Description
Basbousa is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with semolina, yogurt, and sugar, soaked in a sweet syrup, resulting in a fluffy and delightful treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup semolina
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup blanched almonds (for garnish)
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for syrup)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon rose water (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the semolina, yogurt, sugar, melted butter, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Use a knife to score the top into diamond or square shapes. Place an almond in the center of each piece.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the basbousa is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add the lemon juice and rose water (if using), then remove from heat and let cool.
- Once the basbousa is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot cake. Allow it to soak for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a coconut twist, add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the batter before baking.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg