Quince & Rose Water Cake

Quince & Rose Water Cake – A Seasonal Delight Inspired by Fall Flavors

When Chef Rebecca Taylor of @Souley_Nourished set out to highlight the beauty of seasonal fruit, she turned to quince—an ingredient that feels both familiar and exotic. With its unique blend of pear-like texture and apple-like fragrance, quince becomes truly special when slowly poached and layered into a fragrant upside-down cake. This Quince & Rose Water Cake celebrates warm spices, floral notes, and the rich flavor of gently simmered fruit.

Whether you're exploring new ingredients from an international supermarket or love baking with seasonal produce, this cake is a beautiful way to bring a classic fall fruit to life.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

✔ Seasonal & Unique – A delicious way to showcase quince, a lesser-known fruit that offers incredible flavor when cooked.
✔ Floral & Fragrant – Rose water, citrus zest, and honey create an aromatic profile that's comforting and elegant.
✔ Moist & Tender – Slow-poaching infuses the fruit with flavor and ensures a soft, caramelized finish.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – The poached quince holds beautifully for days, making baking day even easier.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Poached Quince

• 750 ml dry red wine (Merlot, Shiraz, or Cabernet Sauvignon)
  

• 3 cups granulated sugar
  

• Peel of 1 orange (use wide strips)
  

• ¼ cup rose water
  

• 4 quince, peeled, halved & cored
  
  

For the Cake Batter

(Use your favorite vanilla or butter cake base, or try this one!)

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
  

• ½ teaspoon baking soda
  

• ½ teaspoon salt
  

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  

• ¾ cup granulated sugar
  

• 2 large eggs
  

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  

• ½ cup buttermilk
  

• ¼ cup rose water (or replace part with orange juice)
  
  

For Serving

• Honey
  

• Fresh orange zest
  

• Chopped pistachios
  

• Whipped cream or Greek yogurt
  
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Poach the Quince

1. In a large pot, combine red wine, sugar, orange peel, and rose water.
   

2. Add quince halves and submerge fully in the liquid.
   

3. Simmer gently for about 2½ hours, allowing the quince to soften and the liquid to reduce.
   

4. Cool the quince in the poaching liquid for deeper flavor.
   

5. Once cooled, slice thinly and set aside.
   
   

2. Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   

2. Generously butter your cake pan.
   

3. Arrange the sliced quince in a circular pattern, packing them tightly for a stunning top layer.
   

4. Prepare the batter, replacing ¼ cup liquid with rose water.
   

5. Pour the batter evenly over the fruit.
   
   

3. Bake the Cake

Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool slightly before unmolding.

4. Flip & Finish

1. While still warm, place a serving plate over the pan.
   

2. Invert gently to reveal the caramelized quince top.
   

3. Drizzle with honey, zest an orange over the top, and finish with pistachios.
   

4. Serve with whipped cream or Greek yogurt.
   
   

This cake pairs beautifully with tea or coffee and brings a cozy, aromatic warmth to any gathering.

Chef’s Tip

If fresh quince isn’t available at a mediterranean grocery store, quince paste can be used in a reduced amount. Adjust the poaching liquid to maintain balance and flavor.

Check out our Carrot Zucchini Cake for a wonderfully unique way to bake with fresh ingredients if you like experimenting with sweets.

Weekly Offers at Super King Market

Every week, Super King Market brings unbeatable deals on pantry staples, spices, and seasonal fruits. Whether you’re searching for fresh produce near me or planning to explore new global ingredients, the weekly specials make it easy to shop smart and cook creatively. Stop by to discover fresh quince, premium baking products, and everything you need for your next dessert masterpiece.

FAQs

1. What makes quince ideal for this recipe?

Quince becomes tender and fragrant when cooked, making it perfect for a cake that highlights its natural perfume. You can often find high-quality quince at a grocery store near you, especially during fall.

2. Can I substitute another fruit if quince is unavailable?

Yes, pears or firm apples work well. Their texture holds up nicely after poaching, especially when sourced fresh from a local supermarket near you.

3. Can the poached quince be prepared ahead of time?

Absolutely. The fruit keeps beautifully in the fridge for several days, which makes baking easier when picking up ingredients from an ethnic grocery store.

4. What can I use instead of rose water?

Orange blossom water or vanilla extract are great alternatives. You can find these floral flavorings at a well-stocked grocery store.

5. How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

A toothpick should come out clean, and the edges will gently pull away. Using quality ingredients from a trusted Super King Market ensures consistent baking results.

6. Do I need special equipment for this recipe?

Just a sturdy saucepan and cake pan. Many home bakers pick up reliable cookware while shopping for meat or spices at their local butcher shop or specialty aisle.