Persian (Iranian) Yazdi Cake (کیک یزدی) is an Iranian sweet baked treat often made in muffin-sized portions. This tasty delight is believed to have originated in the city of Yazd located on the edge of Iran's central desert. My version of Yazdi Cake is made in mini-muffin size and has a strong hint of orange (from orange zest that goes in the batter and the orange and brown sugar syrup that is brushed on the top right after they come out of the oven). Other common ingredients are saffron, rose water and cardamom. I skip rose water because not all non-Iranians enjoy rose water! The orange glaze makes these two-bite flavor bombs quite moist and tasty! You can bake these in larger muffin tins or in cake loaf pans. Yazdi cakes are enjoyed year round but especially during the Norooz (Persian New Year) holidays!

Enjoy!