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    Sweets » Saffron Cake

    Saffron Cake

    Posted On November 3, 2020 By Mirlene Last updated May 21, 2025 11 Comments

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    Saffron cake Pinterest Pin

    This Saffron Cake is a luxurious treat that brings elegance to any dessert table.

    A simple bake with an extravagant edge, this Cake takes a simple pound cake batter and brings it to new heights.

    It’s the perfect accompaniment to an afternoon tea, and is sure to delight any of your guests. Or, it makes for an elegant treat for you and your family to enjoy.

    Moist, fluffy and undeniably elegant, this Saffron Cake recipe is always a winner.

    Saffron

    Harvested from a kind of crocus, saffron is an exotic spice with a nuanced, floral flavor.

    It is used in a wide range of both sweet and savory dishes in all kinds of cuisine, but is particularly common in Indian, Moroccan and Iranian recipes.

    Perfect for afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or Eid celebrations, this cake pairs beautifully with coffee or chai.

    The delicate flavor of saffron not only adds a stunning color but also delivers a subtle floral warmth that sets it apart from traditional cakes.

    Serve it plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or dress it up with whipped cream, pistachios, or a drizzle of rose syrup.

    Known as much for its high price tag as its vibrant yellow color, saffron may seem like an expensive spice, but a little goes a long way.

    You can find all of the details here on Pure Saffron Farms website.

    Pure Saffron Farms provides the highest quality “Super Negin” saffron.

    The company make it possible for novice cooks, and the most experience executive chefs to create delicious recipes.

    In this particular recipe, saffron elevates a basic cake mix into something truly special, giving it a sweet and earthy aroma as well as that signature sunshine hue. Be sure not to skip the soaking step, as this will help to get as much flavor out of the saffron as possible.

    Egg Wash

    You really want to let the saffron speak for itself in this cake, which is why there is no sugary glaze or frosting that will overwhelm the flavor.

    Instead, this Saffron Cake uses an egg wash, which helps to enhance its color and gives it the most beautiful shine.

    If you have any leftover egg wash (which you will not), but if you have happen to not use all, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can either use it by making scrambled eggs or as a wash for other cakes or pastries.

    How Do I Know When The Saffron Cake Is Ready?  

    Baking times can vary depending on your oven, and since saffron is an ingredient you really don’t want to waste, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your cake the very first time you bake it.

    To test if it is done, you can simply insert a toothpick or skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is baked all the way through.

    If you need to bake it for longer but the top is already brown, cover it with aluminium foil before putting it back in the oven – this will prevent the top from burning.

    How Long Can I Keep Saffron Cake For?

    Though I’m confident it won’t be hanging around for long, if you do have any leftover cake, it can be easily stored in an airtight container in a room temperature cupboard or counter.

    It will keep for up to three to four days, although it won’t be as moist as when it was first made.

    Other great dessert recipes you will truly enjoy are the orange cake, Easy Plantain Bread (Plantain Cake), and Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls W/ Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting.

    Below are other great recommended recipes that you will surely enjoy:

    Lemon poppyseed pancakes

    Dutch Baby Pancakes

    Saffron Cake drizzled with condensed milk frosting and sprinkled with saffron

    Delicious Saffron Cake Recipe

    Savory Thoughts
    Your sweet tooth cravings just got better with this delicious Saffron Cake. The softest, most pillow-y, and moist saffron cake recipe ever!
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 42 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr 2 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American, International
    Servings 8 People
    Calories 267 kcal

    Equipment

    • Hand Mixer
    • Mixing Bowl

    Ingredients
      

    Cake Batter:

    • 1 Tsp. Saffron
    • 4 egg yolks
    • ⅓ cup sugar
    • ¼ cup vegetable oil
    • ½ cup water
    • 1 cup all purpose flour
    • 1½ teaspoon baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt kosher

    Egg White Mixture:

    • 4 egg whites
    • 1 teaspoon vinegar
    • ⅓ cup sugar

    Condensed Milk Frosting (Optional – Powder for sprinkling will work as well):

    • 1 can condensed milk (14 oz) chilled
    • ½ cup powdered sugar
    • ½ Tsp. Saffron optional

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 350°.
      Mix together the saffron and water. Stir and set aside.
      Mix together the egg yolks and sugar. Mix together until well combined. Should be light and fluffy.
      Add the oil and water. Mix. 
      Using a sieve, sift the flour, baking soda and salt on top of the egg yolk mixture. Mix until lumps are no longer visible. 
      mixed eggs and sugar
    • In a separate bowl, beat the eggwhite, vinegar, and sugar until stiff peak.
      Fold in the eggwhite mixture to the batter one scoop at a time until all is used and combined.
      saffron eeg mixture in bundt pan
    • Line the pan with parchment paper and slowly pour batter into the pan.
      Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until toothpick that's inserted in center comes out clean.
      Allow cooling in pan or mold for 30 minutes on a wire rack; remove cake from pan. Cool completely!
      In a medium bowl, pour the condensed milk and saffron. Using an electric mixture, on high speed, mix the milk for 4 minutes.
      Once the cake is completely cooled, turn the cake upside down in the same pan, remove the paper, then frost the cake. See notes for frosting methods. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting and serving. Serve as desired and enjoy!
      *** If you are not using the frosting method, sprinkle the cake with powder sugar.
      cutout saffron cake

    Notes

    Quick Tips:

    1. Best to use parchment paper to help remove the cake without a hassle.
    2. Do not over bake your cake. It is best to remove it from the oven the minute the toothpick comes out clean from the middle.
    3. Coconut condensed milk or regular condensed milk will work. Taste may alter. 
     
    **** When printing the recipe, please unselect the camera so that the pictures are NOT printed with the recipe (if preferred).
     
     
     
    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. See our full Privacy Policy. We may receive compensation by clicking on the links and or making a purchase.
     
     
     
     
     
    **** Calories are estimated per serving.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 6PeopleCalories: 267kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 5gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 224mgPotassium: 58mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 69mgIron: 3mg
    Making this recipe?Mention @MSavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
    Tried this recipe?Mention @SavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kristin says

      May 02, 2023 at 8:46 pm

      Question:
      In your quick notes you recommend using parchment paper, but the pictures you post are from a more intricate cake pan. Did you use parchment with the pan or how did you prep the pan to get it to release? I am looking forward to making this in the next week and plan to use a standard bundt pan and will plan to grease and flour the pan unless you have other advice.

      Reply
      • Mirlene says

        May 05, 2023 at 12:49 am

        Hi Kristin,
        Use parchment paper if you are using a regular pan. I used a mold. Therefore, parchment was not necessary. Please me know if you have any other questions. Thanks.

        Reply
    2. Tina says

      July 25, 2022 at 2:12 am

      Can I use Tumeric instead of Saffron?

      Reply
      • Mirlene says

        July 29, 2022 at 11:45 am

        Yes, you can. However, be mindful that the taste may alter slightly as Turmeric belongs to the ginger family. The taste of this spice can be a bit earthy and bitter depending on the amount you put in. I personally do not mind the “ginger” taste or slight bitterness. Hope you enjoy the cake.

        Reply
    3. Noor says

      July 18, 2021 at 12:23 am

      5 stars
      I made this cake for a birthday and it was delicious!!! Everyone loved it and they’re asking for the recipe! The only issue I had was just taking it out of the pan. Since I didn’t have parchment paper. But that’s a me issue. Anyways, great cake recipe!

      Reply
      • Mirlene says

        July 20, 2021 at 11:11 am

        Noor, thank you so much. I am very glad that you liked the cake and made it for a birthday party. Yes, the parchment paper does help.

        Reply
    4. Heidy says

      January 11, 2021 at 10:08 pm

      Wow, this cake is definitely going on my must-try list. I’m super excited to try your recipe out. Happy New Year.

      Reply
    5. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says

      January 11, 2021 at 10:07 pm

      5 stars
      What a delicious sounding cake! It sounds super elegant and perfect for an afternoon tea – I don’t use saffron that much but I think I am definitely going to have to give this a try!

      Reply
    6. Claudia Lamascolo says

      January 11, 2021 at 10:02 pm

      5 stars
      love this swirly pan and that cake looks super moist and delicious!

      Reply
    7. Kate says

      January 11, 2021 at 9:28 pm

      5 stars
      I just LOVE saffron in sweet bakes, and this cake is perfect – pretty as a picture and with such delicious flavour. Thanks for a great recipe!

      Reply
    8. Suzy says

      January 11, 2021 at 9:11 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve not sured saffron too many times but I do love how it accents the dish! Such a lovely cake!

      Reply
    5 from 8 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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