Dessert · Middle Eastern · Dinner ·

Egyptian Basbousa with Orange Blossom Syrup

Name: Egyptian Basbousa with Orange Blossom Syrup
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: Fine semolina, 1 cup; Granulated sugar, 1 cup; Plain yogurt, 1 cup; Melted butter, 1/2 cup; Baking powder, 1 teaspoon; Granulated sugar, 1 cup; Water, 1/2 cup; Lemon juice, 1 tablespoon; Orange blossom water, 1 teaspoon; Almonds, blanched and halved, 1/4 cup; Shredded coconut (optional), for garnish

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

4.3(820 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·August 26, 2025

Egyptian Basbousa with Orange Blossom Syrup — Dessert served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Basbousa

For the Orange Blossom Syrup

For the Topping

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 416 kcal
Protein: 4.75 g
Carbs: 67.63 g
Fat: 14.88 g
Fiber: 1.38 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 3326 kcal
Protein: 38 g
Carbs: 541 g
Fat: 119 g
Fiber: 11 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Fine semolina 1 cup	600	21	120	1	7
Granulated sugar 1 cup	774	0	200	0	0
Plain yogurt 1 cup	150	8	11	8	0
Melted butter 1/2 cup	810	1	0	92	0
Baking powder 1 teaspoon	2	0	1	0	0
Granulated sugar 1 cup	774	0	200	0	0
Water 1/2 cup	0	0	0	0	0
Lemon juice 1 tablespoon	4	0	1	0	0
Orange blossom water 1 teaspoon	2	0	0	0	0
Almonds, blanched and halved 1/4 cup	210	8	8	18	4
Shredded coconut (optional) for garnish	0	0	0	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Basbousa Batter

1
Preheat oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Combine ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine semolina, sugar, yogurt, melted butter, and baking powder until smoothly blended.
3
Transfer to dish
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading evenly.
Tip: Do not overbake; the basbousa should be golden but not dry.

Making the Orange Blossom Syrup

1
Boil syrup base
In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water and bring to a boil over medium heat.
2
Simmer with lemon
Stir in the lemon juice and let it simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat.
3
Finish syrup
Add the orange blossom water and set aside to cool.

How to Make Egyptian Basbousa with Orange Blossom Syrup

Total time: 2 h · Yields 8 servings

1
Baking the Basbousa
Bake the semolina batter for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
2
Applying the Syrup
Pour the cooled syrup over the hot cake as soon as it is removed from the oven.
3
Topping with Almonds
Press halved almonds gently onto the top before baking for an attractive finish.