Description
The Persian Love Cake is a traditional Persian dessert that combines almond flour, rose water, and a variety of spices to create a fragrant, moist, and decadent treat. Its unique name comes from the notion that the cake is infused with ingredients symbolizing love and romance. The addition of rose water gives it a distinct floral aroma, while the pistachios add texture and richness, making it not just a treat for the taste buds but for the senses as well.
Ingredients
For the cake:
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1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
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½ cup (100g) light brown sugar
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2 cups (200g) almond flour (finely ground almonds)
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1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp ground cardamom
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½ tsp ground cinnamon
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Pinch of salt
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¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
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3 large eggs
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½ cup (120ml) plain yogurt or sour cream
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2 tbsp rose water (adjust to taste)
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Zest of 1 lemon or orange
For the glaze:
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1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
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1 ½–2 tbsp lemon juice (or water + a drop of rose water)
For decoration:
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2 tbsp pistachios, finely chopped
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Dried rose petals (food grade)
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Extra lemon/orange zest (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the cake
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch (23cm) round cake tin.
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In a large bowl, whisk together sugars, almond flour, flour, baking powder, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt.
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In another bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, yogurt, rose water, and citrus zest until smooth.
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Fold wet mixture into dry ingredients until just combined (do not overmix).
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Pour into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until golden and a skewer inserted comes out clean.
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Cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Glaze & decorate
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In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice until thick but pourable.
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Drizzle or spread glaze over cooled cake.
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Sprinkle with chopped pistachios, rose petals, and extra zest.
Notes
For added elegance, garnish with crushed pistachios, edible rose petals, or a light drizzle of rose syrup. Serve slightly warm with a cup of tea for a fragrant and comforting experience.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Persian / Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: ~340
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Persian cake with rose water, pistachio cake, rose water cake, Persian Love Cake recipe, pistachio rose water cake