Turkish Cake

Turkish Cake Recipe - Delicious Flavors from Romania and Turkey

Region / culture: Romania, Turkey | Servings: 8

Introduction

Turkish Cake, also known as "Revani," is a traditional dessert that is popular in Turkey and other Middle Eastern countries. This sweet and syrupy cake is made with simple ingredients and is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

History

The origins of Turkish Cake can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire, where it was a popular dessert served during special occasions and celebrations. Over the years, the recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the dish.

Ingredients

1 egg
1.5 cups oil
1 cup water
1 tbsp confectioner's sugar
grated peel from 1 lemon
salt
flour as needed
shortening and flour to grease and dust the pan

Syrup

1 lb / 500 g sugar
1.25 cups water
vanilla
juice from 1 lemon

How to prepare

Beat the sugar with the egg, then mix in the oil, salt, lemon peel, sugar, and water.
Add the flour and knead until a soft dough forms. Let it rest for 10 minutes, then roll it out into a sheet about the thickness of a finger.
Cut the dough into squares, making sure they are not too big, and arrange them on a greased and dusted baking sheet, leaving some space between each square.
While the squares are baking, prepare the syrup by boiling the sugar with 1.25 cups of water and vanilla. After a few minutes, add the lemon juice and remove from heat.
Once the squares are nicely golden-brown, pour the syrup over them, ensuring it seeps well into the dough. Bake for a little longer to allow the syrup to fully incorporate into the squares.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruits to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Substitute orange zest for lemon zest for a citrusy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to let the dough rest before rolling it out to ensure a soft and pliable texture.

- When cutting the dough into squares, make sure they are not too big to ensure even baking.

- Make sure to pour the syrup over the cake while it is still warm to allow it to fully absorb the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Turkish Cake is best served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to bake the cake until it is golden brown to ensure a crispy texture.

- Allow the cake to cool slightly before pouring the syrup over it to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use vegetable oil or melted butter in place of the oil in this recipe.

- You can use orange juice in place of lemon juice in the syrup for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Turkish Cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Turkish Cake on a decorative platter garnished with fresh berries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Turkish Cake pairs well with a cup of Turkish coffee or a glass of sweet tea for a traditional Turkish dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Turkish Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or warm in the oven at a low temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Turkish Cake contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Turkish Cake contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Turkish Cake contains approximately 15g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Turkish Cake contains approximately 3g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Turkish Cake is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Turkish Cake contains eggs and wheat, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Turkish Cake is a sweet and indulgent dessert that is best enjoyed in moderation due to its high sugar content.

Summary

Turkish Cake is a delicious and sweet dessert that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this traditional Turkish dessert is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Fatima in her quaint little kitchen. She had just returned from a trip to Turkey, and she was eager to share some of the delicious recipes she had learned while she was there.

As she pulled out the ingredients for the Turkish Cake, I couldn't help but be intrigued. The combination of sweet honey, crunchy walnuts, and fragrant spices sounded like a perfect marriage of flavors. Fatima explained that this cake was a traditional dessert in Turkey, often served at special occasions and celebrations.

I watched intently as Fatima went through the steps of preparing the cake. She mixed the flour, sugar, and baking powder in a bowl, then added the eggs, milk, and melted butter. The batter was thick and creamy, and she poured it into a greased baking dish before sprinkling the chopped walnuts on top.

As the cake baked in the oven, the kitchen filled with the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product. When Fatima pulled the cake out of the oven, it was golden brown and perfectly risen. She drizzled a generous amount of honey over the top and let it soak into the warm cake.

We sat down at her kitchen table and dug into the cake with spoons, savoring every bite. The texture was light and fluffy, with a hint of crunch from the walnuts. The sweetness of the honey was balanced perfectly by the warm spices, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

As I savored each mouthful of the Turkish Cake, I couldn't help but think about the history and culture behind this recipe. I imagined generations of Turkish families enjoying this dessert together, passing down the recipe from mother to daughter. I felt a connection to a faraway land, through the simple act of sharing a meal with a friend.

After that day, I knew I had to add the Turkish Cake recipe to my collection. I asked Fatima to write it down for me, and I made a promise to myself to recreate it for my own family one day. Over the years, I have made this cake countless times, honing my skills and perfecting the recipe to suit my own tastes.

Now, whenever I bake a Turkish Cake, I am transported back to that warm summer day in Fatima's kitchen. I can almost hear the distant strains of Turkish music, smell the spices wafting through the air, and taste the sweet honey on my tongue. It is a recipe that has become a part of me, a link to a culture and a tradition that I hold dear.

And so, I continue to share this recipe with my loved ones, passing on the story of how I learned to make Turkish Cake from a dear friend. It is a reminder that food has the power to connect us, to bridge the gaps between different cultures and bring us closer together. And for that, I am forever grateful.