Basbousa is a Middle Eastern semolina and coconut cake. It’s one of the first desserts I learned how to make with my mum when I was a child, and I loved it so much. My mother also loved to share this cake with friends and sometimes would ask me to make it when she had guests coming over.
1cupCoarse semolina
½cupDesiccated coconut
½cupRaw sugar
¼tspSalt
½tspbaking powder
¾cupbutter or canola oil
⅔cupGreek yoghurt
½tspVanilla extract
1tspRose water
1tspOrange blossom water
Tahini to grease the base of the baking tray
Sugar syrup or condensed milk to glaze
Blanched almonds, crushed pistachio and pecans to garnish
1
In a bowl add all the dry ingredients and mix.
2
Add in the yoghurt, vanilla and rose & orange blossom water and stir to combine.
3
Pour in melted butter and stir, cover and let to rest for 20 mins.
4
Pre-heat oven 160°C
5
Prepare a baking tray by coating bottom and sides with tahini.
6
Pour in the batter. Wet hands with water and distribute evenly.
7
Using a sharp knife, cut into desired shape. Place a blanched almond in the centre of each slice (or as you like to design it).
8
Bake for 18-20min until slightly risen and golden.
9
When done and while hot, garnish with crushed pistachio and pecans, then pour room temperature simple sugar syrup or condensed milk over the cake to absorb fully. (Note: If using condensed milk, cover cake for 10 mins after drizzle)
10
Allow to cool completely before serving.
[cooked-sharing]
Ingredients
1cupCoarse semolina
½cupDesiccated coconut
½cupRaw sugar
¼tspSalt
½tspbaking powder
¾cupbutter or canola oil
⅔cupGreek yoghurt
½tspVanilla extract
1tspRose water
1tspOrange blossom water
Tahini to grease the base of the baking tray
Sugar syrup or condensed milk to glaze
Blanched almonds, crushed pistachio and pecans to garnish
Directions
1
In a bowl add all the dry ingredients and mix.
2
Add in the yoghurt, vanilla and rose & orange blossom water and stir to combine.
3
Pour in melted butter and stir, cover and let to rest for 20 mins.
4
Pre-heat oven 160°C
5
Prepare a baking tray by coating bottom and sides with tahini.
6
Pour in the batter. Wet hands with water and distribute evenly.
7
Using a sharp knife, cut into desired shape. Place a blanched almond in the centre of each slice (or as you like to design it).
8
Bake for 18-20min until slightly risen and golden.
9
When done and while hot, garnish with crushed pistachio and pecans, then pour room temperature simple sugar syrup or condensed milk over the cake to absorb fully. (Note: If using condensed milk, cover cake for 10 mins after drizzle)
“There you have it; a delicious coconut, yogurt, and semolina cake — sprinkled with nuts and drizzled with syrup to put the final seal of perfection.” – Huda Al Sultan
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