Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 8
Golden, nutty, and soaked in fragrant honey syrup, Shëndetlie is a beloved Albanian dessert that dates back generations. This rich, moist walnut cake is simple to make yet deeply satisfying, with a delicate balance of sweetness and earthy nuttiness. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or an everyday indulgence, this forgotten classic deserves a comeback!
Ingredients For Shëndetlie
🔥 For the Cake:
☑ 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 🌾
☑ 1 teaspoon baking soda 🥄
☑ 1 teaspoon cinnamon ✨
☑ ½ cup sugar 🍚
☑ ½ cup butter, melted 🧈
☑ ½ cup plain yogurt 🥛
☑ 2 eggs 🥚🥚
☑ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🍦
☑ ¾ cup finely chopped walnuts 🌰
🔥 For the Honey Syrup:
☑ 1 cup water 💧
☑ ¾ cup honey 🍯
☑ ½ cup sugar 🍚
☑ 1 cinnamon stick 🌿
☑ 1 teaspoon lemon juice 🍋
👩🍳 Cooking Steps For Shëndetlie
🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
2️⃣ In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and cinnamon.
3️⃣ In another bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, yogurt, eggs, and vanilla.
4️⃣ Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients.
5️⃣ Fold in chopped walnuts, then pour batter into the baking dish.
🔥 Step 2: Bake the Cake
1️⃣ Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
🔥 Step 3: Make the Honey Syrup
1️⃣ In a saucepan, heat water, honey, sugar, and a cinnamon stick.
2️⃣ Simmer for 5-7 minutes, then stir in lemon juice. Remove from heat.
🔥 Step 4: Soak & Serve
1️⃣ While the cake is still warm, poke small holes in it and slowly pour over the hot honey syrup.
2️⃣ Let it absorb for at least 1 hour before serving.
3️⃣ Garnish with extra chopped walnuts and enjoy!
🍯✨ Moist, nutty, and beautifully infused with honey, Shëndetlie is a taste of Albanian tradition! Whether you enjoy it with coffee or as a festive treat, this time-honored dessert is a must-try!
🌍 Craving More Extreme Culinary Adventures? If you’re fascinated by rare and ancient food traditions, explore our guide to Paiche a la Brasa – A Taste of Amazonian Heritage You Need to Try! with Indigenous Roots for the Adventurous Food Lover.
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