Are you ready to embark on a delectable journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more? Look no further than the enchanting world of Basbousa! This beloved Middle Eastern dessert has been capturing hearts and palates worldwide.
Basbousa is more than just a treat; it’s an experience that lures dessert enthusiasts into its sweet embrace and makes your taste buds sing with joy. Prepare to fall in love with Basbousa all over again, and if you’ve never tried it, your dessert adventure starts right here!
A Slice of Middle Eastern Delight!
Ingredients for Basbousa
- Semolina: Semolina is the primary dry ingredient that provides the unique crumbly texture of Basbousa. You should go for coarse semolina.
- All-Purpose Flour: Flour is used in combination with semolina to help bind the cake together and provide structure.
- Baking Powder: Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the Basbousa rise and become light and fluffy.
- Salt: A small amount of salt enhances the overall flavor of the dessert.
- Coconut Powder: Coconut powder adds a subtle coconut flavor and texture to the Basbousa, giving it a tropical twist.
- Granulated Sugar: Sugar is the sweetening agent that makes Basbousa deliciously sweet and moist.
- Yogurt: Yogurt adds moisture, richness, and a slight tanginess to your Basbousa. It also contributes to its tender texture.
- Eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent and help give the Basbousa structure and stability. They also add moisture and richness.
- Milk: Milk is used to adjust the consistency of the batter, making it easy to pour into the baking dish. It also contributes to the moistness of the dessert.
- Neutral Oil or Butter: Oil or butter adds richness and a luscious flavor to the Basbousa. It also keeps the dessert moist.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, providing a pleasant aroma and depth of taste.
- Tahini: Tahini is used to grease the baking dish to prevent the Basbousa from sticking. It also adds a subtle nutty flavor to the edges of the desserts.
- Simple Syrup: It gives an extra taste to the dessert with its sweet and savory flavor.
Scroll for the entire detailed recipe ingredients and instructions.
Perfectly Baked Basbousa
What Is Basbousa?
A Middle Eastern masterpiece, Basbousa is a dessert sensation that combines semolina, sugar, and a touch of enchanting rosewater to create a masterpiece.
It’s a symphony of textures and flavors – a golden-brown, spongy cake soaked in a fragrant, sweet syrup that dances on your palate. Basbousa’s charm lies in its simplicity and complexity, all at once.
Each bite is an explosion of sweetness and warmth, a comforting embrace that transports you to the heart of the Middle East.
It’s the dessert that turns ordinary moments into extraordinary memories, a tantalizing treat perfect for celebrations or a cozy evening. Basbousa is not just a dessert; it’s a sweet journey you’ll want to embark on time and time again.
From Semolina to Satisfaction
Why Is Basbousa So Special?
Basbousa, the dessert that reigns supreme, is special for a multitude of delectable reasons. Firstly, it’s a harmonious fusion of cultures, bringing Middle Eastern flavors to the world’s dessert table.
Its unique texture, a delicate balance between moist and crumbly, keeps you coming back for more. What truly sets Basbousa apart is its versatility – whether adorned with almonds, coconut flakes, or a drizzle of honey, it adapts to your taste.
Moreover, its ease of preparation makes it accessible to home bakers, turning kitchens into havens of sweetness and creativity. Its indulgent yet balanced sweetness strikes a chord with dessert enthusiasts of all ages.
Whether you savor it with a cup of tea or as a snack, it will be on top of your favorite dessert list.
Basbousa Bliss
Top Tips and Tricks
Use high-quality ingredients: When making Basbousa, it’s important to use high-quality semolina, sugar, and butter. This will ensure that your dessert not only tastes great but also has a nice texture as well.
Add flavorings: To give your dessert a unique flavor, try adding ingredients like rose water, orange blossom water, or cardamom. These flavors will help elevate the taste and make your dessert stand out.
Moisture is key: It should be moist and tender, so be sure to use enough syrup when soaking your dessert. You can also add a bit of yogurt or milk to the batter to keep it moist.
Don’t overbake: It should be baked until it’s golden brown but be careful not to overbake. This can cause the dessert to become dry and tough.
Serve it warm: It is best served warm, so consider reheating it in the oven or microwave beforehand.
Storage Tips
Allow it to Cool Completely: Before storing your Basbousa, make sure it has cooled down to room temperature. Storing it while it’s still warm can lead to condensation and sogginess.
Use an Airtight Container: Transfer the dessert to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. This will help keep moisture and air out, preventing the dessert from drying out or becoming too moist.
Line with Parchment Paper: Place a piece of parchment paper between each layer of Basbousa in the container to prevent them from sticking together.
Store at Room Temperature: Semolina Cake is traditionally stored at room temperature. So it is recommended to keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight where it can last for a few days without losing its quality.
Avoid Refrigeration: Avoid refrigerating Basbousa unless the room temperature is very hot and humid. Refrigeration can cause it to become hard and lose its desirable texture.
Use a Syrup Seal: If you’ve soaked your Coconut Cake in syrup, ensure that the syrup covers the entire dessert. The syrup acts as a natural preservative and helps keep the dessert moist and flavorful.
Your Ticket to Culinary Paradise
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs))
Achieving the ideal Basbousa involves the right balance of ingredients, including semolina, yogurt or milk, and baking powder. Additionally, soaking it in sugar syrup after baking is crucial to attaining its signature sweet, moist texture.
Absolutely, Basbousa is highly versatile. You can enhance its flavor by adding ingredients like coconut flakes, almonds, or even citrus zest to the batter. Toppings can range from a simple dusting of powdered sugar to a drizzle of honey or rosewater.
Semolina is a key ingredient in traditional Basbousa, contributing to its unique texture. However, you can experiment with alternative flours like almond flour or coconut flour if you have dietary restrictions or preferences.
Yes, you can adjust the sugar level to suit your preferences. While Basbousa is known for its sweetness, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the syrup or the batter and still enjoy its distinctive flavor with a milder sweetness.
The Basbousa Revolution
Recipes You Must Try:
- Layali Lubnan (Lebanese Nights Dessert)
- Easy Blueberry Loaf Cake
- Classic Creamy Tiramisu
- Pistachio Baklawa and Ashta Croissant
- One Bowl Baked Pumpkin Donuts
- Mafroukeh Truffles
- Eggless Chocolate Cake
- Hilbeh | Fenugreek Cake
- Palestinian Sesame Tea Cookies
- Easy No Bake Knafeh Cups
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Basbousa
Ingredients
- 2 cups coarse semolina
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup coconut powder unsweetened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup neutral oil
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter (or 1 stick)
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons tahini
- 2 cups simple syrup (or more, depending on your personal preference)
Instructions
- Mix flour, semolina, salt, and baking powder.
- In another bowl combine eggs, milk, oil, sugar, vanilla, butter, and yogurt.
- Whisk together well until no longer lumpy.
- Add the wet ingredients on top of the dry mixture and fold until combined.
- Add the tahini to your 9×13 tray and brush it evenly, making sure to get to the corners.
- Pour the Basbousa batter and smooth the top.
- Bake at 350℉ for 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Once out the oven, immediately pour simple syrup on top, about two cups of syrup.
- Let it cool completely at room temperature.
- When it's time to cut, use a sharp knife, and wipe the knife after each cut in order not to ruin the shape. Make sure to cut carefully.
Notes
- Use high-quality ingredients: When making Basbousa, it’s important to use high-quality semolina, sugar, and butter. This will ensure that your dessert not only tastes great but has a nice texture as well.
- Add flavorings: To give your Basbousa a unique flavor, try adding ingredients like rose water, orange blossom water, or cardamom. These flavors will help to elevate the taste and make your dessert stand out.
- Moisture is key: Basbousa should be moist and tender, so be sure to use enough syrup when soaking your dessert. You can also add a bit of yogurt or milk to the batter to keep it moist.
- Don’t overbake: Basbousa should be baked until it’s golden brown but be careful not to overbake it. This can cause the dessert to become dry and tough.
- Serve it warm: Basbousa is best served warm, so consider reheating it in the oven or microwave beforehand.
Tried this recipe and it was so perfect. Amazing moisture and taste. I’ve been trying to mimic my Siti’s recipe and this is the closest I’ve gotten. Just as good if not better.
Yummy easy cake full of flavour and texture. Deliciously moorish!