A close-up of basbousa, a semolina cake with a golden crust and syrup drizzle.
Basbousa (also known as Semolina Cake) is a delicious Middle Eastern dessert made with semolina flour, soaked in a sweet syrup. This cake is soft, moist, and full of flavor, with a golden, slightly crispy top. The syrup adds the perfect amount of sweetness and gives it a rich texture that’s simply irresistible.
Whether served as a dessert at a party or as a sweet treat with a cup of tea, this semolina cake is perfect for any occasion.
Introduction
Basbousa is a beloved dessert in the Middle East, made from simple ingredients like semolina, yogurt, and coconut. The cake itself is soft, with a light and fluffy texture, and it’s generously soaked in sugar syrup, making it incredibly moist and sweet. Traditionally, it’s baked in a square or rectangular pan and cut into diamond-shaped pieces.
This cake is not only delicious but also easy to make, and it’s a great way to impress your guests with a unique, homemade dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Basbousa
- Soft and moist: The semolina and yogurt create a soft, tender crumb.
- Sweet and syrupy: The syrup adds a rich, sweet finish to the cake.
- Easy to make: The ingredients come together quickly, and there’s no frosting required.
- Great for sharing: This cake is perfect for parties or gatherings.
- Versatile: You can add coconut, almonds, or other toppings to customize it to your taste.
Ingredients for Basbousa (Semolina Cake)
For the Cake
- Semolina flour (1 1/2 cups): The base of the cake.
- Sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the cake.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise.
- Yogurt (1 cup): Adds moisture to the cake and helps it stay soft.
- Butter (1/4 cup, melted): Adds richness to the cake.
- Coconut (1/4 cup): Adds texture and flavor.
- Egg (1 large): Binds the ingredients together.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds flavor.
For the Syrup
- Sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the syrup.
- Water (1 cup): The base of the syrup.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds brightness to the syrup.
- Rosewater (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds a floral aroma (optional).
Basbousa Recipe Step-by-Step
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 35-40 minutes
Cool Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12-16 slices
- 1. Preheat and prep. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- 2. Make the cake batter. In a large bowl, whisk together the semolina, sugar, baking powder, yogurt, melted butter, coconut, and egg until combined.
- 3. Spread the batter in the pan. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- 4. Bake the cake. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- 5. Make the syrup. While the cake is baking, combine the sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the rosewater (optional).
- 6. Soak the cake with syrup. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the hot syrup over the cake.
- 7. Let it cool. Allow the cake to absorb the syrup and cool for about 30 minutes before slicing.
- 8. Serve and enjoy. Slice into squares and enjoy this sweet and syrupy basbousa!
Reader Review: This cake is so moist and flavorful! The syrup makes it extra delicious.
Tips for Perfect Basbousa
- Don’t skip the syrup: The syrup is what makes the cake extra moist and flavorful.
- Let it cool before slicing: Allow the cake to soak up the syrup and cool before cutting it to prevent it from falling apart.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the sugar in the syrup slightly.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add-ins: You can add chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios to the cake for extra texture.
- Flavor variations: Try adding orange zest or coconut milk to the batter for a different twist.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free semolina flour for a gluten-free version of this cake.
Make-Ahead & Freezing
- Make ahead: This cake can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cake (without syrup) for up to 1 month. Thaw and add syrup before serving.
- Reheat: Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- For dessert: Basbousa pairs beautifully with a cup of mint tea or coffee.
- For celebrations: This cake is perfect for weddings, holidays, or other special occasions.
- For gifting: Package it nicely to share with friends and family as a gift.
If you make this basbousa, let me know how it turned out! Did you add any fun toppings or variations?