Bakkali

Written by Published on in Breads & Pastries, Central Asian Recipes, desserts, Ramadan Recipes, Uyghur Recipes, Uzbek Recipes
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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.

Bakkali
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Bakkali

Recipe by Julien Vilder
Course: DessertCuisine: Central Asian, Uyghur, Uzbek
Servings

16

slices
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

55

minutes
Calories

295

kcal
Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

Uyghur Honey Cake

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ 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

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

Equipment

  • 7 x 13-inch baking pan (1)

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 295kcal

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