If you’ve never tried anise cake before, you’re in for a treat! This deliciously sweet and lightly spiced dessert is perfect for any occasion. The subtle flavor of anise gives the cake a unique twist—sweet, earthy, and just a little bit spicy—without being overpowering.
Why Try Anise Cake?
Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Anise? Isn’t that the flavor of black licorice?” And yes, anise does share that distinct taste—but in this cake, it transforms into something special. Even if you’re not a fan of licorice, you might be surprised at how delicate and comforting the flavor is when baked into a moist, fluffy cake.
A Family Favorite
For me, anise is more than just a spice—it’s a memory. When I was young, my grandmother would brew me anise tea whenever I was sick, and she often added it to our homemade bread and koulouria (Greek bagels). That warm, comforting aroma has always stayed with me, and baking this anise cake recipe is my way of keeping those traditions alive.
What Makes This Anise Cake Special
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients—flour, sugar, eggs, and of course, anise. No complicated steps, no fancy equipment. In fact, I don’t even use a mixer anymore. I just stir everything together in a big bowl, bake, and enjoy. The result? A soft, tender crumb that’s perfectly balanced with the warm notes of anise.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Simple ingredients you already have at home.
- No mixer required—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
- Lightly spiced flavor that’s sweet but not overwhelming.
- Versatile dessert—great for dinner parties, coffee with friends, or a cozy night in.
A Cake for Every Occasion
One of the best things about anise cake is its versatility. It feels elegant enough to serve at a dinner party, but it’s also the kind of cake you’ll love with a cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon. Whether you’re an anise lover or just curious to try something different, this cake might surprise you—and maybe even become your new favorite dessert.
So, if you’re ready to bake something a little adventurous, give this anise cake recipe a try. You may discover a whole new flavor you’ll fall in love with. And if not, well… apple cake is always waiting.
Step 1 Heat the milk until it starts to boil. Remove from the heat. Step 2 In a pestle and mortar, add 2 tsp of aniseed. Grind that as finely as you can. Add it to the milk to infuse Step 3 In a bowl, add the sugar and oil. Mix well using a hand whisk. Then add the eggs and mix some more. Step 4 Add the leftover aniseed you didn't grind (whole seeds) in the sugar, oil, and egg mixture. Also, add a pinch of salt and the cinnamon. Step 5 Preheat the oven to 180C. Step 6 Sift the flour and baking powder and add it to the bowl alternating with the infused milk. Mix until all the ingredients have been nicely incorporated. Step 7 Oil or butter your cake tin. Sprinkle the sesame seeds in and add the cake mixture. Step 8 Bake for 45 minutes or until nicely golden. Enjoy!
Ingredients
Instructions
