Basbousa (Semolina Cake)

Basbousa is one of those desserts that instantly feels like home. Soft, sweet, buttery, and soaked in fragrant syrup, this classic North African and Southwest Asian semolina cake has been loved for generations across Egypt, Lebanon, and beyond. The beauty of Basbousa lies in its simplicity; humble pantry ingredients come together to create a rich, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea.

What makes this recipe especially special is its balance of texture and flavor. The coarse semolina gives the cake its signature tender crumb, while yogurt and milk keep it moist and fluffy. Once baked to golden perfection, the hot cake is drenched in a delicate rosewater syrup that seeps into every bite, creating that iconic soft and syrupy finish Basbousa is known for.

One of the best things about Basbousa is how approachable it is to make. There’s no complicated mixing method or fancy equipment required. Simply combine the semolina with ghee until crumbly, mix in the remaining ingredients, and bake. Before the cake goes into the oven, it’s traditionally cut into diamonds or squares and topped with almonds, giving it its beautiful bakery-style appearance.

The syrup is just as important as the cake itself. A simple combination of sugar, water, lemon juice, and rose water transforms into a fragrant syrup that elevates the dessert completely. Pouring the cooled syrup over the hot cake allows it to absorb every drop while maintaining its structure and delicate texture.

Basbousa is perfect for holidays, dinner parties, Ramadan gatherings, or even as a cozy weekend dessert. It stores beautifully, and many people believe it tastes even better the next day after the syrup fully settles into the cake.

Whether you grew up eating Basbousa or are trying it for the first time, this recipe is a reminder that some of the most comforting desserts are also the simplest. Sweet, floral, buttery, and irresistibly soft, Basbousa is truly a timeless dessert worth making again and again.

Basbousa (Semolina Cake) Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 cups coarse semolina

• 1/4 cup ghee

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 cup full-fat plain yogurt

• 1 cup whole milk

• Raw whole almonds

Syrup

• 2 cups sugar

• 2 cups water

• 1 tbsp rose water

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Mix the semolina and ghee together until the texture becomes crumbly.

2. Add sugar, baking powder, baking soda, yogurt, and milk. Mix until combined.

3. Butter a baking pan and spread the mixture evenly.

4. Using a wet knife, cut the batter into squares or diamond shapes. Place one almond in the center of each piece.

5. Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown.

6. While the cake is still hot, pour the cooled syrup evenly over the top.

   
   

Syrup Instructions

1. Dissolve the sugar in water over medium heat.

2. Once the sugar dissolves, turn off the heat.

3. Stir in lemon juice and rose water, then allow the syrup to cool completely before pouring over the cake.

Bel hana wel shefa ❤️

-with joy & health