Basbousa

The first time I tried Basbousa, I was instantly transported to a sun-soaked kitchen somewhere fragrant with sweet syrup and coconut. This delightful dessert, also known as a coconut yogurt semolina cake, embodies the essence of comfort food. Imagine digging into a slice of this moist, dense cake, each bite infused with the rich flavor of coconut and the satisfying texture of semolina. It’s a dish that takes me back to family gatherings where laughter filled the air, and the sweet aroma of baked goods mingled with the sound of joyous conversations.

As I learned to make Basbousa, I discovered its simplicity. The ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a dish that feels both special and homey. There’s something magical about baking this cake, watching it rise in the oven, until it’s golden brown and ready to be drenched in syrup. It’s the perfect way to celebrate any occasion or simply to satisfy a sweet craving on a quiet afternoon.

When I share Basbousa with friends, I love seeing their faces light up as they take their first bite. The way the syrup seeps into the soft cake, enriching every mouthful, is pure bliss. Whether you’re serving it at a festive gathering or enjoying it as a sweet treat with a cup of coffee, Basbousa never fails to impress. It’s a dish that brings people together, encouraging them to savor the sweetness of life.

Basbousa Ingredients

Creating a delicious Basbousa starts with understanding its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in achieving the right texture and flavor. The star of this dish is undoubtedly the semolina, which gives the cake its unique density. The addition of coconut enhances the sweetness, while yogurt or sour cream ensures moisture and richness. Together, these ingredients combine to create a dessert that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly simple to prepare.

• 2 cups coarse semolina: This is the foundation of the cake, providing a textured, hearty base.
• 1 cup coconut: Adds a lovely sweetness and flavor, contributing to the cake’s tropical vibes.
• 1/2 cup butter, melted (aka 1 stick): Brings richness and ensures the cake remains moist.
• 1/3 cup sugar: Sweetens the mix and balances the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise, creating a light texture.
• 1 cup plain yogurt or sour cream: Adds moisture and richness, making the cake tender.
• 1/3 cup whole roasted or blanched almonds (to garnish) or pistachios or cashews: These nuts add crunch and visual appeal.
• For the syrup:
• 2 cups sugar: Essential for the syrup that soaks into the cake.
• 1 1/2 cups water: Helps create the syrup consistency.
• 1 tablespoon rosewater (not rose extract, OPTIONAL): Adds a floral note for a traditional touch.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Balances the sweetness of the syrup.

Instructions for Basbousa

Making Basbousa is a delightful process that brings warmth and sweetness to your kitchen. Follow these steps to create a beautiful cake that will impress your family and friends. Each stage is easy to follow, ensuring that your cake comes out perfectly every time.

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a 9×9 or 8×8 square pan or a 9-inch round pie dish with butter or olive oil. This step is crucial as it prevents sticking and helps achieve that beautiful golden crust.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the semolina, coconut, sugar, baking soda, and butter. Use your hands to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until well mixed. You should feel a crumbly texture forming as you work it together, which is exactly what you want.
3. Add in the yogurt and continue mixing with your hands until fully combined. The mixture will be thick but should hold together nicely when pressed.
4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, pressing it down evenly so it’s about one inch thick. This ensures that it cooks evenly and has a nice texture throughout.
5. Using a butter knife, gently cut a diamond or square design into the surface of the cake. This pre-scoring will make it easier to serve later and adds a lovely presentation.
6. Place an almond or any type of nut onto each pre-cut square. This not only adds flavor but also enhances the visual appeal of your Basbousa.
7. Now it’s time to bake! Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the cake is a beautiful bronze brown color. Keep an eye on it; if the top doesn’t brown after 30 minutes, you can switch on the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until golden.
8. While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, rosewater, and lemon juice. Bring it to a boil over high heat and let it boil for about 10 minutes, or until it coats the back of a spoon.
9. Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and cut along the pre-scored lines again. Pour the cold syrup over the hot cake, allowing it to soak through. This step is essential for infusing the cake with that delicious sweetness.

Variations to Try

If you’re looking to switch things up with your Basbousa, here are some exciting variations and tips to consider. This dessert is versatile, making it easy to tailor to your taste.

• Storage: Store leftover Basbousa in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. It can also be refrigerated for up to a week.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze Basbousa! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store it in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Pairing: Basbousa pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. The slight bitterness of the drink complements the sweetness of the cake.
• Toppings: Experiment with toppings like shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of chocolate for added flavor.
• Flavor Infusions: Try infusing the batter with spices like cardamom or cinnamon for a warm, aromatic twist.
• Different Syrups: Instead of the traditional syrup, consider a coconut cream or a fruit syrup for a refreshing change.

Great Combinations for Basbousa

When it comes to serving Basbousa, there are plenty of delicious combinations to enhance your experience. Here’s how you can enjoy this delightful cake:

• With Fresh Fruits: Serve slices with fresh fruits like strawberries, oranges, or peaches to add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
• As a Dessert: Basbousa is a perfect dessert for festive occasions like Eid or family gatherings.
• For Afternoon Tea: Pair it with a cup of aromatic tea for a delightful afternoon break.
• With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream on the side adds a creamy element that complements the cake beautifully.
• During Ramadan: This dessert is a wonderful treat to break the fast, offering energy and sweetness.
• For Celebrations: Bring Basbousa to potlucks or parties; it’s sure to impress and satisfy guests.

FAQ

Conclusion

Basbousa is not just a dessert; it’s a slice of tradition filled with warmth and sweetness. Each bite evokes memories of family gatherings and celebrations, making it truly special. I encourage you to try making this delightful cake. It’s simple, rewarding, and sure to bring joy to your table.

Basbousa

The ultimate comfort food, Basbousa is a coconut yogurt semolina cake that’s moist, sweet, and absolutely delicious. Perfect for any occasion, this easy dessert will satisfy your cravings. Don’t miss out on making this sweet treat tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine Middle Eastern

Servings 8 servings

Calories 330 kcal

Equipment

• Frying Pan
• Oven
• Large Pot
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups coarse semolina
• 1 cup coconut
• 1/2 cup butter, melted (aka 1 stick)
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
• 1/3 cup whole roasted or blanched almonds, to garnish or 1/3 pistachios or cashews
• 2 cups sugar For the syrup
• 1 1/2 cups water For the syrup
• 1 tablespoon rosewater, not rose extract OPTIONAL
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice For the syrup

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a 9x9 or 8x8 square pan or a 9-inch round pie dish with butter or olive oil. This step is crucial as it prevents sticking and helps achieve that beautiful golden crust.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the semolina, coconut, sugar, baking soda, and butter. Use your hands to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until well mixed. You should feel a crumbly texture forming as you work it together, which is exactly what you want.
• Add in the yogurt and continue mixing with your hands until fully combined. The mixture will be thick but should hold together nicely when pressed.
• Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, pressing it down evenly so it’s about one inch thick. This ensures that it cooks evenly and has a nice texture throughout.
• Using a butter knife, gently cut a diamond or square design into the surface of the cake. This pre-scoring will make it easier to serve later and adds a lovely presentation.
• Place an almond or any type of nut onto each pre-cut square. This not only adds flavor but also enhances the visual appeal of your Basbousa.
• Now it’s time to bake! Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the cake is a beautiful bronze brown color. Keep an eye on it; if the top doesn't brown after 30 minutes, you can switch on the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until golden.
• While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, rosewater, and lemon juice. Bring it to a boil over high heat and let it boil for about 10 minutes, or until it coats the back of a spoon.
• Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and cut along the pre-scored lines again. Pour the cold syrup over the hot cake, allowing it to soak through. This step is essential for infusing the cake with that delicious sweetness.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftover Basbousa in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. It can also be refrigerated for up to a week.
• Tip 2: Yes, you can freeze Basbousa! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store it in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Tip 3: Basbousa pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. The slight bitterness of the drink complements the sweetness of the cake.
• Tip 4: Experiment with toppings like shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of chocolate for added flavor.
• Tip 5: Try infusing the batter with spices like cardamom or cinnamon for a warm, aromatic twist.

Keyword Basbousa recipe, coconut yogurt cake, easy semolina cake, Middle Eastern dessert

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Meet Layla Reed

I’m Layla! I am happiest when I’m cooking with ingredients that are fresh from the market and in season. I love creating rustic, wholesome dishes that truly celebrate the natural flavors of the produce. I worked alongside Romina to ensure this recipe feels grounded, authentic, and absolutely delicious. I hope it brings a taste of the season to your home!