Basbousa (Syrup-Soaked Semolina Cake)
Basbousa (Syrup-Soaked Semolina Cake)

Basbousa (Syrup-Soaked Semolina Cake)

Recipe by Zaynab Issa

King Arthur 2020 Recipe of the Year

Basbousa, also called haresa and namoura, is a syrup-soaked semolina cake with origins in Egypt. This popular Middle Eastern dessert gets its super tender, moist texture from a simple syrup that’s poured over the cake after baking. The yogurt in the batter and the touch of lemon juice in the soak offer a bright, tangy finish. Because it will stay soft and flavorful for days, basbousa is the perfect crowd-feeding dessert to make in advance. 

This recipe was one of our Bake of the Week features for March 2024.

Prep
15 mins
Bake
30 to 35 mins
Total
2 hrs 50 mins
Yield
one 9" x 13" cake
Basbousa (Syrup-Soaked Semolina Cake)  - select to zoom
Basbousa (Syrup-Soaked Semolina Cake)  - select to zoom
Basbousa (Syrup-Soaked Semolina Cake)  - select to zoom
Basbousa (Syrup-Soaked Semolina Cake)  - select to zoom

Instructions

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  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F with a rack in the center. Line a 9" x 13" pan with parchment. Grease the parchment with butter or nonstick spray.

  2. In a medium bowl, whisk the semolina, coconut, baking powder, and salt to combine.  

  3. In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter or ghee and sugar to combine. Add the yogurt, eggs, and vanilla; whisk to combine. Add the dry ingredients and mix with a flexible spatula until just incorporated. The batter will be thick. 

  4. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and use an offset spatula to spread it into an even layer. Use a thin knife to score the batter about 1/8" deep in a 3 x 4 pattern to make 12 squares. Score the squares diagonally to make 24 triangles. Use these score marks as a guide for placing one almond in the center of each triangle.  

  5. Bake the basbousa for 30 to 35 minutes, or until light golden brown all over.  

  6. Toward the end of baking, prepare the syrup. In a small pot, combine the water, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the sugar has dissolved and the syrup begins to simmer, 4 to 8 minutes. 

  7. Pour all of the syrup slowly and evenly over the hot cake, pausing as needed to allow it to soak in before adding more. Let the soaked cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack

  8. Once cooled, use the score marks to cut the basbousa into 24 pieces and serve at room temperature. 

  9. Store leftover basbousa in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.