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Basbousa – Egyptian Semolina & Coconut Cake with Orange Blossom Syrup

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Basbousa is a traditional Egyptian semolina and coconut cake soaked in fragrant orange blossom syrup. Moist, tender, and delicately sweet, it’s perfect for festive occasions or everyday enjoyment with tea.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Egyptian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 330 ml water
  • 165 g caster sugar
  • 3 tbsp orange blossom water
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla paste
  • 80 g coarse semolina
  • 60 g plain flour, sifted
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • 35 g desiccated coconut
  • 50 g caster sugar
  • 40 g Greek yogurt
  • 90 ml sunflower oil
  • 110 ml whole milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp orange blossom water
  • 1 tsp vanilla paste
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until syrupy. Remove from heat and stir in orange blossom water, lemon juice, and vanilla paste. Cool in the refrigerator.
  2. In a large bowl, mix semolina, flour, baking powder, desiccated coconut, sugar, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together yogurt, oil, milk, egg, orange blossom water, and vanilla paste.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix gently with a spatula until combined.
  5. Pour the batter into a greased or silicone 20 cm baking pan. Bake at 180°C for about 20 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  6. Remove the cake from the oven. While hot, pour the chilled syrup evenly over the cake to soak in.
  7. Sprinkle additional desiccated coconut on top if desired and let cool to room temperature before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • You can omit coconut for a different texture.
  • Use coarse semolina for traditional results.
  • Pour syrup while cake is still hot for best absorption.
  • Syrup can be made 3 days ahead and chilled.
  • Can be served warm or cold — both are delicious!

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/basbousa-egyptian-semolina-coconut-cake-with-orange-blossom-syrup/