Description
To truly appreciate this dessert, it helps to understand what sets it apart from Western-style cakes. At its core, this specialty cake is a dense yet tender dessert made primarily from durum wheat middlings, which we commonly know as semolina. Instead of relying on a light, airy crumb structure filled with tiny air pockets, this cake embraces a more substantial, satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake
- 2 cups fine semolina
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp orange blossom water
- Zest of 1 orange
- Pinch of salt
For the Orange Blossom Syrup
- 1 cup water
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp orange blossom water
- 1 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped pistachios
- Sliced almonds
- Dried rose petals
- Orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square or 9-inch round baking pan.
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the semolina, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the yogurt, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, orange blossom water, and orange zest. Stir until just combined. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make the syrup: While the cake bakes, combine the water and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the orange blossom water, orange juice, and lemon juice.
- Soak the cake: Once the cake comes out of the oven, slowly pour the warm syrup evenly over the hot cake. Allow it to absorb completely and cool before serving.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped pistachios, sliced almonds, dried rose petals, or fresh orange zest before slicing.
Notes
For the best flavor, let the cake rest for a few hours after adding the syrup. Garnish with chopped pistachios or sliced almonds just before serving for added crunch and elegance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290 kcal