Moist, fragrant, and bursting with citrusy warmth, this Persian Orange Cake is a celebration of bold flavors and delicate spices. Infused with fresh orange zest, floral cardamom, and crunchy poppy seeds, and enriched with yogurt for a tender crumb, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Inspired by Persian baking traditions — where citrus, saffron, and aromatic spices reign supreme — this dessert is perfect for spring gatherings, afternoon tea, or a sweet ending to a festive meal.
And the best part? It comes together in just 7 simple steps — no fancy tools, no complicated techniques. Just one bowl, one pan, and pure citrus bliss.
🛒 Ingredients
(Scale as needed: 1x, 2x, or 3x)
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp ground cardamom (freshly ground for best flavor)
- ¼ tsp salt
- Zest of 2 large oranges (about 2 tbsp)
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (180ml) freshly squeezed orange juice (about 3–4 oranges)
- ½ cup (120g) plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
🥣 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or loaf pan, then line the bottom with parchment paper for easy release.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Cardamom
- Salt
- Stir in the orange zest and poppy seeds until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with a hand mixer or whisk until light, fluffy, and pale (about 3–4 minutes).
Step 4: Add Eggs & Vanilla
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, stir the orange juice and yogurt together.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and the orange-yogurt mixture to the butter mixture, alternating between the two:
- Start and end with the dry ingredients.
- Mix until just combined — do not overmix.
✅ Tip: Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- The top should be golden brown and springy to the touch.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Run a knife around the edges, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice with a sharp knife and serve.
🍊 Optional Glaze (Highly Recommended!)
Elevate your cake with a simple orange glaze:
- Mix 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar with 2–3 tbsp fresh orange juice.
- Drizzle over the cooled cake.
- Optional: Sprinkle with extra zest or poppy seeds for a stunning finish.
✅ Why This Cake Works
- Yogurt adds moisture and a slight tang, balancing the sweetness.
- Cardamom gives a warm, floral depth — a signature of Persian baking.
- Poppy seeds add texture and a subtle nutty crunch.
- Fresh orange juice and zest deliver bold citrus flavor without artificial extracts.
🔄 Variations & Tips
- Gluten-free? Swap flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
- Dairy-free? Use coconut oil (softened) and plant-based yogurt.
- Add a touch of saffron: Infuse 1 tbsp warm milk with a pinch of saffron and add to the wet mix.
- Make it a bundt: Bake in a greased bundt pan for 50–60 minutes.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy with a cup of Persian tea or cardamom coffee.
- Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or orange marmalade.
- Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5.
Final Thoughts
This Persian Orange Cake isn’t just a dessert — it’s a journey to sun-drenched orchards and spice markets. With its vibrant citrus, aromatic cardamom, and delicate crumb, it’s a cake that delivers joy in every bite.
So preheat your oven, juice those oranges, and let the scent of cardamom fill your kitchen.
Because sometimes, the most irresistible things in life are simple, golden, and baked with love.
Now, go slice a piece — you’ve earned it.
