Discover how to make Basbousa, a traditional Middle Eastern dessert that’s a perfect blend of sweet and moist. This semolina cake is soaked in a delicious sugar syrup, making every bite a treat. Follow our easy recipe to create this irresistible delicacy, ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

 - 1 cup semolina

 - 1 cup granulated sugar

 - 1 cup plain yogurt

 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

 - 1/4 cup desiccated coconut (optional)

 - 1 teaspoon baking powder

 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

 - A pinch of salt

For the Sugar Syrup:

 - 1 cup granulated sugar

 - 1/2 cup water

 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

 - 1 teaspoon rose water or orange blossom water (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Sugar Syrup:

  - In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

  - Once the sugar has dissolved, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

  - Remove from heat and stir in the rose water or orange blossom water if using. Let the syrup cool.

Prepare the Cake Batter:

  - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish (9x9 inches works well) and set aside.

  - In a large bowl, mix together semolina, sugar, yogurt, melted butter, desiccated coconut (if using), baking powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.

Bake the Cake:

  - Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

  - Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Add the Syrup:

  - Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the cooled sugar syrup evenly over the hot cake.

  - Allow the cake to absorb the syrup and cool completely before cutting into squares.

Serve and Enjoy:

  - Serve the Basbousa at room temperature or slightly chilled. Enjoy its sweet and moist texture as a delightful dessert!

This Basbousa recipe will bring a touch of Middle Eastern sweetness to your table, perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Nutritional values

Here's a detailed breakdown of the nutritional values and benefits for the ingredients in your cake recipe:

For the Cake:

Semolina - 1 cup

 - Calories: 600

 - Fat: 1g

 - Carbohydrates: 120g

 - Protein: 20g

Benefits:

 - Provides a base for the cake with a fine texture.

 - Source of complex carbohydrates and protein.

Granulated Sugar - 1 cup

 - Calories: 774

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 200g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds sweetness and helps in browning and texture.

 - Should be used sparingly to manage caloric intake.

Plain Yogurt - 1 cup

 - Calories: 150

 - Fat: 6g

 - Carbohydrates: 12g

 - Protein: 8g

Benefits:

 - Adds moisture and tenderness to the cake.

 - Provides protein and calcium.

Unsalted Butter - 1/2 cup (melted)

 - Calories: 407

 - Fat: 46g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Contributes to the rich flavor and moist texture.

 - Source of fat, which helps in baking and texture.

Desiccated Coconut (optional) - 1/4 cup

 - Calories: 100

 - Fat: 10g

 - Carbohydrates: 4g

 - Protein: 1g

Benefits:

 - Adds texture and a subtle coconut flavor.

 - Provides fiber and healthy fats.

Baking Powder - 1 teaspoon

 - Calories: 6

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Helps the cake rise and achieve a light texture.

Vanilla Extract - 1/2 teaspoon

 - Calories: 6

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor with minimal calories.

 - Contains antioxidants.

Salt - A pinch

 - Sodium: 575 mg (per teaspoon, but a pinch is less)

Benefits:

 - Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.

 - Essential in small amounts for bodily functions.

For the Sugar Syrup:

Granulated Sugar - 1 cup

 - Calories: 774

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 200g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds sweetness and helps with the texture of the syrup.

 - High in calories, so should be used in moderation.

Water - 1/2 cup

 - Calories: 0

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Helps dissolve the sugar and creates a syrup consistency.

Lemon Juice - 1 tablespoon

 - Calories: 4

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds a tart flavor that balances the sweetness.

 - Provides vitamin C and antioxidants.

Rose Water or Orange Blossom Water (optional) - 1 teaspoon

 - Calories: 0 (minimal)

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds a floral aroma and flavor.

 - Enhances the overall sensory experience of the cake.

This cake recipe combines semolina and yogurt for texture and moisture, with sugar and butter providing sweetness and richness. The optional desiccated coconut adds flavor and texture. Baking powder ensures the cake rises properly, while vanilla extract and salt enhance the overall taste. The sugar syrup adds extra sweetness and can be flavored with lemon juice and optional rose or orange blossom water.