Name: Easy Baklava Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Pistachios, finely chopped; 1/2 cup Walnuts, finely chopped; 3 tbsp Brown sugar; 3 tbsp Butter, melted; 1 1/4 cup All-purpose flour; 1 1/4 tsp Baking powder; 1/2 tsp Baking soda; 1/4 tsp Salt; 1 tsp Cardamom powder; 1 1/4 tsp Cinnamon powder; 1/2 cup Almond flour; 1/2 cup Caster sugar; 1 1/4 cup Plain Greek yogurt; 1/3 cup Coconut oil; 1.5 tsp Orange blossom water (or rosewater); 3 tbsp Sugar; 1/4 cup Water; 1 tbsp Honey; Juice of 1 lemon; 1 small Cinnamon stick; 1.5 tsp Orange blossom water; Chopped pistachios; Dried rose petals; Gold leaf

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 8 reviews

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that marries the rich, nutty flavors of traditional baklava with the comforting, moist texture of cake, then you will adore this Easy Baklava Cake Recipe. It’s a stunning fusion of spiced nuts, fragrant orange blossom syrup, and tender layers, all coming together to create a show-stopping dessert that feels both luxurious and perfectly approachable. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just treating yourself to something special, this recipe promises an unforgettable taste experience that’s surprisingly simple to master.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a round baking pan lined with white parchment paper, filled with a dense layer of a crumbly mixture that looks like crushed nuts and seeds with small bits of green, possibly pistachios. The mixture forms an even, flat layer that covers the bottom of the pan. The pan is placed on a folded white cloth on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Easy Baklava Cake Recipe plays an essential role, from the robust nuts to the aromatic spices and the luscious syrup that ties it all together. These elements blend to create a dessert that’s balanced in flavor, texture, and color.

Pistachios (1/2 cup): Adds a vibrant color and a delicate crunch that’s iconic in baklava.
Walnuts (1/2 cup): Provides hearty texture and earthy sweetness to the nut topping.
Brown sugar (3 tbsp): Offers deep caramel notes necessary for the luscious nut mixture.
Butter, melted (3 tbsp): Binds the nuts and sugar while enriching the overall flavor with its creamy goodness.
All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cup): Forms the base structure for the cake’s tender crumb.
Baking powder (1 1/4 tsp): Helps the cake rise, creating lightness beneath those dense nuts.
Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Works alongside the baking powder to achieve the perfect texture.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the sweetness.
Cardamom powder (1 tsp): Brings a warm, floral spice characteristic of Middle Eastern desserts.
Cinnamon powder (1 1/4 tsp): Adds a cozy spice note that complements the nuts and syrup.
Almond flour (1/2 cup): Imparts a subtle nuttiness and moist crumb to the cake.
Caster sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cake batter evenly without graininess.
Greek yogurt, plain (1 1/4 cup): Provides moisture and tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Coconut oil (1/3 cup): Keeps the cake tender with a hint of tropical richness.
Orange blossom water (1.5 tsp): Infuses the cake with an enchanting floral aroma; rosewater is a lovely alternative.
Sugar (3 tbsp): Used in syrup to sweeten and thicken the glaze.
Water (1/4 cup): Combines with sugar to create the syrup’s base.
Honey (1 tbsp): Adds natural sweetness and a sticky texture to the syrup.
Juice of 1 lemon: Balances the syrup with tangy brightness.
Cinnamon stick (1 small): Infuses the syrup with warm spice during simmering.
Chopped pistachios, dried rose petals, gold leaf (optional): For an elegant finish that dazzles both eyes and palate.

How to Make Easy Baklava Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Nut Topping

Start by preheating your oven to 180 C. Grease a 6-inch cake tin, then line the bottom with parchment paper which you also butter lightly—this ensures your baklava cake releases perfectly after baking. Chop the pistachios and walnuts finely, then mix them with brown sugar and melted butter to form a rich nut layer. Spread this nut mixture evenly over the parchment-lined base of your tin. This nutty foundation mimics the classic baklava texture and sets the stage for the luscious cake layers to come.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cardamom powder, and cinnamon powder. Sifting not only combines the ingredients evenly but also aerates them to help your cake stay light. Whisk in the caster sugar and almond flour to integrate all the dry elements that will bring flavor and texture to your baklava cake.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, coconut oil, and orange blossom water. This mixture adds moisture, richness, and a distinctly fragrant note that’s essential in this recipe. When everything is well mixed, pour the wet ingredients over the dry, stirring gently but firmly until the batter is uniform with no flour streaks visible. The batter will be thick—this is expected and important for supporting the dense nut topping.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Carefully spoon the thick cake batter over the nut layer in your tin, using a spatula to gently level the surface without mixing the layers. This careful layering is key to replicating the unique structural contrast of baklava in cake form. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to rest for 5 to 7 minutes in the tin before turning it out onto a serving platter and peeling away the parchment paper.

Step 5: Prepare and Pour the Syrup

While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup by boiling water, sugar, the cinnamon stick, lemon juice, and honey together. After it reaches a boil, simmer on low for 10 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes syrupy. Remove the cinnamon stick, let the syrup cool a bit, then stir in the orange blossom water. Using a toothpick, poke holes all over the surface of the warm cake and slowly spoon the syrup evenly over it, allowing the flavors to soak deep into the layers. Let the cake cool for at least 45 minutes so the syrup can work its magic.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

To finish, decorate the baklava cake with chopped pistachios, delicate dried rose petals, and a touch of edible gold leaf if you’re feeling fancy. Slice into generous pieces and watch as everyone falls in love with your Easy Baklava Cake Recipe.

How to Serve Easy Baklava Cake Recipe

A single slice of light beige cake with a moist and soft texture sits on a clear glass plate with intricate patterns. The cake has one main layer topped with a thick layer of finely chopped green pistachios and small red flower petals that add color and texture. A vintage-style silver fork is placed on the plate beside the cake. The plate is resting on a textured white cloth, and the background is a white marbled texture with blurred slices and a whole cake showing the same colors and layers. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Chopped pistachios add crunch and vibrant green color, while dried rose petals provide a beautiful floral contrast that enhances the cake’s Middle Eastern inspiration. For extra glam, a sprinkle of gold leaf makes the presentation truly special and perfect for celebrations.

Side Dishes

This baklava cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cool creaminess complements the spiced nuts and sticky syrup perfectly. A cup of strong Turkish coffee or fragrant mint tea also rounds out the serving for an authentic indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this cake on a decorative platter with extra nuts and rose petals scattered around for a festive look. For smaller gatherings, cut into petite squares and serve on mini dessert plates with a drizzle of additional honey on top for an irresistible treat bite-sized in form but big on flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Baklava cake keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, ensuring the syrup-soaked texture stays moist but firm. For longer-lasting freshness, store it in the fridge for up to 5 days, just bring back to room temperature before serving to enjoy the full flavor.

Freezing

If you want to prepare this Easy Baklava Cake Recipe ahead of time, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain the cake’s integrity and syrupy goodness.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm slices gently in the microwave or oven at low heat until just heated through. Avoid overheating to keep the delicate syrup from drying out and to preserve that melt-in-your-mouth texture baklava cake is known for.

FAQs

Can I substitute the nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! While pistachios and walnuts are traditional and provide wonderful flavor and texture, you can try pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts depending on your preference or what’s available in your pantry.

Is there a vegan version of this Easy Baklava Cake Recipe?

You can make it vegan by replacing Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and using vegan butter or more coconut oil instead of butter. The flavor will remain lovely with these swaps.

How important is the orange blossom water?

Orange blossom water imparts the signature floral aroma that elevates this cake beyond ordinary nut cakes. If you don’t have it, rosewater makes a beautiful alternative, or you can omit it, but try to include it for an authentic taste.

Can I make this cake in a larger pan?

Yes, but baking times will vary. A larger pan will yield a thinner cake that may bake faster; be sure to check doneness with a skewer and reduce baking time accordingly.

What’s the best way to serve the syrup-soaked cake?

Serve at room temperature so the syrup is perfectly absorbed, and accompany it with a warm cup of tea or coffee to balance the sweetness and spices.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baklava Cake Recipe is a treasure that brings the magic of baklava into a new, cake form that’s accessible and incredibly tasty. Don’t be intimidated by its layers of flavor—each step is simple and rewarding, promising a dessert that will wow your friends and family. Give it a try soon, and prepare to enjoy one of the most delicious fusions of nutty, floral, and sweet sensations you’ll ever taste!