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Egyptian Hazelnut Cake

Egyptian Hazelnut Cake

The Egyptian Hazelnut Cake is a moist, tender dessert bursting with rich toasted hazelnut flavor and warm traditional spices like cardamom or cinnamon. Made with simple pantry ingredients such as flour, sugar, eggs, and butter or ghee, it offers a perfect balance of nutty richness and subtle sweetness. This cake is versatile for tea times or celebrations and can be easily adapted to gluten-free or vegan diets, bringing authentic Egyptian culinary charm to your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup toasted hazelnuts (chopped or ground)
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs (or flaxseed/chia egg for vegan)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter or ghee, softened (or plant-based butter)
  • 1 tsp ground cardamom or cinnamon (or blend, to taste)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Toast the Hazelnuts: Gently toast the hazelnuts in a dry pan or oven at 350°F (175°C) until golden and fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Let them cool, then chop or grind as desired.
  2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour and your choice of spices (cardamom or cinnamon) to ensure even distribution throughout the mixture.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the softened butter or ghee with sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale, forming the perfect base for the cake’s texture.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Whisk in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and consistent.
  5. Fold in Hazelnuts and Flour: Gently fold the toasted hazelnuts and dry ingredients into the wet mixture, taking care not to overmix to maintain airiness for a tender crumb.
  6. Bake: Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing and slicing. This enhances flavor development and texture.

Notes

  • Toast hazelnuts evenly by stirring frequently to unlock full flavor without burning.
  • Use room temperature eggs and butter to create a smooth batter and tender crumb.
  • Fold ingredients gently after adding flour to avoid overmixing and keep the cake light.
  • Use an oven thermometer to ensure correct temperature and even baking.
  • Use fresh ground spices for the best aroma and flavor impact.

Nutrition

Keywords: Egyptian cake, hazelnut cake, nut cake, gluten free cake, vegan cake, spiced cake, traditional Egyptian dessert