Κέικ Κουμανταρίας

Name: Κέικ Κουμανταρίας
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: Cypriot
Ingredients: 2 cups flour; 1 cup sugar; 3 eggs; 1/2 cup butter, melted; 1 cup Commandaria wine; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground cloves; 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, figs, apricots); 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped; Zest of 1 orange

Κέικ Κουμανταρίας (keik koo-man-dah-REE-as)

Commandaria Wine Cake

⏱ Prep Time 30 min

📈 Difficulty Medium

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 326 kcal

A dense, aromatic cake soaked with Commandaria dessert wine, studded with dried fruits and walnuts, and spiced with cinnamon and cloves.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 5.0g

Carbs 45.0g

Fat 14.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian

Allergen Warnings

⚠ dairy ⚠ eggs ⚠ gluten ⚠ nuts

Equipment Needed

bundt or loaf pan electric mixer mixing bowl

Presentation Guide

Vessel: cake stand

Garnishes: powdered sugar, walnut halves, dried fig

Accompaniments: glass of Commandaria

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup Commandaria wine
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, figs, apricots)
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
Zest of 1 orange

Instructions

1
Beat eggs with sugar until thick and pale.
2
Add melted butter, Commandaria wine, and orange zest. Mix well.
3
Fold in flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and cloves.
4
Stir in dried fruits and chopped walnuts.
5
Pour into a greased bundt or loaf pan.
6
Bake at 170°C for 45-50 minutes until a skewer comes out clean. Drizzle with extra Commandaria while warm.

💡

Did You Know?

Commandaria is the oldest named wine in the world, first documented by the Crusader Knights of St. John in 1191 — this cake celebrates that heritage.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

bundt or loaf pan
electric mixer
mixing bowl

Garnishing

powdered sugar, walnut halves, dried fig

Accompaniments

glass of Commandaria

The Story Behind Κέικ Κουμανταρίας

This cake honours Commandaria, the legendary dessert wine produced in the Limassol foothills since the Crusades. The wine's concentrated sweetness infuses the cake with a rich, complex flavour that cannot be replicated with any other wine. It is a favourite at Cypriot celebrations.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed holiday dessert, special occasions 📜 Origins: Medieval Crusader era

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