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Persian Love Cake with Rose and Cardamom Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 128 reviews
  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Persian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Persian Love Cake is a fragrant and delicate cake infused with cardamom, rose water, and almond flour, offering a unique floral and nutty flavor. Topped with a sweet rose-flavored glaze and garnished with pistachios, rose petals, and optional candied ginger, this cake is perfect for special occasions or as a romantic treat.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup vegetable (or canola) oil
  • 2 tablespoons rose water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup Super Fine Almond Flour
  • 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt

For the Glaze

  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rose water
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
  • 3 tablespoons rose petals
  • 2 tablespoons candied ginger (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8-inch round cake pan by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Beat Sugar, Lemon Zest, and Eggs: Using a stand mixer on medium speed, beat together the granulated sugar, lemon zest, and eggs until the mixture is pale yellow, which takes about one minute.
  3. Incorporate Oil, Rose Water, and Vanilla: Reduce the mixer speed to medium-low and slowly stream in the vegetable oil to emulsify the batter, taking care to pour slowly to prevent splitting. Then add rose water and vanilla extract and mix well.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, almond flour, ground cardamom, baking powder, and salt into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which could toughen the cake.
  5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake in the oven for 35-45 minutes. The cake is done when it is lightly golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
  6. Prepare the Glaze: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine powdered sugar, rose water, and whole milk. Whisk well; the glaze will be thick. Microwave for 10-15 seconds to thin it out slightly, stirring after microwaving.
  7. Glaze and Garnish: After the cake has cooled, pour the glaze evenly over the top. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios, rose petals, and candied ginger if using. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs for better emulsification and texture.
  • Slowly adding oil while mixing prevents batter from splitting and ensures a smooth texture.
  • Do not overmix once flour is added to keep the cake tender.
  • For a more intense flavor, let the cake sit overnight.
  • Candied ginger adds a lovely texture contrast but is optional.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 cake)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg