Semolina cake is a delightful and easy dessert that’s loved across many cultures for its unique texture, light sweetness, and rich flavor. Whether it’s called basbousa, revani, or simply semolina cake, this treat is known for being simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying to eat. Made primarily with semolina flour, sugar, yogurt, and a touch of butter or oil, it creates a moist and tender crumb that holds syrup beautifully. This easy semolina cake recipe is perfect for home bakers who want to create something impressive without complicated techniques. Follow this guide to make a semolina cake that’s perfect for tea time, dessert, or any festive occasion.
What Is Semolina?
A different kind of flour
Semolina is a coarse flour made from durum wheat, commonly used in pasta, couscous, and various baked goods. Unlike all-purpose flour, semolina has a slightly gritty texture that gives baked items a distinct feel and bite. It’s also known for its golden color and ability to absorb liquids well, making it perfect for syrup-soaked cakes.
Why use semolina for baking?
Semolina’s high protein and gluten content make it an excellent choice for sturdy yet soft baked items. When used in cake recipes, semolina creates a unique, slightly grainy texture that pairs beautifully with simple syrup, enhancing the overall flavor and moisture of the cake.
Ingredients for Easy Semolina Cake
Here are the basic ingredients you’ll need to make a classic semolina cake:
- 1 cup semolina flour
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Optional: 1 teaspoon rose water or orange blossom water
How to Make Semolina Cake Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the syrup
Start by making the sugar syrup so it has time to cool before you pour it over the cake. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Once boiling, add the lemon juice and reduce to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 7-10 minutes until slightly thickened. If using rose water or orange blossom water, stir it in at the end. Set the syrup aside to cool completely.
Step 2: Mix the cake batter
In a large bowl, combine the semolina, yogurt, sugar, melted butter (or oil), baking powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until all the ingredients are well blended. The batter will be thick, more like a paste than a traditional cake batter, and that’s completely normal for semolina cakes.
Step 3: Let it rest
Let the mixture rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the semolina to absorb the liquids. This helps improve the texture of the final cake and ensures it bakes evenly.
Step 4: Bake the cake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish (around 8×8 inches or similar) with butter or oil. Pour the batter into the dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Pour the syrup
As soon as the cake is out of the oven, pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot cake. The cake will absorb the syrup gradually, becoming moist and flavorful. Allow the cake to rest for at least an hour at room temperature to let the syrup soak in completely.
Step 6: Slice and serve
Once the cake has cooled and absorbed the syrup, cut it into squares, diamonds, or your preferred shape. Serve it as is or garnish with slivered almonds, shredded coconut, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
Tips for the Perfect Semolina Cake
- Use plain yogurt– Avoid flavored or sweetened yogurts, as they can alter the taste and texture of the cake.
- Let the syrup cool– Never pour hot syrup over a hot cake or it may become soggy. Always use cooled syrup on a hot cake or vice versa.
- Rest the batter– Letting the semolina soak in the liquids before baking is essential for a soft, uniform crumb.
- Don’t overbake– Keep an eye on the cake during the last 5 minutes of baking to prevent drying out.
Delicious Variations to Try
Nutty semolina cake
Fold in chopped almonds, pistachios, or walnuts into the batter for a crunchy texture. You can also press a whole almond onto the top of each slice before baking for a decorative and traditional touch.
Coconut semolina cake
Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical flavor. Coconut pairs wonderfully with semolina and syrup, giving the cake added richness and aroma.
Orange or lemon zest
Mix in a teaspoon of citrus zest for a fragrant, zesty note. Orange and lemon complement the sweetness of the syrup beautifully.
What to Serve with Semolina Cake
- With tea or coffee– Semolina cake is a perfect companion for a warm cup of black tea or espresso.
- With whipped cream– A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates the dessert for special occasions.
- With fruit– Fresh berries or slices of citrus fruit add color and freshness to the plate.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing leftovers
Store semolina cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your climate is very warm, refrigerate it to prevent spoilage. Chilled semolina cake is still delicious and holds its texture well.
Reheating tips
To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a low oven. You can brush on a bit of extra syrup before reheating if you want it extra moist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much syrup– While syrup is essential, adding too much can make the cake overly sweet or soggy. Stick to the recommended quantity.
- Skipping the resting time– Not letting the batter rest before baking can result in uneven texture and dryness.
- Substituting flours– Semolina gives the cake its unique texture. Avoid replacing it with regular flour or cornmeal unless you’re experimenting intentionally.
This easy semolina cake recipe is a fantastic addition to your baking repertoire. With its simple ingredients and straightforward method, it’s a dessert that delivers both in flavor and texture. Whether you’re preparing it for a celebration or just a weekend treat, semolina cake offers a warm, comforting taste that appeals to everyone. With endless variations and topping options, you can adapt it to suit your style and occasion. Make it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.