Embark on a culinary journey with our Pistachio Saffron Cake, an exquisite fusion of traditional flavors and textures. This cake is a true masterpiece, combining the aromatic richness of saffron, the nutty crunch of pistachios, and the delicate spice of cinnamon and cardamom. The cake is crowned with a unique baklava topping, providing a delightful contrast in textures, and is finished with a smooth whipped cream cheese layer. The addition of a lemon-infused syrup brings a subtle zest that ties all the elements together beautifully. Perfect for special occasions or as an elegant dessert, this cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 3 eggs
- 170g sugar
- 100g butter
- 50g oil
- 100g yogurt
- 185g all-purpose flour
- 10g baking powder
- 40g crushed pistachios
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cardamom
- 10 saffron threads soaked in 2 tbsp hot water
- For the Baklava Topping:
- 150g baklava filo sheets
- 100g finely crushed pistachios
- 50g finely crushed walnuts
- 100g finely crushed biscuits
- 100g melted butter
- For the Whipped Cream Cheese:
- 200g cream cheese
- 200g whipped cream
- 75g icing sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- For the Syrup:
- 150g sugar
- 170ml water
- Lemon slices
Instructions:
- Prepare and Bake Cake:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (356°F) fan setting. Line a 22 cm springform pan with parchment paper.
- Whisk butter, oil, and sugar together. Add eggs and whisk until fluffy.
- Stir in saffron water and yogurt.
- Sift in flour, cardamom, cinnamon, pistachios, and baking powder. Fold gently.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Prepare Baklava Topping:
- Mix crushed nuts and biscuits.
- Layer filo sheets in a springform pan, brushing each with butter.
- After layering half the sheets, add nut mixture, then layer remaining sheets with butter.
- Cut into pieces and bake until golden.
- Make Whipped Cream Cheese:
- Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Fold in whipped cream.
- Prepare Syrup:
- Boil sugar, water, and lemon slices for 20 minutes. Cool down.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Drizzle syrup over cake and baklava.
- Spread whipped cream cheese on cake.
- Top with baklava.
Enjoy this Pistachio Saffron Cake with Baklava Topping and Whipped Cream Cheese, a luxurious dessert that marries the richness of saffron and pistachios with the delicate crunch of baklava, all brought together with a creamy topping. 🌰🍰🍋✨