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A golden orange saffron and pistachio cake with syrup topped with crushed green pistachios

Orange Saffron and Pistachio Cake with Syrup

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A luxurious, moist cake infused with the royal flavor of saffron, the brightness of fresh oranges, and the earthy crunch of pistachios, finished with a drenching of citrus syrup.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1.5 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup raw pistachios, finely ground
1.5 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp salt
Zest of 2 large oranges
0.5 tsp saffron threads, crushed
1/4 cup fresh orange juice (for batter)
For Syrup: 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup orange juice, pinch of saffron, 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a small bowl, crush the saffron threads and soak them in 1 tablespoon of warm orange juice for 15 minutes to release the color.
Step 3: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the orange zest and the soaked saffron liquid.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground pistachios, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the 1/4 cup of orange juice.
Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup by combining sugar, orange juice, saffron, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 8: Remove the cake from the oven. While still hot, poke holes across the surface with a skewer and pour the warm syrup evenly over the cake. Allow it to cool completely in the pan before serving.

Notes

Ensure the cake is hot when you pour the syrup over it for maximum absorption. High-quality saffron makes a huge difference in the final aroma.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts & Baking
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 385
  • Sugar: 32g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg