A Unique Valentine’s Day Cake Idea – Rich & Aromatic

If you are looking to make something different this Valentine’s Day then this Sri Lankan Love Cake is the perfect Valentine’s Day cake. It is rich, moist, and full of warm, aromatic flavors. The name says it all—this cake is a delicious way to celebrate love.

Watch my video below for a simple, step-by-step recipe to create this rich and aromatic Valentine’s Day Cake – Sri Lankan Love Cake. If you love this recipe, don’t forget to like and subscribe for more delicious baking ideas!

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Why You’ll Fall in Love with Sri Lankan Love Cake

• A Cake with History – This Sri Lankan Love Cake isn’t just any cake. It’s been passed down through generations, made with love and tradition. To me, that makes it even more special.
• Warm, Aromatic Spices – The mix of cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg makes every bite feel cozy, like a warm hug in cake form.
• Rich and Moist – Thanks to semolina and butter, this cake has a dense yet soft texture that just melts in your mouth.
• A Hint of Rose Water – It adds the perfect floral note, making each bite feel just a little more luxurious.
• Cashews for a Crunch – What I love about this cake is the finely chopped cashews—they add the perfect bit of texture and a nutty depth of flavor.
• Naturally Sweetened – The mix of brown sugar and honey gives it a deep, caramel-like sweetness that’s just right—not too much, not too little.
• Slow-Baked Perfection – This Sri Lanka Love Cake is baked low and slow, which makes the flavors develop beautifully. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
• The Ultimate Valentine’s Day Cake – If you ask me, this is one of the most romantic cakes you can bake. It’s homemade, unique, and made to be shared with someone special.

What You Need to Make Sri Lankan Love Cake

If you ask me, the best cakes are the ones with simple ingredients that create big flavors—just like this one! Warm spices, buttery semolina, and crunchy cashews come together to make a cake that’s rich, fragrant, and perfect for sharing.

• 1 cup (125 grams) semolina
• 6 tablespoons (90 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 1/2 cup (125 grams) brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon (20 grams) honey
• 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 grams) ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 grams) ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 grams) freshly grated nutmeg
• Zest of 1 lime
• 1 cup (125 grams) cashews, finely chopped
• A pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) butter, for greasing the pan
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) rose water

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Quick Note – No Rose Water? No Problem! If you don’t have rose water, a splash of orange blossom water or even vanilla extract can add a lovely floral note.

Let’s Make This Valentine’s Day Cake

Want to bake a cake that’s rich, fragrant, and full of warmth? Let me walk you through exactly how to make Sri Lankan Love Cake step by step. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you’ll create the perfect treat for a romantic Valentine’s Day!

Step 1: Toast the Semolina
First things first—grab a dry pan and toast the semolina over low heat. Keep stirring! You’ll know it’s ready when it turns light golden brown and smells warm and nutty. This step gives the cake that slightly chewy yet delicate texture. Once toasted, transfer it to a bowl and let it cool.

Pro Tip: You Can Make It Gluten-Free! Swap the semolina for almond flour to make a gluten-free version that’s just as rich and delicious.

Step 2: Mix the Butter and Semolina
Now for the magic. Take the softened butter and mix it into the cooled semolina. Keep stirring until it turns soft and crumbly. This little trick is what makes the cake rich but not too heavy.

Step 3: Beat the Egg Yolks and Sugar
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and brown sugar. If you’ve got an electric mixer, even better—beat until the mixture turns pale, creamy, and fluffy. This helps the cake stay light despite its richness.

Step 4: Add Aromatic Flavors
Now comes my favorite part—the warm spices. Stir in the honey, cardamom, cinnamon, semolina and butter mixture, rose water, lime zest, and freshly grated nutmeg. The scent alone is pure heaven!

Step 5: Add the Cashews
Roughly chop the cashews, then crush them with a mortar and pestle until they’re coarsely ground—some small chunks are perfect for texture. Gently fold them into the batter with a spatula, making sure they’re evenly distributed.

Step 6: Whip the Egg Whites
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until they hold stiff peaks. Start slow, then gradually increase the speed. This will help give the cake a light, airy texture.

Step 7: Fold in the Egg Whites
Gently fold a little of the beaten egg whites into the batter to lighten it up, then add the rest in two parts. Be careful not to overmix—you want to keep all that lovely air inside!

Step 8: Prepare the Pan
Grease a baking pan generously with butter. If you’re using a Bundt pan, make sure to coat every groove so the cake doesn’t stick.

Step 9: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles. Bake in a preheated oven at 150 degrees Celsius or 300 degrees Fahrenheit—this cake is all about slow baking for the best texture. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns golden and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 10: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack. If you can, resist cutting into it right away—the flavors get even better as the cake sits. Slice, serve, and enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee!

Top Tip: One thing I always do? I bake it the night before because the flavors deepen beautifully by the next day. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Want the perfect pairing? Try pairing this with my easy 2-ingredient ice cream—perfect combo!

Related Recipe: Now that you’ve made Sri Lankan Love Cake, try this Sri Lankan Coconut Cake (Bibikkan)here—moist, sweet, and full of warm spice!

How to Make Your Sri Lankan Love Cake Even More Special

• Add a touch of orange zest – It blends beautifully with the warm spices and gives the cake an extra layer of freshness.
• Drizzle with honey – If you love a little extra sweetness, a light drizzle of honey on top before serving makes it even more indulgent.
• Pair it with tea or coffee – I’d recommend serving it with a cup of chai or a strong espresso—the flavors complement each other perfectly!
• Try a decorative touch – A dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of crushed nuts can make the cake look as stunning as it tastes.

Sri Lankan Love Cake vs. Other Valentine’s Day Cake Ideas

• Not your typical chocolate cake – If you’re looking for something unique this Valentine’s Day, this cake is a refreshing change from the usual chocolate desserts.
• Rich but not too heavy – Thanks to the combination of cashews, semolina, and spices, this cake is indulgent but won’t leave you feeling weighed down.
• A one-bowl wonder – No need for fancy techniques or special equipment—just simple ingredients and a little patience!

Can You Customize Sri Lankan Love Cake? Absolutely!

• Try different nuts – While cashews are traditional, almonds and pistachios also work beautifully in this recipe.
• Adjust the spices to your liking – If you love cinnamon, add a little more. Want it extra fragrant? A tiny splash of vanilla extract can be a nice touch.
• Make it gluten-free – Swap the semolina for a fine almond flour, and you’ll have a naturally gluten-free version that’s just as delicious.

Got a Question or Want to Share Your Experience?

Tried this Sri Lanka Love Cake recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! If you have any questions about making this Valentine’s Day cake, drop a comment below or on the YouTube video here—I check those more often, so you’ll get a quicker reply. – Jen