Bakkali

Central Asian Honey Cake

Bakkali

Bakkali is a traditional Uyghur cake that is soft, sweet, and full of nutty flavor. The main ingredients are honey, walnuts, eggs, sugar, and flour, and some recipes also include raisins or other dried fruits for extra sweetness. The batter is mixed and baked until it becomes a golden, slightly crisp crust while staying moist and spongy inside. The result is a cake that is tender and flavorful, with the rich taste of honey and the crunch of walnuts in every bite.

Bakkali is believed to have origins in the Uyghur communities of Xinjiang, China, where it has been made for generations as a festive treat. Its use of honey and layered textures makes it somewhat similar to Medovik, the Russian honey cake, though Bakkali is usually simpler and less layered, with a focus on nuts and natural sweetness.

Often prepared for special occasions, festivals, or family gatherings, Bakkali is a popular dessert in Uyghur culture. It’s simple to make but deeply satisfying, and it can be enjoyed with tea or on its own. The combination of natural sweetness, soft texture, and nutty flavour makes Bakkali a comforting treat that reflects the traditions and culinary heritage of the Uyghur people.

⏰Prep Time: 10min ⏲️Cooktime:45-55min 🍽️Servings: 12

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups flour (300g)
• 2 tsp baking powder (8g)
• 1 cup melted butter (200g)
• 4 eggs
• 3/4 cup honey (250g)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (130g)
• 1/3 cup sugar (70g)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 160C (320F). 
2. Chop the walnuts and set 30g aside for the topping.
3. Cream the melted butter and sugar in a bowl, add the honey and whisk to incorporate. 
4. Add the eggs and whisk until the mixture lightens in colour (2-3 minutes) 
5. In a separate bowl combine baking powder and flour.
6. To the wet mixture add the walnuts and flour and stir to combine. 
7. Butter your 7 x 13 inch baking tin and pour the batter into the prepared tin.
8. Sprinkle over remaining walnuts and bake at 160C (320F) for 5 minutes, then drop the heat to 140C (290F) and bake for 40-50 minutes.
9. Cool down before serving.