Basbousa (sweet Semolina Cake With Rosewater Syrup)

Basbousa is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with semolina and sweetened with a rosewater syrup. This sweet and moist cake is perfect for serving with tea or coffee.

Vegetarian Dessert Emirati Semolina Rosewater Emirati Cuisine
Basbousa (sweet Semolina Cake With Rosewater Syrup)

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups semolina
  • 1 cup desiccated coconut
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 cup blanched almonds, for garnish
  • 1/4 cup pistachios, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the semolina, desiccated coconut, sugar, yogurt, melted butter, and baking powder until well combined.
  3. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
  4. Using a sharp knife, cut the basbousa into diamond or square shapes.
  5. Place an almond or pistachio in the center of each piece.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the basbousa is golden brown.
  7. While the basbousa is baking, prepare the rosewater syrup.
  8. Remove the basbousa from the oven and immediately pour the syrup over the hot cake.
  9. Allow the basbousa to cool and absorb the syrup before serving.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
10 minutes
Cooking time:
30 minutes
Total time:
40 minutes
Cooking method
Oven

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
250 per serving
Carbohydrates
35g
Fat
10g
Protein
3g

Supplies

9x13 inch baking dish Sharp knife Spatula

Tools

Oven

Serving suggestions

Serve the basbousa with a hot cup of Arabic coffee or sweet mint tea.

Tips & tricks

For a richer flavor, you can add a few drops of orange blossom water to the syrup.

Cost

Low