Dessert · Snack · Middle Eastern ·

Sweet Lebanese Sfouf with Turmeric and Pine Nuts

Name: Sweet Lebanese Sfouf with Turmeric and Pine Nuts
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 75 min
Total time: 100 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: Semolina, 2 cups; All-purpose flour, 1 cup; Ground turmeric, 1 tablespoon; Sugar, 1 cup; Baking powder, 2 teaspoons; Milk, 1 cup; Vegetable oil, 1 cup; Pine nuts, 2 tablespoons; Sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon; Tahini, 1 tablespoon (for greasing the pan)

Sfouf is a popular Lebanese cake known for its vibrant yellow color, thanks to turmeric, and its soft, spongy texture. Delicious as a snack or dessert!

4.6(307 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·July 31, 2025

Sweet Lebanese Sfouf with Turmeric and Pine Nuts — Dessert served and photographed from above

Prep

25 min

Cook

1 h 15 min

Difficulty

Easy

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Sfouf Cake

For the Topping

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 538 kcal
Protein: 6.5 g
Carbs: 56.1 g
Fat: 32.6 g
Fiber: 1.9 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 4304 kcal
Protein: 52 g
Carbs: 449 g
Fat: 261 g
Fiber: 15 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Semolina 2 cups	640	21	128	2	8
All-purpose flour 1 cup	455	13	95	1	3
Ground turmeric 1 tablespoon	24	1	4	1	1
Sugar 1 cup	774	0	200	0	0
Baking powder 2 teaspoons	2	0	1	0	0
Milk 1 cup	150	8	12	8	0
Vegetable oil 1 cup	1927	0	0	218	0
Pine nuts 2 tablespoons	191	4	4	19	1
Sesame seeds 1 tablespoon	52	2	2	4	1
Tahini 1 tablespoon (for greasing the pan)	89	3	3	8	1

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Batter

1
Preheat oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Tip: Ensure the oven is fully preheated to achieve maximum cake rise.
2
Combine dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine semolina, flour, turmeric, sugar, and baking powder.
3
Add wet ingredients
Slowly whisk in milk and vegetable oil until smooth.
Tip: Let the batter rest for 10 minutes to allow the semolina to absorb the liquids.

Preparing the Pan

1
Grease the pan
Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with tahini.
2
Pour batter
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
3
Add topping
Sprinkle pine nuts and sesame seeds evenly over the top.

How to Make Sweet Lebanese Sfouf with Turmeric and Pine Nuts

Total time: 1 h 40 min · Yields 8 servings

1
Baking
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2
Cooling
Allow the sfouf to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
3
Serving
Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed.