I was digging through my digital archives (which, let’s be honest, sometimes feels like an archeological dig in Google docs) and found this gem that I meant to share a long time ago.
I’m actually glad I waited, because this Halva Coffee Cake is exactly what we need right now. It is a ‘dead of winter’ recipe in the best possible way.
It’s not trying to be a light recipe. It’s rich, nutty, and earthy—a sturdy cake designed to be eaten while wrapped in a blanket, holding a hot mug of coffee with both hands.
Oshrat and Rinat’s Halva Coffee Cake Recipe is a delicious tahini infused sponge cake with crunchy sugared walnut layers running through it. This cake is simple to make, and would be delicious served with strong coffee or a pot of hot tea. Halva is a popular sweet treat throughout the Middle East. There are versions based on flour or semolina, but the flavor profile of this cake echoes halva made from crushed sesame seed paste (tahini) mixed with sugar syrup or honey.
Community Recipes is a recurring feature where we share your recipes on the Jewish Food Hero. This series is all about sharing Kosher recipes. We are creating a positive community around food and sharing.
Tell us about yourselves, Oshrat and Rinat!
We are two Sephardic sisters who grew up in New Jersey. We LOVE recreating traditional recipes with a twist! Our Syrian heritage inspires our palettes to bring out the brightest and freshest ingredients into our dishes.
What’s your passion?
We love all things recipe development. When we find an ingredient we love, we figure out ways to incorporate it into our dishes.
Follow us on Instagram to @Spicebetweenus
What is the best thing you learned from another person about food and hospitality?
We believe that the most potent ingredient anyone can taste is the heart in your food. We love to host!
What three food items could you not live without?
Tahini, salt, and fresh vegetables.
What is your best, most simple and do-able food tip?
When frying anything, light a candle close by and there will be no odor!
Can you recommend any favorite cookbooks for our inspiration?
Sababa: Fresh, Sunny Flavors From My Israeli Kitchen: A Cookbook
This Israeli cookbook offers 125 recipes inspired by the flavors of the Shuk (market). Recipes include:
Freekeh and Roasted Grape Salad
Crudo with Cherries and Squeezed Tomatoes
Schug Marinated Lamb Chops
Tahini Caramel Tart
Aromas of Alleppo: A Syrian cookbook which gathers recipes from the Aleppian Jewish community, and places them in historical and cultural context. To give you an idea of the kind of recipes encompassed here:
Bazargan―Tangy Tamarind Bulgur Salad
Shurbat Addes―Hearty Red Lentil Soup with Garlic and Coriander
Kibbeh―Stuffed Syrian Meatballs with Ground Rice
Samak b’Batata―Baked Middle Eastern Whole Fish with Potatoes
Sambousak―Buttery Cheese-Filled Sesame Pastries
Eras bi’Ajweh―Date-Filled Crescents
Chai Na’na―Refreshing Mint Tea
What do we need to know about your Halva Coffee Cake Recipe?
It combines everything we love – good quality ingredients, little hassle, and a hint of sweetness.
Oshrat and Rinat’s Halva Coffee Cake Recipe
Author: Oshrat and Rinat
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 slices 1x
PIN RECIPE
Ingredients
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For the cake batter:
3 eggs
1 cup brown sugar
¾ cup oil or 1 cup softened butter (if dairy)
5 tbsp tahini paste
1 tsp vanilla
4 tbsp coconut milk or sour cream (if dairy)
1.5 tbsp baking powder
1 ¾ cup flour
For the Walnut mixture:
½ cup brown sugar
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1 tbsp cinnamon
½ tsp kosher salt 1
tsp nutmeg (optional)
1 tsp white sugar
Instructions
In a big bowl, whisk the eggs and brown sugar together for 1 minute.
Add the butter/oil and mix for another minute.
Next, add the tahini paste, vanilla and coconut milk/sour cream. Mix to combine.
Add the flour and baking powder.
Make the walnut mixture in a separate bowl: mix the brown sugar with the walnuts/pecans, cinnamon, kosher salt, nutmeg and white sugar.
In a greased cake pan, layer half of the batter then sprinkle half the walnut mixture. Repeat with the remaining batter and mixture.
Bake at 350 for 40 mins.
If you need a little sweetness to get you through the last stretch of winter, this cake is it. Enjoy this recipe & share it with a friend.
To our health and inspiration,
Kenden
What a great recipe. Everything about this sounds wonderful, Kenden.