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Basbousa - Semolina Cake

Basbousa is a delightful Middle Eastern semolina cake, rich with a buttery, nutty flavor. Soft and spongy, it’s soaked in fragrant sugar syrup, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, making it a beloved treat in many cultures!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients
  

Basbousa:

  • 2½ cups coarse Semolina
  • ½ cup fine Semolina
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • ½ cup dessicated coconut
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1¼ cup yogurt

Syrup:

  • 2 cups sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ tsp lemon juice
  • orange blossom essence optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400F and grease a 9x13 tray with butter or tahini, set aside.
  • In a large bowl mix together both types of semolina with the powdered sugar, dessicated coconut, and baking powder.
  • Melt the butter in the microwave or stove top then stir into your dry ingredients. Mix in the yogurt until everything is incorporated. It will be a little hard to combine!
  • Flatten the batter into the prepared tray and score into diamonds. Press a cashews (or almond) into the center of each. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven.
  • While the cake bakes, make the syrup by combining the sugar, water, lemon juice and orange blossom essence if using, in a medium sized pot over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Pour over the basbousa and allow to cool.
  • Enjoy!