Persian Love Cake with Almond Crust and Yogurt Filling Recipe

If you’re ready to fall head over heels for a dessert, let me introduce you to the Persian Love Cake with Almond Crust and Yogurt Filling Recipe. This gorgeous cake combines a rich, buttery almond crust with a silky yogurt filling, all bursting with warm Middle Eastern flavors like cinnamon and orange blossom water. It’s naturally gluten free, beautifully balanced between sweet and tangy, and a showstopper for any occasion. Trust me, once you make this, it will become a treasured favorite for sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, high-quality ingredients is the first step to making this cake truly shine. Each element plays a special role, giving you texture, flavor, and that gorgeous golden hue. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters.

• Almond flour: This gluten free base gives the crust a moist, nutty texture and delicate crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness and helps create that perfect crust consistency.
• Light brown sugar: Brings depth with its rich molasses undertones, enhancing every bite.
• Butter (room temperature): Essential for a tender crust and smooth, buttery flavor throughout.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates all the flavors harmoniously.
• Eggs (room temperature): Bind the filling together and give it a luscious, creamy texture.
• Full-fat plain Greek yogurt (room temperature): Adds tangy richness and keeps the filling moist and velvety.
• Cinnamon: Infuses warm, aromatic notes that feel cozy and exotic.
• Vanilla extract: Smoothly rounds out the flavors with its sweet floral hint.
• Orange blossom water: Gives that signature Persian perfume that truly makes this cake unforgettable.
• Roasted, unsalted shelled pistachios: For a vibrant, crunchy topping and a pop of color.
• Food grade dried rose petals: To decorate and add an enchanting, fragrant finish.

How to Make Persian Love Cake with Almond Crust and Yogurt Filling Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350° F and prepping an 8-inch springform pan with butter and parchment paper. This sets the stage perfectly, ensuring your cake bakes evenly and releases easily later.

Step 2: Make the Almond Crust

Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle, or a hand mixer, combine almond flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, and salt on low speed until crumbly. This mixture forms your decadent crust. Press half of it evenly into the bottom of your lined pan—this crust acts as the sturdy, tender base that supports the filling beautifully.

Step 3: Prepare the Yogurt Filling

To the remaining half of your mixture, add eggs, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and orange blossom water. Beat on medium speed until the filling is smooth and creamy, a luscious contrast to the nutty crust below. Pour this heavenly mixture right over your pressed crust in the pan.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cake for an hour and 30 minutes until the top turns a lovely golden brown and the center still has a slight jiggle. This care in baking creates the moist, delicate texture that is signature to the Persian Love Cake with Almond Crust and Yogurt Filling Recipe. Allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, so the filling can set perfectly.

Step 5: Chill and Decorate

Once cooled, refrigerate your cake for at least 4 hours or overnight—this step is essential to let the yogurt filling fully firm up and the flavors meld. When ready to serve, carefully remove the cake from the pan, then shower the top with chopped pistachios and dried rose petals. That final flourish transforms the cake into a masterpiece.

How to Serve Persian Love Cake with Almond Crust and Yogurt Filling Recipe

Garnishes

The best part about serving this cake is the chance to add your own favorite touches. Toasted slivered almonds or additional chopped pistachios give a lovely crunch. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a soft sweetness while edible rose petals bring a romantic, floral allure that’s impossible to resist.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with a cup of fragrant Persian tea or a light coffee to complement its aromatic profile. Fresh berries or a simple berry compote add contrast and a refreshing burst of juice, lifting the dessert even higher. You might also enjoy it alongside a dollop of whipped cream or clotted cream for extra indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving the Persian Love Cake with Almond Crust and Yogurt Filling Recipe on a beautiful platter lined with rose petals makes for an enchanting table centerpiece. Slice into generous wedges and garnish each with a pistachio sprinkle and a petal or two. For celebrations, individual mini versions in ramekins or tart pans can be a delightful surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days when tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, so leftovers are often even better the day after baking!

Freezing

You can freeze this Persian Love Cake with Almond Crust and Yogurt Filling Recipe for up to one month. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to protect it from freezer burn. Defrost it overnight in the fridge before serving to preserve the creamy texture.

Reheating

Since the filling is yogurt-based, avoid microwave reheating which may affect texture. Instead, serve chilled or bring to room temperature for 30 minutes. If you desire a warm bite, a gentle 5-minute oven warm at 300° F (covered loosely with foil) can work, but watch carefully to keep the filling intact.

FAQs

Is the Persian Love Cake with Almond Crust and Yogurt Filling Recipe gluten free?

Yes! This cake uses almond flour instead of wheat flour, making it naturally gluten free and perfect for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Can I substitute the Greek yogurt with something else?

Greek yogurt is key for that creamy, tangy texture and richness, but you could try full-fat plain yogurt if necessary. Just expect a slightly looser filling, so chill it longer to help it set well.

What if I don’t have orange blossom water?

Orange blossom water brings a unique floral note authentic to Persian desserts. If you can’t find it, a splash of rose water or a teaspoon of finely grated orange zest can make a lovely alternative.

How do I prevent the crust from overbaking?

Pressing the crust evenly and using room temperature ingredients helps it bake uniformly. Also, lining your pan well and baking at the right temperature ensures it forms a tender base without burning.

Can I make this cake vegan?

Since the recipe relies on eggs, Greek yogurt, and butter, it would require significant substitutions. Plant-based yogurts and egg replacers might work, but the texture and flavor will be quite different from the traditional Persian Love Cake with Almond Crust and Yogurt Filling Recipe.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that’s as stunning to look at as it is incredible to eat, the Persian Love Cake with Almond Crust and Yogurt Filling Recipe is a can’t-miss. It’s a slice of Middle Eastern magic, effortlessly elegant and heartwarmingly delicious. I can’t recommend it enough—grab your ingredients and give it a whirl. You’ll find it’s a dessert that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also fills your kitchen with a beautiful, inviting aroma. Happy baking!

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