Egyptian Basbousa with Orange Blossom Syrup

Name: Egyptian Basbousa with Orange Blossom Syrup
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: Fine semolina; Granulated sugar; Plain yogurt; Melted butter; Baking powder; Granulated sugar; Water; Lemon juice; Orange blossom water; Almonds, blanched and halved; Shredded coconut (optional)

A Classic Semolina Cake with a Floral Twist

Savor the rich flavors of this traditional Egyptian dessert, enhanced with a fragrant orange blossom syrup that adds a subtle aromatic touch.

1 h 30 min
8
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Basbousa

Fine semolina

1 cup

Granulated sugar

1 cup

Plain yogurt

1 cup

Melted butter

1/2 cup

Baking powder

1 teaspoon

For the Orange Blossom Syrup

Granulated sugar

1 cup

Water

1/2 cup

Lemon juice

1 tablespoon

Orange blossom water

1 teaspoon

For the Topping

Almonds, blanched and halved

1/4 cup

Shredded coconut (optional)

for garnish

Preparation

Preparing the Basbousa Batter

Preheat oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Combine ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine semolina, sugar, yogurt, melted butter, and baking powder until smoothly blended.

Transfer to dish

Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading evenly.

Do not overbake; the basbousa should be golden but not dry.

Making the Orange Blossom Syrup

Boil syrup base

In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water and bring to a boil over medium heat.

Simmer with lemon

Stir in the lemon juice and let it simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat.

Finish syrup

Add the orange blossom water and set aside to cool.

Cooking Process

Baking the Basbousa

Bake the semolina batter for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.

Ensure oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C).

Applying the Syrup

Pour the cooled syrup over the hot cake as soon as it is removed from the oven.

Use a skewer to poke small holes in the cake to help the syrup fully absorb.

Topping with Almonds

Press halved almonds gently onto the top before baking for an attractive finish.

Plating & Serving