Recipe Categories
152
Recipe Categories
152
Pretzel Salad — Bim Bim Cooks

Semolina Cake (Basbousa)

A soft semolina cake (Basbousa / Harissa) soaked in fragrant syrup. A classic Middle Eastern dessert — tender, sweet, and beautifully textured. Very easy and quick to make.

Ingredients
  • Equipment
  • Oven preheated to 350°F (180°C) — (I found 400°F / 200°C works better for a deeper golden color)
  • 8×8 inch or 9×9 inch baking dish
  • Baking spray or butter/oil for greasing
  • For the Cake
  • 1 1/2 cups
    coarse semolina
  • 1/2 cup
    desiccated coconut (optional but traditional)
  • 3/4 cup
    granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp
    baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup
    plain yogurt (not too thick)
  • 1/2 cup
    melted butter (or neutral oil)
  • 1 tsp
    vanilla (or a few drops of orange blossom water)
  • For the Topping
  • Whole blanched almonds, pine nuts, or any nut you prefer
  • For the Syrup
  • 1 cup
    sugar
  • 3/4 cup
    water
  • 1 tsp
    lemon juice
  • 1 tsp
    orange blossom or rose water (optional)

Directions

  • Prepare the Cake Batter

    Melt the butter and let it cool slightly.

  • In a mixing bowl, combine semolina, coconut, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

  • Add the yogurt, melted butter, and vanilla or blossom water.

  • Mix until everything is fully combined. The batter should be thick but spoonable.

  • Assemble

    Grease your baking dish (or line with parchment).

  • Pour the batter into the dish and smooth the surface.

  • Score the top into diamonds or squares.

  • Press one nut into each piece.

  • Bake

    Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

  • Make the Syrup

    In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and lemon juice.

  • Bring to a boil, then simmer for 8–10 minutes.

  • Add orange blossom or rose water at the end.

  • Let it cool slightly.

  • Soak the Cake

    When the cake comes out of the oven, immediately pour the warm syrup over the hot cake.

  • Let it absorb fully — it will drink the syrup beautifully.

  • Rest for at least 1 hour before serving.

All 148 recipes from the Bim Bim Cooks cookbook.