Lemon Loaf Cake recipe by morEwish

 

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Welcome Spring with a Homemade Lemon Loaf Cake

Spring is finally here, bringing with it the fresh scent of blooming flowers, warm sunshine, and the perfect excuse to bake something bright and delicious. What better way to welcome the season than with a homemade Lemon Loaf Cake? This cake is moist, buttery, and infused with fresh lemon flavor, making it a delightful treat for any time of the day.

If you’re boycotting 🚫 Starbucks but still crave their famous lemon loaf, this recipe is a must-try! Not only is it easy to make, but it also tastes even better than the store-bought version, with real, fresh ingredients that you can trust.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Loaf Cake

Bright and Refreshing Flavor: The natural zest and juice from lemons create an irresistible citrusy burst of flavor.

Moist and Tender Texture: A perfectly balanced blend of butter, sugar, and eggs keeps this loaf soft and rich.

Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: You probably already have most of these pantry staples on hand!

Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a homemade cake that rivals any café’s offering.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or light dessert after dinner. 

Pro Tips for the Perfect Lemon Loaf Cake

Making a loaf cake might seem simple, but a few essential tips can take your cake from good to absolutely spectacular.

Avoid Overmixing: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing will lead to a tough and rubbery cake.

Measure Your Flour Correctly: Too much flour will make the cake dry and dense. If you don’t have a scale, use the spoon-and-level method: fluff the flour with a spoon, scoop it into your measuring cup, and level it off with a knife.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold eggs and butter won’t mix as well, resulting in an uneven batter. If you forget to take the eggs out in advance, simply place them in a bowl of warm water for five minutes.

Maximize Your Lemon Juice Yield: Roll a room-temperature lemon on the counter before cutting it. This helps release more juice.

Zest Before Juicing: It’s much easier to zest a lemon before juicing, so do this step first.

Prevent Over-Browning: If the top of your cake is browning too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Baking Equipment

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for later.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), cream together the butter and sugar on medium speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step helps create a tender cake by incorporating air into the batter.

4. Add the Lemon Juice and Zest

Once the butter and sugar mixture is smooth, mix in the lemon juice and zest to infuse the batter with citrus flavor.

5. Incorporate the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.

6. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk in two parts (starting and ending with the dry ingredients). Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

7. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 65 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, tent the loaf with foil for the last 15 minutes.

8. Cool Completely Before Glazing

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before adding the glaze.

9. Make the Lemon Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk until smooth and slightly thick. Drizzle over the cooled cake for a beautiful finishing touch.

10. Slice and Enjoy!

Cut into slices and enjoy this delightful lemony treat! Serve it with a cup of tea, coffee, or just as is.

Instagram Reel:

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pound Cake:
2½ cups all-purpose flour (300g)
1½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (227g)
1¼ cups sugar (250g)
4 large eggs, room temperature
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
½ cup whole milk, room temperature (120mL)

For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar (120g)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons whole milk

Ways to Enjoy Your Lemon Loaf Cake

With Tea or Coffee: A slice of this cake pairs beautifully with your morning cup of tea or coffee.

As a Dessert: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

For Brunch: Serve it alongside fresh fruit and yogurt for a refreshing springtime brunch.

Gift It: Wrap it up in parchment paper and a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift!

Storage Tips

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to a week; warm up slices in the microwave before serving.

Freezer: Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking your own lemon loaf cake at home. Not only does it fill your kitchen with an amazing aroma, but it also brings the joy of a homemade treat made with love. Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or to share with friends, this lemon loaf cake is sure to impress.

So go ahead, embrace the flavors of spring, and bake this delightful cake today!

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Dubai Kunafa Chocolate Cake – A Fusion of Middle Eastern & Chocolate Indulgence

 

If you love the crispy, nutty flavors of kunafa and the rich decadence of chocolate cake, this Dubai Kunafa Chocolate Cake is the perfect fusion dessert! Inspired by the beloved Middle Eastern dessert kunafa, this cake brings together layers of moist chocolate cake, crunchy pistachio kunafa, and silky chocolate ganache.

The best part? It’s easy, quick, and visually stunning! You can use a boxed cake mix or even a store-bought chocolate cake for convenience. But if you're in the mood for homemade goodness, my moist chocolate cake recipe never fails to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Simple & Quick – Use a store-bought cake or make one from scratch!

✔️ Crunchy & Creamy – The contrast of crispy kataifi pastry with smooth chocolate ganache is irresistible.

✔️ Perfect for Special Occasions – A stunning dessert that looks fancy but is easy to make!

Tips for the Best Dubai Kunafa Chocolate Cake

✔️ Make it ahead: The flavors get even better the next day!

✔️ Use high-quality chocolate: It makes a difference in taste and texture.

✔️ Customize it: Swap pistachios for almonds or drizzle with extra chocolate sauce!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 pan

2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Add eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

4. Slowly stir in boiling water—the batter will be thin, but that’s what makes the cake super moist!

5. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Let the cake cool slightly but keep it warm for assembling.

Step 2: Prepare the Pistachio Kunafa Layer

1. In a pan, melt butter and add the chopped kataifi pastry. Toast it over medium heat until it turns golden brown and crispy.

2. Remove from heat and mix in pistachio paste, crushed pistachios, and tahini to create a rich, nutty layer.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache

1. Heat whipping cream in a saucepan until warm (do not boil).

2. Pour the warm cream over chopped chocolate and let it sit for a minute.

3. Stir until smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. While the cake is still warm, soak it with milk to enhance its softness.

2. Evenly spread the pistachio kunafa layer over the cake, pressing it down gently.

3. Pour the chocolate ganache over the top, letting it coat the cake beautifully.

4. Garnish with chopped pistachios and pipe extra pistachio paste for a professional finish.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Let the cake set for at least 30 minutes before slicing. The combination of chocolate, crunchy kunafa, and nutty pistachios makes this a unique and indulgent dessert that will impress everyone at the table!

Instagram Reel:

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Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake

2 cups granulated sugar

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1 cup buttermilk (or 1 tbsp vinegar mixed with 1 cup milk)

½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup boiling water

For Soaking

½ cup warm milk

For the Pistachio Layer

1 tbsp butter

100g kataifi pastry, shredded

3-4 tbsp pistachio paste (plus extra for piping)

1 tbsp crushed pistachios

1 tsp tahini

For the Chocolate Layer

200g chocolate of choice (dark, milk, or semi-sweet)

100ml whipping cream

This cake is inspired by Walla_Abueid recipe, whose innovative take on flavors encouraged me to try this delicious fusion of chocolate and kunafa!

Would you try this kunafa-inspired chocolate cake? Let me know in the comments!

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Dubai Viral Chocolate Dates – A Must-Try for This Ramadan recipe by morEwish

 

Ramadan is a time of reflection, spirituality, and of course, delicious food shared with loved ones. Every year, I look forward to trying something new for my Iftar table, and this time, the viral chocolate-flavored dates from Dubai have caught my attention! There’s something magical about combining tradition with innovation, and these dates do just that—melding the natural sweetness of dates with a crispy, nutty filling and a luxurious chocolate coating.

At first, I wasn’t sure if I’d get hooked on this flavor, but after trying them, I knew they had to be part of my filled dates platter for Iftar. The crunch from the Kataifi, the creamy pistachio center, and the smooth chocolate shell create an irresistible combination. If you’re looking for a show-stopping treat that’s easy to make and bound to impress, this is it!

Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Dates:

Choose the Right Dates – Medjool dates work best because they’re plump, soft, and naturally sweet.

Don’t Skip Chilling – Refrigerating the stuffed dates before dipping helps keep the filling intact and prevents mess.

Use Quality Chocolate – Opt for semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a rich and balanced flavor.

Customize the Filling – Swap pistachio cream with almond or hazelnut spread for a different flavor twist.

Garnish Creatively – Sprinkle shredded Kataifi, crushed pistachios, or edible gold dust for an elegant touch.

Instagram Reel:

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Ingredients:

Dates (preferably Medjool dates)
1 tbsp butter
100 gm Kataifi pastry, finely chopped
3-4 tbsp pistachio cream
1 tsp tahini
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate
1 tsp coconut oil
Chopped pistachios for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dates – Wash and pat dry the dates. Make a slit and remove the pit.

2. Prepare the Filling – In a pan, melt the butter and add finely chopped Kataifi pastry. Cook until golden brown, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Transfer to a bowl and mix in pistachio cream and tahini. Let it cool completely.

3. Stuff the Dates – Take a spoonful of the cooled Kataifi-pistachio filling and fill the cavity of each date. Place the filled dates in the fridge to firm up. Chilling them makes them easier to handle when dipping in chocolate.

4. Melt the Chocolate – In a bowl, combine chocolate chips or chopped chocolate with coconut oil. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, and continue microwaving in 10-second intervals until smooth.

5. Coat the Dates – Remove the dates from the fridge. Using a fork or toothpick, dip each date into the melted chocolate, ensuring full coverage. Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper.

6. Garnish and Set – Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top before the chocolate hardens. Keep them in the fridge until ready to serve.

These chocolate-flavored dates are not just a viral sensation but a delightful addition to your Iftar spread. Whether you serve them as a treat for your family or gift them to loved ones, they’re bound to impress. Give them a try this Ramadan and enjoy a bite of this Middle Eastern-inspired indulgence!

Let me know if you get hooked on this flavor too! 

#Alhumdulilah #morEwish #morEwishCuisine

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Chicken Kabsa recipe by morEwish

There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that fills your home with rich, aromatic spices and brings the whole family together. Chicken Kabsa is one such dish—a Middle Eastern favorite that combines spiced, tender chicken with fragrant basmati rice, all cooked in a single pot for maximum flavor.

While this may not be the most traditional or authentic Kabsa recipe, it is the version my family and I absolutely love. It’s inspired by the flavors I experienced in Saudi Arabia, and after trying multiple variations, this recipe comes very close to the taste I remember. It’s now a staple in my home, and I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as we do!

What is Chicken Kabsa?

Chicken Kabsa is a popular rice dish from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region. It features perfectly seasoned chicken, cooked with warm spices, tomatoes, and dry limes (loomi), giving it a tangy depth and smoky aroma. The chicken is often roasted for a crispy finish, while the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors from the broth, creating an incredibly rich and satisfying meal.

This dish is often served with a side of yogurt sauce, fresh salads, or pickled vegetables, making it a complete and hearty meal. It’s not only delicious but also visually impressive.

Step by Step Cooking Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Base

1. In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat the oil over medium heat.

2. Add the onion, garlic paste, ginger paste, and tomato paste. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent.

Step 2: Toast the Spices

3. Add the whole spices (bay leaves, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and dry lime) along with raisins and all the ground kabsa spice mix (reserve 2 tablespoons for later).

4. Stir and toast the spices for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

5. Add the chicken leg quarters, skin side down, and coat them well in the spice mixture.

6. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes, until the skin is golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

7. Pour in the pureed tomatoes and stir well to combine.

8. Cover the pot and let the chicken simmer on low heat for about 30-40 minutes.

Step 5: Roast the Chicken for Extra Flavor

9. Preheat your oven to broil.

10. Remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a baking tray.

11. Sprinkle the reserved Kabsa spice mix over the chicken.

12. Broil in the oven for 5-10 minutes, until the skin is crispy and golden.

Step 6: Cook the Rice

13. While the chicken is roasting, add the rinsed basmati rice into the same pot with the tomato and spice-infused broth.

14. Pour in enough water to cook the rice and add salt to taste.

15. Stir well, then cover and let the rice cook over low heat for 20 minutes, until fluffy and tender.

Step 7: Let It All Steam Together

16. Once the rice is cooked, place the roasted chicken back on top of the rice.

17. Cover the pot and let everything steam for another 10-15 minutes.

Step 8: Assemble & Serve

18. Transfer the rice to a serving platter and arrange the roasted chicken on top.

19. Garnish with raisins, toasted slivered almonds, and chopped parsley.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Kabsa

✅ Use long-grain basmati rice – Soaking the rice ensures fluffier results.

✅ Dry limes (loomi) add a signature tangy depth – Don’t skip them!

✅ Broiling the chicken enhances the flavor – It adds a delicious roasted taste.

✅ Let the rice and chicken steam together – This enhances the flavors and makes the dish extra aromatic.

✅ For extra richness, you can add ghee or butter – Just a tablespoon at the end makes a big difference!

Instagram Reel:

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Ingredients:

For the Chicken & Base
¼ cup oil (vegetable or olive oil)
1 tablespoon garlic paste
1 tablespoon ginger paste
¼ cup tomato paste
1 yellow onion, diced
2 tomatoes, pureed
2 lbs (around 3 to 4) chicken leg quarters with skin
¼ cup raisins (adds a touch of sweetness)

Whole Spices (for that deep aroma!)
4 bay leaves
6 cardamom pods
6 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
3 dry lime (loomi) (a must for authentic flavor!)

Kabsa Spice Mix
2 teaspoons coriander
½ teaspoon cardamom
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons chili powder or paprika
2 teaspoons 7-spice mix (or substitute with a mix of allspice, nutmeg, and cumin)

For the Rice
3 cups basmati rice, rinsed well and soaked
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Water (as needed for cooking rice)

Optional Garnishes
Raisins
Slivered toasted almonds
Chopped parsley

Why We Love This Version

This Chicken Kabsa recipe may not be 100% authentic, but it tastes incredibly close to what I had in Saudi Arabia. It has become a family favorite, and I love how the flavors develop every time I make it. The combination of warm spices, tender chicken, and fragrant rice makes it the ultimate comfort food.

Have you tried Chicken Kabsa before? Let me know in the comments below!

> This recipe is adapted from Moribyan’s Chicken Kabsa recipe, with tweaks to suit my family’s taste!

 

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Dubai Viral Chocolate-Flavored Cheesecake recipe by morEwish

 

Dubai's vibrant culinary scene is always buzzing with new trends, and recently, a chocolate bar filled with crispy kunafa and pistachio cream has taken the city by storm. Inspired by this viral treat, I created the Dubai Viral Chocolate-Flavored Cheesecake, a luxurious dessert that mirrors the rich flavors and textures of the beloved chocolate bar.

This cheesecake is a delightful fusion of creamy, nutty, and chocolatey elements, with a base that captures the essence of crispy kunafa, a pistachio cream filling, and a luscious chocolate ganache topping. Let’s dive into the details of this irresistible dessert.

A Dessert Worth Going Viral

The Dubai Viral Chocolate-Flavored Cheesecake pays homage to the sensational chocolate bar with its crispy kunafa layer and pistachio cream filling. Each bite is a perfect harmony of crunchy, creamy, and chocolatey goodness. It’s the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the unique flavors of the Middle East and the indulgence of chocolate.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cheesecake as the highlight of your dessert table, paired with a cup of Arabic coffee or mint tea. It’s perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply as a luxurious treat to savor at home.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Base:

Kadayif/Kataifi Pastry: Resembling the crispy layer of the chocolate bar, this pastry provides a crunchy base.

Unsalted Butter: Toasts the pastry to a golden brown, adding a rich flavor.

Pistachio Cream: Mimics the pistachio filling in the chocolate bar, adding a creamy nuttiness.

Tahini: Balances the sweetness with its slightly bitter undertones.

For the Pistachio Cheesecake Filling:

Cream Cheese: Forms the creamy, tangy base of the filling.

Pistachio Cream: Infuses the filling with a rich, nutty flavor.

White Chocolate: Adds sweetness and smoothness.

Vanilla Essence: Enhances the overall flavor profile.

Whipped ream: Whipped to add lightness to the filling.

Icing Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream.

For the Ganache:

Dark Chocolate and Milk Chocolate: The combination creates a balanced chocolate topping.

Whipping Cream: When heated, it turns the chocolate into a smooth ganache.

1. Prepare the Base:

Finely chop the Kadayif pastry to ensure a uniform, crispy base.

Melt the butter in a pan and add the Kadayif. Toast the pastry until it's 80% browned, about 20 minutes, stirring constantly.

Transfer the toasted pastry to a bowl to cool. 

Mix the cooled pastry with pistachio cream and tahini. Set aside a few tablespoons for topping.

Press this mixture into a greased 9-inch springform pan and flatten it with the back of a spoon or a glass. Chill in the fridge while preparing the filling.

2. Create the Pistachio Filling:

Whisk the cream cheese, pistachio cream, melted white chocolate, and vanilla essence for 2-3 minutes until smooth.

In a separate bowl, whisk the cream with icing sugar until stiff peaks form.

Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently.

Pour the filling over the prepared base, smoothing it out with a spatula. Refrigerate while making the ganache.

3. Make the Ganache:

Heat the cream in the microwave or over a double boiler until it starts to bubble.

Pour the hot cream over the chopped dark and milk cchocolate or chocolate chips and let it sit for a minute.

Stir until the chocolate melts and the ganache is smooth. If necessary, use a double boiler to melt any remaining chocolate.

Pour the ganache over the cheesecake filling and spread it evenly.

4. Final Touches and Chilling:

Decorate with the reserved Kadayif mixture, additional pistachio cream, and chopped pistachios.

Chill the cheesecake in the fridge overnight or for at least 6 hours to set.

Remove from the fridge 10 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly.

Instagram Reel:

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Ingredients:

For the base: 
300g Kadayif/Kataifi Pastry 
120g Unsalted Butter 
200g Pistachio Cream 
1 tbsp Tahini 

For the Pistachio filling: 
400g Cream Cheese 
200g Pistachio Cream 
200g White Chocolate 
1 tsp Vanilla Essence 
300ml Whipping Cream 
2 tbsp Icing Sugar 

For the Ganache: 
200g Dark Chocolate 
200g Milk Chocolate 
250ml Whipping Cream 

Inspired by Dubai’s viral chocolate bar, this cheesecake captures the essence of that delightful treat in every layer. Bring a slice of Dubai into your kitchen with this show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Get ready to create your own viral sensation with this Dubai Viral Chocolate-Flavored Cheesecake!

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