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Basbousa Recipe

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A tender and fragrant Middle Eastern semolina cake infused with rose essence and soaked in a light sugar syrup. Rose Basbousa is soft, moist, and delicately aromatic—perfect for festive occasions or a unique sweet treat.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Yield: 5–6 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 2 cups suji (semolina)
  • 2/3 cup melted butter
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
  • 1 teaspoon rose essence
  • 1 tablespoon rose water (optional)
  • Few drops red or pink food color
  • 1 cup shredded desiccated coconut
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup yogurt or cream
  • 1 cup water (for syrup)
  • 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking tray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine semolina, baking powder, and desiccated coconut. Mix well.
  3. In a separate bowl, add food coloring to the yogurt or cream and whisk until evenly tinted.
  4. Add the colored yogurt/cream, melted butter, eggs, vanilla essence, rose essence, and rose water (if using) to the dry ingredients. Mix until fully combined into a smooth batter.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking tray and spread it evenly. Let it rest for 15–20 minutes to allow the semolina to absorb moisture.
  6. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  7. While baking, prepare the sugar syrup: heat water and sugar in a pot until dissolved. Simmer for 5 minutes, then add lemon juice and let it cool slightly.
  8. Once the Basbousa is baked, remove from oven and immediately pour warm syrup over the hot cake. Let it absorb fully before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Add chopped almonds or pistachios on top before baking for extra texture.
  • Use orange blossom water instead of rose water for a different flavor.
  • Replace yogurt with cream for a richer texture.
  • Let the cake rest before baking to ensure a soft texture.
  • Do not overbake to avoid dryness; pour syrup while the cake is hot.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/basbousa-recipe/