Simple and Quick Basbousa Recipe: Soft and Moist Semolina Cake

Basbousa: An Iraqi Favorite

Basbousa is a beloved dessert across the Middle East, known for its rich, moist texture and unique sweetness. Originating from the Levant, this semolina-based cake has become a staple in many Iraqi households and is often enjoyed as a comforting dessert after meals. What makes Basbousa especially popular is its simplicity and the ease with which it can be prepared at home.

We’ll share a straightforward Basbousa recipe that guarantees a soft, fluffy texture with every bite. Ideal for family gatherings or even as a delightful treat with tea, this Basbousa recipe requires basic ingredients and minimal preparation time.

Essential Ingredients for Soft and Moist Basbousa

To create a perfect Basbousa, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. This recipe yields a family-sized portion, but you can easily adjust the quantities for smaller servings.

Ingredients:

1 cup of semolina

1 cup of flour

½ cup of shredded coconut

2 teaspoons of baking powder

4 eggs

2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

1 cup of sugar

1 cup of liquid milk

1 cup of oil

Optional garnish: For extra flavor, you may add chopped nuts or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top after baking.

How to Make Basbousa: Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

This simple Basbousa recipe involves mixing wet and dry ingredients separately, combining them, and baking until golden. Follow the steps below to make this delightful dessert.

Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

1. Beat the Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, crack the four eggs. Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 1 cup of sugar. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and slightly foamy.

2. Add Milk and Oil: Pour in 1 cup of liquid milk and 1 cup of oil. Continue whisking until the ingredients are well combined. The liquid mixture should be smooth and even.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients

1. Mix Dry Ingredients Separately: In another bowl, combine the 1 cup of semolina, 1 cup of flour, ½ cup of shredded coconut, and 2 teaspoons of baking powder. Stir these dry ingredients together to ensure even distribution.

2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the bowl of wet ingredients, whisking as you go. Continue mixing until you achieve a smooth, well-blended batter. The batter should be slightly thick but pourable.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish

1. Grease the Dish: Choose a medium-sized glass or ceramic baking dish, like a Pyrex, to bake the Basbousa. Lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking.

2. Pour the Batter: Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Step 4: Bake the Basbousa

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) and allow it to preheat.

2. Bake the Basbousa: Place the baking dish in the oven on the middle rack and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.

Step 5: Add the Sweet Syrup (Sugar Syrup)

1. Prepare the Syrup: While the Basbousa is baking, make a simple sugar syrup by combining equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then let it simmer for about 5 minutes. You can add a few drops of lemon juice to enhance the flavor.

2. Pour the Syrup Over the Basbousa: Once the Basbousa is baked and out of the oven, immediately pour the syrup over the cake, allowing it to soak in. This step is essential to achieve a soft and moist Basbousa.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy Basbousa recipe brings out the authentic flavors of Iraqi and Middle Eastern cuisine in every bite. With its combination of semolina, shredded coconut, and syrup, it’s a dessert that perfectly balances texture and sweetness. Here are a few reasons why this recipe stands out:

Quick and Easy: This recipe doesn’t require any advanced techniques, making it suitable even for beginner bakers.

Soft and Moist: The syrup poured over the Basbousa gives it a soft, almost melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Versatile for Gatherings: Whether it’s a family gathering or a tea party, Basbousa is a dessert that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Tips for Perfecting Your Basbousa

Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best texture, use fresh semolina and shredded coconut.

Don’t Overmix: Once you’ve combined the wet and dry ingredients, avoid overmixing to ensure the Basbousa remains soft.

Bake Evenly: Place the baking dish in the center of the oven to ensure even baking and prevent burning on one side.

Add Syrup While Hot: Pour the syrup over the Basbousa immediately after baking. This allows the cake to absorb the syrup fully, creating that desirable moist texture.

Serving Suggestions for Basbousa

For an extra touch, garnish the Basbousa with slivers of almonds, pistachios, or coconut flakes after adding the syrup. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a slight crunch to each bite. Serve the Basbousa warm with a side of Arabic coffee or black tea for an authentic Middle Eastern dessert experience.