Basbousa Recipe is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with semolina, coconut, yogurt, and sugar syrup. This soft and moist semolina cake is popular across Egypt, the Middle East, and many Mediterranean regions. Moreover, the sweet cake is soaked in fragrant sugar syrup, which gives it a deliciously rich and juicy texture.
This homemade Basbousa Recipe is easy to prepare and requires simple pantry ingredients. The addition of coconut adds a beautiful flavour, while rose water, orange blossom water, or vanilla essence can enhance its aroma.
Furthermore, Basbousa is a perfect dessert for festivals, family gatherings, celebrations, or whenever you crave a delicious Middle Eastern sweet. Serve it with tea or coffee and enjoy this traditional semolina cake with your loved ones.
Why You Will Love This Basbousa Recipe
- First, it is a classic Middle Eastern dessert.
- Moreover, it is easy to make with simple ingredients.
- In addition, it has a soft, moist, and melt-in-the-mouth texture.
- Furthermore, coconut gives it a wonderful flavour.
- Finally, it is perfect for celebrations and special occasions.
Ingredients for Basbousa Recipe
For the Semolina Cake
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups coarse semolina
- ½ cup fine semolina
- 1 teaspoon vanilla, orange, or rose essence
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1½ cups yogurt
- ¾ cup desiccated coconut powder
- 10–15 blanched almonds, split
- 2–3 teaspoons tahini for greasing the baking tray
For Sugar Syrup
- 1½ cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
How to Make Basbousa Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Syrup
First, add sugar and water to a saucepan.
Next, cook on medium flame until the sugar dissolves completely.
After that, add lemon juice and boil the syrup for 8–10 minutes.
Finally, turn off the flame and keep the syrup aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Basbousa Batter
Meanwhile, take a large mixing bowl.
Add coarse semolina, fine semolina, sugar, desiccated coconut, baking powder, and baking soda.
Next, mix all the dry ingredients properly.
After that, add melted butter and combine well.
Then, add yogurt and mix gently until everything comes together into a thick batter.
Step 3: Bake the Basbousa Cake
First, grease a baking tray with tahini.
Next, spread the Basbousa mixture evenly in the tray.
After that, arrange the split almonds on top in rows.
Bake in a preheated oven at 180–200°C for 40–45 minutes or until the cake turns golden and is completely cooked.
Step 4: Add Sugar Syrup
Once the Basbousa is baked, remove it from the oven.
Immediately pour the prepared sugar syrup over the hot cake.
Allow it to absorb the syrup properly.
Finally, cut the Basbousa into diamond or square pieces and serve.
Serving Suggestions for Basbousa Recipe
Serve this delicious Middle Eastern semolina cake with:
- Arabic coffee
- Tea
- Fresh cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- Chopped nuts
For a complete Indian sweet platter, you can also enjoy other festive desserts like [Rasmalai Recipe] and [Gulab Jamun Recipe].
Tips for Making Perfect Basbousa
- Use fine and coarse semolina together for the best texture.
- Do not overmix the batter; mix gently for a soft cake.
- Always pour warm syrup over the hot Basbousa for better absorption.
- Let the cake rest before serving so it becomes more flavourful.
- Greasing the tray with tahini adds an authentic taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Basbousa made of?
Basbousa is traditionally made with semolina, sugar, yogurt, coconut, butter, and sugar syrup.
Can I make Basbousa without coconut?
Yes, you can skip coconut, although coconut gives the dessert its traditional flavour and texture.
How should I store Basbousa?
Store Basbousa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Can I use rose water instead of vanilla essence?
Yes, rose water or orange blossom water gives Basbousa an authentic Middle Eastern aroma.
Why This Basbousa Recipe Is Worth Trying
This Basbousa Recipe brings the authentic taste of Middle Eastern desserts to your home kitchen. Moreover, the combination of soft semolina cake, coconut flavour, and sweet syrup creates a dessert that is rich, aromatic, and satisfying. Therefore, try this easy homemade Basbousa and enjoy a traditional sweet loved by many cultures.