Irresistibly Moist Baklava-Inspired Almond Cake Recipe
This irresistibly moist Baklava-inspired almond cake combines the nutty richness of almond flour with warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom, all sweetened naturally with honey. Finished with a fragrant lemon-honey syrup and topped with crunchy pistachios, this cake offers a delightful twist on traditional baklava flavors in an easy-to-make cake form.
- Author: Anna
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Cake Batter
- 2 cups Almond Flour (Can substitute with coconut flour)
- 1 cup Honey (Maple syrup can be used as a twist)
- 3 large Eggs (Acts as a binder)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (Ground nutmeg can be an alternative)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cardamom (Allspice or cloves can be substituted)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Enhances overall flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (No substitutes needed)
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil (Melted coconut oil can also be used)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Swap with almond extract if desired)
Honey Syrup and Topping
- 1 cup Honey (Adjust amount for desired sweetness)
- 1/2 cup Water (Required for syrup preparation)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (Adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (Optional for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup Chopped Pistachios (Can substitute with walnuts or almonds)
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cake pan with parchment paper. This preparation ensures your cake will bake evenly and release easily from the pan once done.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, honey, olive oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the almond flour, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, salt, and baking soda thoroughly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mixture, stirring well until you achieve a consistent batter without lumps.
- Pour and Spread Batter: Pour the prepared batter into the lined cake pan and spread it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform thickness.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with minimal crumbs.
- Prepare Honey Syrup: While the cake bakes, combine honey, water, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon in a small pot. Heat gently until the ingredients meld into a fragrant syrup, then remove from heat.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to firm up.
- Finish with Syrup and Pistachios: Transfer the cake to a wire rack. While still warm, drizzle the honey syrup generously over the cake’s surface, allowing it to soak through. Finally, sprinkle the chopped pistachios evenly on top for a crunchy garnish.
Notes
- You can substitute almond flour with coconut flour, but reduce the quantity as coconut flour is more absorbent.
- Maple syrup can replace honey for a different yet delicious sweetness profile.
- Adjust the lemon juice in the syrup to balance sweetness and acidity according to taste.
- Use almond extract instead of vanilla extract to amplify the nutty flavor.
- Chopped pistachios can be substituted with walnuts or almonds depending on availability and preference.
- Ensure the cake is warm when adding the syrup for better absorption.
Keywords: baklava almond cake, honey almond cake, gluten free cake, Mediterranean dessert, baklava inspired dessert, cinnamon cardamom cake