Persian Love Cake

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 325°F (162°C). Grease an 8 x 3-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with a round of parchment paper. Dust pan with flour, shaking out any excess.

Step 2

If using cardamom pods, place pods into a mortar. With the pestle, crush open the pods. Discard the outer green skins, leaving behind the seeds. With the pestle, grind the seeds to a fine powder. Alternatively, use a spice grinder to grind the seeds to a fine powder (see Chef’s Tips).

Step 3

In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, almond flour, finely ground pistachio, ground cardamom, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined.

Step 4

In a small bowl, rub the Redpath® Granulated Sugar with the lime zest until fragrant.

Step 5

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the Redpath® Golden Yellow Sugar, cubed butter, canola oil, and the sugar-lime mixture on medium to medium-high speed until pale in colour and fluffy; 3 to 5 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.

Step 6

Add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each egg before adding the next.

Step 7

In a medium bowl or measuring cup, whisk together yogurt, rose water, and almond extract until well combined. Set aside.

Step 8

Add ⅓ of the dry ingredients into the bowl of the stand mixer; mix on low speed until just combined. Add ½ of the yogurt mixture and mix on low speed until just combined. Repeat process, ending with the dry ingredients. After the last addition, increase speed to medium-low and mix well until no flour clumps remain; about half a minute. Do not overmix.

Step 9

Transfer batter to the prepared cake pan. Tap pan a few times onto a flat work surface to remove any air pockets and level the batter. With an offset spatula, smooth out the top of the cake. Place into the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until the cake, when gently pressed, springs back and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 10

Remove from oven and allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before attempting to remove from the pan. Run a small offset spatula around the edges of the cake and unmold. Place onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely before glazing; about 1 hour.

Step 1

Sift the Redpath® Icing Sugar into a small bowl. Whisk in the yogurt, rosewater, and salt until well combined and smooth. Adjust glaze as necessary; for a thicker glaze, add about 1 additional tablespoon Redpath® Icing Sugar. For a thinner glaze, add an additional ½ teaspoon of yogurt and/or rosewater. Be careful not to add too much extra rosewater, if adding more, as this may take the glaze from floral to “soapy” tasting.

Step 2

Lay a piece of parchment or plastic wrap onto the surface of the glaze to prevent a skin from forming. Place into the fridge until cake is completely cooled. Stir before using.

Step 3

Pour and drizzle the glaze over the completely cooled cake, gently pushing the icing to the edges with a small offset spatula or spoon and allowing the glaze to drip over the sides.

Step 4

Sprinkle the top with pistachio, dried rose petals, and/or lime zest. Allow the glaze to set before serving.