I still remember the first time I baked a Persian Love Cake—it felt less like making a dessert and more like creating a little moment of calm in my kitchen. I was drawn to the fragrance first: rose, cardamom, and citrus filling the air. When the cake came out of the oven, golden and soft, I knew it was something special.
This is the kind of cake I make when I want comfort but also elegance. If you enjoy desserts that feel romantic, lightly spiced, and not overly sweet, you might also enjoy a Tomato Tortellini Soup Recipe as a cozy meal companion.
Ingredients
These ingredients are carefully chosen to create a soft, fragrant cake with balanced sweetness and warmth.
- All-purpose flour – 1 ½ cups, provides structure while keeping the crumb soft; always sift for best texture
- Almond flour – ½ cup, adds moisture and a nutty richness that defines this cake
- Granulated sugar – ¾ cup, sweetens gently without overpowering the floral flavors
- Unsalted butter – ¾ cup (softened), creates richness and a tender crumb; room temperature blends better
- Eggs – 3 large, bind the batter and help the cake rise evenly
- Plain yogurt – ½ cup, keeps the cake moist and slightly tangy; full-fat works best
- Rose water – 1 tablespoon, gives the signature floral aroma; use lightly to avoid bitterness
- Orange zest – 1 tablespoon, brightens the flavor and balances sweetness
- Cardamom powder – 1 teaspoon, adds warm spice; freshly ground is more aromatic
- Baking powder – 1 ½ teaspoons, ensures proper lift and a light texture
- Salt – ¼ teaspoon, enhances all flavors without making the cake salty
- Powdered sugar – ½ cup, used for glaze; sifted for a smooth finish
- Lemon juice – 1–2 tablespoons, thins the glaze and adds fresh acidity
- Pistachios – ¼ cup (chopped), adds crunch and traditional Persian color
- Dried rose petals – optional, decorative and lightly fragrant; use food-grade only
Note: This ingredient quantity makes one 9-inch cake and serves approximately 8–10 people. For a heartier dessert and meal pairing, consider serving it alongside Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe.
Variations
This cake adapts beautifully to different diets and flavor preferences without losing its charm.
You can make a dairy-free version by replacing butter with plant-based butter and yogurt with coconut or almond yogurt. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and keep the almond flour as is. If you prefer a less floral profile, reduce the rose water and add vanilla extract instead. For a deeper citrus note, lemon zest can be used in place of orange zest. You can also fold crushed pistachios into the batter for added texture.
Cooking Time
This recipe is simple and doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40–45 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 5 minutes
Equipment You Need
Basic baking tools are all you need for this elegant cake.
- Mixing bowls – for separating wet and dry ingredients
- Electric mixer or whisk – to cream butter and sugar smoothly
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient ratios
- Zester – to extract fresh citrus flavor
- 9-inch round cake pan – for even baking
- Cooling rack – to cool the cake before glazing
How to Make Persian Love Cake Recipe?
This cake comes together in gentle steps, allowing the flavors to shine without complicated techniques.
Preparing the Batter
Start by preheating the oven and greasing your cake pan. I cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, which helps create a soft crumb. Eggs are added one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before moving on.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, I combine flour, almond flour, baking powder, cardamom, and salt. Mixing these separately helps distribute the leavening and spice evenly. This step keeps the cake from baking unevenly.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
The dry mixture is added gradually to the wet batter, alternating with yogurt. I stir gently to avoid overmixing, which keeps the cake tender. Rose water and orange zest are folded in at the end for maximum aroma.
Baking the Cake
The batter is poured into the prepared pan and smoothed on top. I bake until the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean. The kitchen always smells incredible at this stage.
Glazing and Garnishing
Once the cake cools, I whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice to create a light glaze. I drizzle it over the cake and finish with pistachios and rose petals for a beautiful presentation.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
After making this cake several times, I’ve learned a few small details that make a big difference.
- I always use freshly ground cardamom; the flavor is noticeably warmer.
- I let the cake cool completely before glazing to prevent soaking.
- I go light on rose water because too much can overpower the cake.
- I toast pistachios lightly for extra crunch and aroma.
How to Serve Persian Love Cake Recipe?
This cake looks beautiful on its own but pairs well with simple accompaniments.
I like serving it slightly warm or at room temperature. A cup of tea, especially black or saffron tea, complements the flavors perfectly. For special occasions, I add a dollop of whipped cream or a spoon of Greek yogurt on the side. Garnishing with extra pistachios and rose petals makes it feel bakery-worthy.
Nutritional Information
These values are approximate and depend on portion size.
- Calories: Approximately 320 per slice
- Protein: Around 6 grams
- Carbohydrates: About 35 grams
- Fat: Around 18 grams
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing
The cake stays fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days when covered. For longer storage, I refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the unglazed cake for up to 2 months. I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
To serve, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and bring it to room temperature. If needed, a short warm-up in the oven refreshes the texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This is a cake that feels special without being complicated.
- It’s easy to make but tastes elegant and bakery-style.
- The floral and citrus flavors are unique yet balanced.
- It works for celebrations, tea time, or casual desserts.
- The recipe is flexible for different dietary needs.
- Every slice feels moist, fragrant, and comforting.