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Basbousa (Egyptian Semolina Cake)

Ultimate Easy Basbousa Recipe: Moist Egyptian Semolina Cake Bliss

Discover the joy of Basbousa, a moist Egyptian semolina cake that's simple to make and irresistible.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Egyptian
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups Semolina flour Coarse semolina for texture
  • 1 cup Sugar Balances flavors
  • 1 cup Plain yogurt Adds moisture
  • 1/2 cup Butter or ghee For richness
  • 1/2 cup Shredded coconut Optional
  • 1 tbsp Baking powder For rise
  • 1/4 cup Almonds or pistachios For decoration
For the Syrup
  • 1 cup Sugar For syrup
  • 1 cup Water To dissolve sugar
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice Prevents crystallization
  • 1 tbsp Rose water or orange blossom water Optional for flavor

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • baking dish
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • knife

Method
 

How to Make Basbousa
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together semolina, sugar, baking powder, and shredded coconut.
  3. Add yogurt and melted butter to the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined.
  4. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Arrange almonds or pistachios on top.
  5. Score the top into diamond or square shapes with a knife.
  6. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and firm to touch.
  7. Combine sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan, then simmer for 5 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in rose water or orange blossom water.
  9. Drizzle warm syrup over the cake as soon as it comes out of the oven.
  10. Let the cake rest at room temperature for at least 1 hour.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Optional: Garnish with extra shredded coconut and pistachios for added texture and flavor.

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