Semolina Cake

🍰 Semolina Cake (Soft & Syrupy)

This style of semolina cake is similar to Basbousa — lightly sweet, moist, and perfect with tea or coffee.

Ingredients

For the cake

• 1 cup semolina
• 1 cup yogurt
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup melted butter or ghee
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp vanilla
• 2 tbsp coconut (optional)

For the syrup

• 1 cup sugar
• ¾ cup water
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Make syrup first
   • Boil sugar, water, and lemon juice for 8–10 minutes.
   • Let it cool completely.
2. Prepare batter
   • Mix semolina, sugar, baking powder, and coconut.
   • Stir in yogurt, butter/ghee, and vanilla.
   • Let mixture rest 10 minutes so the semolina absorbs moisture.
3. Bake
   • Pour into a greased baking dish.
   • Optional: place almonds on top.
   • Bake at 180°C / 350°F for 30–35 minutes until golden.
4. Add syrup
   • Pour cooled syrup over the hot cake.
   • Let it soak for at least 20 minutes before serving.

Variations

• Add orange blossom or rose water to the syrup
• Use cardamom for a South Asian flavor
• Top with pistachios or almonds

Serving idea

Best served slightly warm with tea or alongside Arabic coffee.