Delicious Passover Baklava Cake Recipe for Food Lovers
As a chef, cooking for me is all about blending flavors and creating something new and exciting. However, I also understand the significance and cultural importance of traditional dishes, especially during celebrations such as Passover. That’s why I am excited to share with you my recipe for Passover Baklava Cake.
This cake is a rich nutty confection soaked in honey citrus syrup giving it a flavor much like baklava, one of the most beloved Arabic desserts. I have adapted it to create a Passover version that is both delicious and kosher-friendly.
The Passover Baklava Cake is made by combining hazelnuts, walnuts, matzo meal, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt, fresh lemon juice, and vegetable oil. I finish it off by soaking it overnight with a honey citrus syrup before serving chilled.
This recipe not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also serves as a perfect dessert for any Passover celebration. Whether you are hosting an event or serving it at home after dinner, this cake is sure to impress your guests with its decadence.
So let’s dive in and explore my twist on an old classic recipe – the Passover Baklava Cake!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: a rich and nutty confection that is soaked in honey citrus syrup, giving it a flavor much like baklava. Well, that’s exactly what you can expect from this Passover Hazelnut Baklava Cake! Trust me when I say, you won’t be able to resist the best flavor that this recipe offers.
What sets this cake recipe apart from others is the use of matzo meal and finely chopped hazelnuts as the base, replacing the traditional filo pastry used in baklava. And let me assure you, it’s just as delicious! The mixture of chopped walnuts and hazelnuts creates a beautiful texture that elevates this dessert to a whole new level.
The aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen as you bake this masterpiece? It’s pure heaven. Once baked, it’s drenched in honey citrus syrup, which is absorbed overnight before serving chilled. This ensures that the flavors are perfectly balanced, intensifying with every bite you take.
And did I mention just how easy it is to make? With simple ingredients like eggs, sugar, and vegetable oil, anyone can whip up this indulgent dessert without breaking a sweat.
So whether you’re looking for a Passover hazelnut baklava cake to add to your list of kosher desserts or simply searching for delicious cake recipes for your birthday or festivities, look no further than this one-of-a-kind baklava cake recipe!
Ingredient List
In order to create the passover hazelnut baklava cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 cups of finely chopped hazelnuts
- 3 cups of finely chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of matzo meal
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup of water
- 3 eggs and 3 egg whites
- 3/4 cup of vegetable oil
Additionally, you will need the sugary syrup that gives flavor and moisture to the cake. The honey citrus syrup consists of:
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 2 tablespoons of orange juice
The recipe requires a round cake pan, cooking spray, and parchment paper to ensure easy release once the cake is cooked.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all of our ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the recipe itself. This rich, nutty and sweet cake is not only an excellent choice for Passover dessert, but for any occasion as well. Baklava cake is a delightful combination of common ingredients transformed into a mouth-watering dessert, and this recipe elevates it to a new level with the addition of hazelnuts and fresh citrus syrup.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Before anything else, you must preheat your oven to 350 F. Then, spray your round cake pan with cooking spray and set aside.
Step 2: Mix The Wet Ingredients
Grab your large mixing bowl and beat 2 cups granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1 cup vegetable oil together until fully combined. Add in 4 eggs and mix again. Then, in a separate bowl, beat the egg whites of 4 large eggs until they form stiff peaks. Gently fold the egg whites into the sugar-oil mixture until everything is incorporated.
Step 3: Add In The Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup matzo meal, 1/2 cup finely chopped hazelnuts, 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts, 1 tsp cinnamon and 1 tsp salt. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir thoroughly to make sure everything is evenly mixed.
Step 4: Bake
Pour your batter into your prepared cake pan and bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown on top and a toothpick comes out clean when you insert it in the center.
Step 5: Add The Citrus Syrup
While the cake is baking, prepare the citrus syrup. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 cups honey, 2 cups water, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice and 2 tablespoons orange juice, then let simmer for about 10 minutes. Once done, remove from heat.
Once your cake has finished baking and has had a chance to cool off slightly, poke several small holes on top with a fork or toothpick. Carefully pour the honey-citrus syrup over top of the cake allowing it to seep into all of the holes as well as overall crowd the top layer. Allow time for flavor soak right in.
The baklava cake should be left in its current pan overnight out at room temperature where it can absorb all of that flavorful goodness! When ready to serve, remove from pan onto serving tray with edges so no drips escape before being consumed 😀
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to make some substitutions or add your own creative flair to this Passover Baklava Cake recipe? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
– Nut substitutions: If hazelnuts and walnuts aren’t your thing, feel free to swap them out for other nuts such as almonds or pistachios. Just be sure to chop them finely so that they mix well with the rest of the ingredients.
– Gluten-free option: Want to make this cake gluten-free? Use gluten-free matzo meal instead of traditional wheat-based matzo meal. You can easily find gluten-free matzo at many specialty grocery stores around Passover season.
– Flavored syrup: While the honey citrus syrup in this recipe is delicious, you can also experiment with different flavors. Try adding 2 tablespoons of orange juice instead of lemon juice for a slightly different twist.
– More chocolate: While the hazelnut flavor is the star of the show in this cake, if you’re a chocolate lover, consider adding some chocolate into the mix. You can either finely chop up some dark chocolate and mix it in with the nut filling, or melt some chocolate chips and drizzle them over the top of the finished cake for a decadent touch.
No matter what variations or substitutions you decide to make, remember that baking is all about experimentation and creativity! Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and add your own personal touch to this classic Passover recipe.
Serving and Pairing
Passover baklava cake is a versatile dessert that can be served as an elegant finish to a formal Passover meal or enjoyed as a special treat at any time of day. This rich and nutty confection is best served in small slices to balance its sweetness and intensity of flavor.
One of my favorite ways to serve this cake is along with a cup of espresso or Turkish coffee. The bold coffee flavor pairs well with the sweet honey citrus syrup, giving your taste buds an unmatched culinary experience.
Alternatively, you can serve this cake alongside some fresh fruit, such as ripe strawberries, blackberries, or raspberries, to create a visually appealing and healthy dessert spread. The moist texture and distinct flavors of the cake blend perfectly with the juicy sweetness of the fruits.
For those who enjoy a more decadent desert experience, serve warm slices topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Trust me on this; it’s simply divine!
Regardless of how you choose to serve your Passover baklava cake, it will leave your guests impressed and begging for more!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The Passover Baklava Cake can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This dessert is actually better when the flavors have had a chance to meld together, so we recommend letting it sit overnight before serving.
If you want to make this hazelnut baklava cake ahead of time, it’s best to stop after the final step of adding the honey citrus syrup. After pouring the syrup over the cake, cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days.
When you’re ready to serve the cake, take it out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. If you prefer a warm and gooey slice of hazelnut baklava, simply pop it in the oven for 10 minutes at 350°F (177°C).
This cake can also be frozen if you would like to make it even further ahead of your dinner party or special event. Wrap each individual slice tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour, or until they are no longer frozen.
The Passover Baklava Cake is a delicious dessert that can be enjoyed throughout the week. It’s perfect for serving at holiday dinners or casual get-togethers with friends and family. Whether served chilled or reheated, this rich nutty confection soaked in honey citrus syrup will always impress your guests!
Tips for Perfect Results
Baklava cake is a popular pastry made with filo pastry, nuts, honey and sugar syrup that is much loved all over the world. A Passover variation of this Middle Eastern delight is even more special as it’s made during that time of the year when Jewish people commemorate their liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt. I, Ehud, have some interesting tips to share with you so that you can make the perfect Passover Baklava Cake that your guests will love.
To begin with, make sure you use the right type of nuts. I have always used hazelnuts and walnuts to make my baklava cake. You can certainly try using other nuts depending on your preference, but be careful not to use overly roasted or salted nuts as they might overpower the taste of the cake.
Another tip is to use good quality honey and fresh lemon juice for making the sugar syrup. The honey adds a natural sweetness to the syrup while the lemon juice gives it a tangy flavor. Besides, using fresh ingredients always enhances the overall taste.
One common mistake people make when making baklava cake is to soak it for too long in sugar syrup before serving. While it’s important to let the syrup soak into the layers of the pastry overnight, don’t leave it in too long, or you risk having a soggy or watery cake.
Don’t forget to preheat your oven at 350°F and line your round cake pan with cooking spray before adding your batter mixture. Be sure to use granulated sugar and oil for this recipe instead of brown sugar and butter since this recipe requires a much lighter consistency than most cakes.
If you’re looking for added flavor, try adding some orange juice while preparing the sugar syrup; that’ll give an extra citrusy kick!
Lastly, you can also try serving this nutty confection chilled. You’ll find that chilling Passover hazelnut baklava cake enhances its flavor and makes it even more delicious!
Follow these tips when preparing your Passover Baklava Cake recipe, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how perfect it turns out!
FAQ
As an Israeli chef, I understand that not everything may be clear when it comes to cooking. Therefore, in this next section, I will provide answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Passover Baklava Cake Recipe so that you can cook this delicious dish with ease and confidence.
Is baklava OK for Passover?
When preparing Baklava for the holiday, it’s essential to use kosher ingredients like matzo meal and confectioners’ sugar that do not include any leavened elements. Moreover, serving it with dairy products should be avoided.
What is Passover cake made of?
This recipe incorporates a blend of matzo cake meal, potato starch, and heaps of eggs to construct a marvelously fluffy chocolate cake for the occasion of Passover. You have the option to include or exclude walnuts, or substitute them with hazelnuts, almonds, or even pistachios as per your liking.
What is baklava cake made of?
Baklava is a delectable dessert consisting of layers of Filo dough, nuts, and a sweet honey syrup. The ingredients used to make this dessert vary depending on the origin of the recipe, with options such as pistachios, walnuts, or almonds, and the inclusion of cardamom or cinnamon or rose water.
Can you eat cake Passover?
When it comes to rounding out the meal with something sweet, you can count on a variety of delicious options. From macaroons to fruit compote, candy, and tortes made with kosher-for-Passover flour or ground nuts, there’s something for everyone’s taste buds. As for what to drink, be aware that beer and most liquor are not permitted, but wine is usually a popular choice that is widely enjoyed during the Seder.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Passover Baklava Cake Recipe is a must-try for all dessert lovers out there. The rich and nutty confection soaked in honey citrus syrup gives it a flavor very much like baklava, making it the best option for a Passover dessert. This cake has the best flavors, thanks to its combination of cinnamon, fresh lemon juice, water, honey, sugar, hazelnuts, walnuts, and matzo meal.
Not only is this cake delicious but it’s also very easy to make. It’s perfect for beginners who want to try their hand at baking their own Passover dessert. Plus, if you’re looking for variations or substitutions based on your preference or dietary restrictions, our recipe provides all the options that you might need.
Don’t forget to serve chilled and let it soak overnight for optimum flavor. You can even make it ahead of time to save yourself some trouble on the day of your Passover celebration. With its unique flavor and simple preparation procedure, this cake is sure to impress your guests and be the perfect addition to your Passover table.
In summary, if you’re looking for an excellent Passover dessert that checks all the boxes of taste, ease of preparation and storing ability, then look no further than this Passover Baklava Cake Recipe. Its sweet and nutty taste will leave everyone craving for more!
Passover Baklava Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- cooking spray
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 3 large egg whites
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup matzo meal (cake meal)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 1/2 cups chopped hazelnuts
- 3 tablespoons orange juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- syrup
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 dash cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F; spray a round cake pan with cooking spray.
- Add sugars, oil, eggs and egg whites to a large mixing bowl.
- Beat at medium until blended.
- Stir in matzoh cake meal and next 5 ingredients and beat until well blended.
- Pour into cake pan and bake for 35 minutes.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Combine syrup ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Lower to simmer and cook 25 minutes until thick.
- Cool completely.
- Pierce top of cake with a fork, pour syrup on top.
- Cover and chill overnight.