Orange Blossom Tahini Delight
This Orange Blossom Tahini Delight is a sumptuous cake that brings together the nutty essence of tahini and the floral notes of orange blossom water. Originating from a popular Miami newspaper column, this delightful dessert is perfect for gatherings and special occasions. The combination of tender cake infused with orange juice and zest, along with the richness of chopped walnuts and golden raisins, creates an aromatic and flavorful experience that will leave your guests craving more. Serve it warm or at room temperature, dusted lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
10-12
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Melted Butter
1 tablespoon (for greasing the cake pan)
Tahini
1 cup (smooth and creamy)
Sugar
1 cup (granulated)
Orange Rind
2 teaspoons (freshly grated)
Orange Juice
3/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
Orange Blossom Water
1 teaspoon (for flavor)
All-Purpose Flour
2 1/4 cups (sifted)
Salt
1/8 teaspoon (a pinch)
Baking Powder
3 teaspoons
Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon
Ground Allspice
1/2 teaspoon
Chopped Walnuts
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
Golden Raisins
1/2 cup (for sweetness)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-by-13 inch cake pan with melted butter. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the batter.
2
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the tahini, sugar, and orange zest using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 10 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3
Gradually add in the freshly squeezed orange juice and orange blossom water, continuing to mix until fully incorporated.
4
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and ground allspice. Sift the mixture again to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
5
Gently fold the flour mixture into the tahini mixture using a spatula, being careful not to overmix.
6
Once combined, stir in the finely chopped walnuts and golden raisins until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7
Dust the chilled cake pan with a light layer of flour, then pour the batter into the pan. Spread the batter evenly and gently tap the base of the pan against the counter to release any air bubbles.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
Once baked, invert the cake pan onto a cooling rack and leave it for 2 to 3 minutes before lifting the pan away from the cake. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing it into squares.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Orange Blossom Tahini Delight?
Orange Blossom Tahini Delight is a sumptuous cake that combines the nutty essence of tahini with the floral notes of orange blossom water.
What are the primary flavors of this cake?
The cake features a blend of nutty tahini, citrusy orange juice and zest, floral orange blossom water, and aromatic ground allspice.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 10 to 12 servings.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size cake pan is required?
The recipe calls for a 9-by-13 inch cake pan.
How long does the cake need to bake?
The cake typically bakes for approximately 45 minutes.
How should I prepare the cake pan?
Grease the pan with melted butter, chill it in the refrigerator, and then dust it with a light layer of flour before adding the batter.
Why should the cake pan be placed in the refrigerator?
The pan is chilled while you prepare the batter to help the greasing agent set before the flour dusting and batter are added.
How long should I beat the tahini and sugar?
You should beat the tahini, sugar, and orange zest together for about 10 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
What is the purpose of orange blossom water in this recipe?
Orange blossom water is used to provide a delicate floral aroma and flavor that complements the tahini and citrus.
How do I incorporate the dry ingredients into the batter?
Gently fold the sifted flour mixture into the tahini mixture using a spatula, taking care not to overmix.
Why is the flour sifted twice?
Sifting the dry ingredients twice ensures the even distribution of the salt, baking powder, baking soda, and allspice throughout the flour.
When should the walnuts and raisins be added?
Stir in the finely chopped walnuts and golden raisins after the flour and tahini mixtures have been combined.
How do I remove air bubbles from the batter?
After pouring the batter into the pan, gently tap the base of the pan against the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.
How can I tell if the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What is the proper way to cool the cake?
Invert the cake pan onto a cooling rack for 2 to 3 minutes, then lift the pan away and let the cake cool completely before slicing.
Can this cake be served warm?
Yes, the cake can be served either warm or at room temperature.
What is a recommended garnish for this dessert?
A light dusting of powdered sugar provides an elegant finish to the cake.
What type of tahini should I use?
The recipe recommends using one cup of smooth and creamy tahini.
How should the cake be sliced for serving?
Once completely cooled, the cake should be sliced into squares.
What spice is used to add aroma to this recipe?
Ground allspice is used to add a warm, aromatic depth to the cake.
Is this considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for various gatherings.
What fruit elements are included in the ingredients?
The recipe includes freshly grated orange rind, freshly squeezed orange juice, and golden raisins.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe originated from a popular Miami newspaper column.
Is this cake vegan-friendly?
The recipe is tagged as vegan-friendly, though you would need to substitute the melted butter used for greasing with a plant-based alternative.
What type of sugar is required?
The recipe calls for one cup of granulated sugar.
How much orange juice is needed?
You will need 3/4 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice.
Can I substitute the walnuts?
The recipe specifies walnuts for a nutty flavor, but you could likely use other nuts or omit them if necessary.
What texture should the tahini mixture have before adding liquids?
After beating for 10 minutes, the tahini and sugar mixture should be light and fluffy.
How much orange blossom water should I add?
The recipe requires one teaspoon of orange blossom water.