Coconut Basbousa
A moist, semolina-based Middle Eastern cake infused with shredded coconut and soaked in a fragrant simple syrup for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients
- •2 cups fine semolina (350g)
- •1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut (80g)
- •1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
- •1/2 cup melted unsalted butter (115g)
- •1 cup plain yogurt (240g)
- •1 teaspoon baking powder
- •1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- •1 cup granulated sugar (for syrup)
- •3/4 cup water (for syrup)
- •1 teaspoon lemon juice
- •1 tablespoon rose water or orange blossom water
- •1/4 cup blanched almonds (for garnish)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8 inch baking pan with butter.
- 2
In a large bowl, combine the semolina, shredded coconut, sugar, and baking powder.
- 3
Stir in the melted butter, yogurt, and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- 4
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- 5
Using a knife, lightly score the top of the cake into diamond or square shapes and press an almond into the center of each piece.
- 6
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- 7
While the cake bakes, prepare the syrup by boiling the sugar, water, and lemon juice in a small saucepan for 5 minutes, then stir in the rose water and let it cool.
- 8
As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot cake.
- 9
Let the cake rest for at least 1 hour to fully absorb the syrup before serving.
💡 Chef tips
- Use fine semolina rather than coarse for a more delicate, cake-like crumb.
- Ensure the syrup is cool and the cake is hot (or vice versa) to prevent the cake from becoming too soggy.
- Store the Basbousa in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; it actually tastes better the next day.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished Basbousa should be golden-brown, fragrant with floral notes, and perfectly moist with a tender, slightly grainy texture that dissolves in the mouth.