto a wire rack. Remove the parchment paper and let it cool for about an hour.
• Add lemon drizzle. In medium bowl, whisk sugar, rosewater, and lemon juice until sugar is dissolved.
• Dip the cake. Use the toothpick or thin skewer to make tiny holes on the surface. Pour the lemon drizzle over the cake, and let it soak.

• Prepare the glaze, and decorate the cake. Stir the icing with lemon juice until it is smooth and pourable. Add a few drops rosewater according to your taste.
• Spread the icing on the cake. Allow the icing to drip down the sides. Let the icing set for about 5 minutes, then decorate it with rose petals and chopped pistachios. Let the icing set completely before cutting and serving.

Rose Water: A note

Rosewater of high quality does not have a strong alcohol smell or taste. The essence of rose should be captured in the water. If you can smell alcohol when you open yours, cut back on the amount of rose water in the cake batter to 1 or 2 teaspoons and the amount for the glaze to one drop. For more information on rose water, read What is Rose Water and How Can You Use It?

Once you learn how to use rose water, you will add it to many recipes. It will make them even more delicious. You can use it to make drinks like Strawberry Lemonade or desserts like Mahalabia.

Variations of this Persian Love Cake recipe

This recipe includes a lemony glaze and a drizzle of lemon juice to make the cake extra flavorful and decadent. You can leave out the glaze if you prefer a simpler cake.

You can add ground pistachios before baking the cake to give it a richer taste. Simply replace half the almond flour equivalent in weight with ground pistachios.

If you do not like rose water you can substitute it with orange flower . The cake can be made without rose water and simply flavored with warm spices.

What to serve with Persian Love Cake

This cake is perfect for any season. It has a light, fluffy sponge. Start your Middle Eastern dinner party with Whole Roasted Cauliflower, Lemony Whipped Feta and Easy Pita Bread.

The cake is also a great addition to an afternoon with friends. Serve with Arabic Tea or Fresh Mint.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main ingredients in a Mediterranean diet

A Mediterranean diet consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grain, legumes and nuts. There are also small amounts of red meat and lean poultry about once a week. Dairy products such as low-fat yogurt or cheese are also included. It is better to eat fresh ingredients than processed foods. Use herbs to enhance your meals. You should incorporate physical activity into your daily schedule to reap the full benefits. This diet is more enjoyable when you are able to share mindful eating techniques and food sharing with friends and family.

Is Rice on the Mediterranean diet?

Rice is both allowed and encouraged on the Mediterranean diet. This diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables whole grains, legumes healthy fats such olive oil, nuts, dairy products, fish, meat, poultry, and moderate amounts of dairy products. Whole-grain brown rice is an excellent source of carbohydrate and provides energy. Moreover, it also offers a good source of dietary fiber which can help improve digestion and provide essential nutrients for health, such as B vitamins, iron, and magnesium. It is possible to add rice to your dishes by cooking it in soups, salads, and stews. If you eat rice-based dishes, it's a good idea to limit added fat.

What are some Mediterranean fruits?

There are many fruits that can be found in the Mediterranean Diet, including apples, grapes (or melons), melons and figs as well as dates and berries. Add fresh fruits to smoothie bowls or parfaits for extra nutrition. Greek yogurt, spread over toast with dates, is another great choice for breakfast. Additionally, having fresh fruit sliced over salads adds flavor and nutrients to meals and can help satisfy cravings for sweet taste components. You can also enjoy healthy snacks like nuts, seeds and almonds. Also, dark chocolate may be a good option for antioxidants. For the authentic flavors of this ancient diet, try the local favorites from countries near the Mediterranean Sea.

Is the Mediterranean diet suitable for people with certain health conditions, such as diabetes?

People with diabetes and other medical conditions will benefit from the Mediterranean Diet. This diet emphasizes whole foods, minimizes refined sugars or carbs, and places more emphasis on healthy fats than butter or oil. This reduces the chance of developing diabetes in people who are not already living with it, and helps to control blood sugar levels for those with diabetes. Incorporating light exercise into your diet can help stabilize and regulate blood sugar levels. Healthy food swaps like replacing white bread with whole grain bread or adding nuts in salads to replace crackers can help create a balanced eating plan that's suitable for managing symptoms and conditions.

Is milk OK on the Mediterranean diet?

Yes, milk can be consumed on the Mediterranean diet. Low-fat yogurts, cheese, and dairy products are essential to this diet. They contain calcium and other key nutrients. It is also nutritious, and milk should be consumed in moderation. You can also make your own smoothies or oatmeal with it. To promote sustainable farming, choose organic milk whenever possible. Add milk to your breakfast dishes such as smoothie bowls and avocado toast to ensure you get essential vitamins, minerals, and a balanced start every day.

Can I have alcohol on the Mediterranean Diet?

Yes, it is possible to enjoy alcoholic beverages in moderation as part of the Mediterranean diet. This drinking style should be limited to 1 glass daily for women and 2 for men. Suitable drinks include dry wines, beer, and spirits made with natural ingredients such as brandy, vodka, whiskey, or gin. Avoid heavy spirits like cocktails due to their high levels of sugar. Drinking water and herbal teas daily can help keep your body hydrated, as well as reduce the desire to drink sugary drinks.

Is Banana allowed in the Mediterranean diet?

Yes, banana is allowed on the Mediterranean diet. Bananas are nutritious and low-calorie fruit that can provide beneficial dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamin B6. It can be added to smoothies, soups, salads, and even sweet potatoes as a healthy side or main dish. To add protein, it can be served as a snack along with nut butters such as almond and peanut. It may be beneficial to combine fruits like bananas with healthy fats such as nuts and seeds when following the Mediterranean diet. This will improve digestion and increase satisfaction while eating throughout the day.

Statistics

• Other components in tomatoes may help reduce the risk of blood clots, thereby protecting against cardiovascular disease, according to a March 2019 review in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. (everydayhealth.com)
• 1g sugar Benefits Rich in heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats, these nuts may also favourably impact your gut microbiome (and thus improve digestive health) and lower LDL cholesterol, according to a small study that included 18 healthy adults. (everydayhealth.com)
• Choose fat-free or 1% milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese. (my.clevelandclinic.org)
• The Mediterranean Diet group had a 30% lower relative risk of cardiovascular events compared to the low-fat diet group. (my.clevelandclinic.org)

External Links

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• Mediterranean Diet

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• Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet

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• American Heart Association


• What is the Mediterranean Diet and how does it work? American Heart Association

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• (PDF) The Association Between Dietary Patterns And Insulin Resistance: A Systematic Study


• (PDF). Citrus as an ingredient in the Mediterranean diet

How To

What can the Mediterranean Diet do to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke?

The Mediterranean diet is a healthy eating plan that includes whole grains, legumes and fruits as well as healthy fats. It has been associated with numerous potential health benefits, such as improved blood lipids, better glucose control, reduced risk for depression and certain types of cancer, better cardiac health, enhanced cognitive function, and improved weight management. Research has shown that this diet could help reduce your risk of stroke and heart disease.

It is possible to incorporate Mediterranean-inspired foods into your daily diet by swapping high-calorie snacks like chips for nutrient-dense vegetable appetizers or other traditional greens or beans dishes. You can also increase your satisfaction after meals by learning how to add spices or other sources of nuts, fruits, or vegetables. To increase nutrition, it is important to consume moderate amounts of dairy products, such as yogurt, milk, and cheese, throughout the day. To complete the Mediterranean experience, olive oil should be used as the primary cooking fat. Red wine can also be enjoyed occasionally.

If combined with regular physical activity at a moderate level, one can see even greater improvements in short term results and long term positive effects on body composition and overall health. The Mediterranean diet promotes enjoying food while maintaining a nutritional balance that can offer substantial benefits toward reducing one's risk of developing heart disease and stroke over time.

Resources:

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