Description
This Zaatar Cake is a savory, herb-filled bake featuring soft, fluffy texture, aromatic oregano or zaatar, pockets of creamy cheese, and a golden sesame crust. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack with tea — simple to make yet full of Middle Eastern flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or half olive oil for richer flavor)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried oregano or zaatar spice blend
- 1 cup white cheese, cubed (Nabulsi, halloumi, feta, or queso fresco)
- ½ cup sesame seeds (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch round baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and oil until smooth.
- Add flour, baking powder, salt, and oregano (or zaatar). Mix until a thick batter forms.
- Fold in cubed cheese until evenly distributed.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan, filling about three-quarters full. Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over the top.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. For extra color, broil for 1 minute at the end if desired.
- Cool to room temperature before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Replace half the oil with olive oil for deeper flavor.
- Use a mix of cheeses like feta, halloumi, or mozzarella for variety.
- Add olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
- Bake in muffin tins for individual portions (20–25 minutes bake time).
- Use flax eggs for an egg-free version.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
