Saffron Delight

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground saffron threads ½ teaspoon ground saffron threads
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
• 2 tablespoons rosewater 2 tablespoons rosewater
• ¼ cup (30g) crushed pistachios, for garnish ¼ cup (30g) crushed pistachios, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 35g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a round cake pan.
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of hot water and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and cardamom.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, rosewater, and saffron mixture.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. 6.
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
7. 7.
   Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. 8.
   Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. 9.
   Once cooled, sprinkle the crushed pistachios over the top for garnish.
10. 10.
    Slice and serve this delectable Saffron Delight.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Saffron — To enhance the flavor and color, steep the saffron threads in hot water for at least 10 minutes before using.
• Rosewater — Use a high-quality rosewater to ensure a fragrant and authentic taste.
• Pistachios — For a more pronounced flavor, lightly toast the pistachios before crushing them.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of elegance, decorate the cake with edible rose petals.
• Serve the Saffron Delight with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream for added indulgence.
• If you prefer a stronger cardamom flavor, increase the amount to 1 teaspoon.
• Make sure to cool the cake completely before garnishing with pistachios to prevent them from becoming soft.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Saffron Delight as a centerpiece dessert at special occasions or enjoy it with a cup of Persian tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

Presentation advice

Present the Saffron Delight on a beautiful cake stand, allowing its golden hue and pistachio garnish to shine. Dust the top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.