Baklava Cake

Persian baklava cake is made with all the special spices and flavors that make Persian desserts delicious and unique. Traditionally this rich, middle eastern pastry dessert is doused and laced in syrup made from sugar water. In our recipe, we simplify the process and make mini cakes naturally sweetened with honey! The Persian flavors and aromas are over the top in our baklava cake with notes of cardamom, cinnamon, and essences of rose, saffron, and nuts. For an added health benefit we use gluten-free flour, and almond flour for a moist and nutty taste and consistency. Garnish with a few crispy flakes of gluten-free phyllo dough for a crispy, crunchy perfect baklava bite!

Nutritional profile:

naturally sweetened with honey
creamy olive oil and yogurt vs. butter
gluten-free, almond flour

I love the taste of honey in baked goods. It works especially well in Persian desserts like baklava. Warm a little honey in a microwave-safe container and drizzle over the tops of the inverted cupcakes for added sweetness and a shiny, sticky, glossy finish. Using local honey is good for your health and for supporting small businesses and farms.

This recipe calls for super-finely ground almond flour. Either blanched or whole almond, almond flour may be used.

This easy recipe can be made using just a bowl, a hand whisk or fork, and a muffin tin. If you have a new, non-stick muffin tin, skip using cupcake liners (oil the muffin tin cups well) and pour the batter directly into the tin cups.

The best way to enjoy good baklava is with tea!

Baklava cake is easy to dress up with a little toasted gluten-free phyllo dough, some pretty, finely chopped green chopped pistachio nutmeats, and a sprinkle of culinary dried rose petals as pictured above. Inverted cupcakes need not be perfect out of the pan – use your creativity to customize the mini cakes with different garnishes for unique flavors and aesthetics.

Garnish Options:

dried rose petals
finely chopped pistachio nuts
chopped walnuts
cinnamon sugar
chia seeds
poppy seeds
gluten-free phyllo dough toasted with a little spray oil or butter, then broken up and added to the tops
honey drizzle

Taking a tea break is a great way to break up the day and get energized. If you like this recipe, be sure to try our healthy recipe for low-sugar and gluten-free Naan Berenji | Persian Rice Flour Cookies, as well as Persian Flourless Almond Cake, and lastly the simple Currant Cake | Persian Pound Cake – all of which are splendid with a steaming cup of Persian tea.

If you’re looking for more Persian inspiration, check out Episodes 6 & 9 of Modern Persian Food. Episode 6 dives deep into Persian Deserts and Episode 9 is all about Persian Tea.