Basbousa is a sweet semolina cake soaked in fragrant syrup. It has a rich, moist texture and is often flavored with coconut or rose water.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups semolina (coarse)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- ½ cup melted butter or ghee
- ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- ¾ cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon rose water or orange blossom water (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a square or rectangular baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix semolina, sugar, yogurt, melted butter, coconut, baking powder, and vanilla until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface.
- Using a knife, score the top into diamond or square shapes.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Meanwhile, prepare the syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in rose water or orange blossom if using.
- Once the cake is out of the oven, immediately pour the hot syrup evenly over the hot cake.
- Allow it to absorb the syrup and cool completely before cutting and serving.
Tip: For extra flavor, allow the cake to sit a few hours so the syrup fully penetrates. Serve with a dollop of cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream.
