Basbousa - Semolina Cakes With Syrup (Egyptian)

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30 servings

Ingredients

  • Syrup Ingredients:
  • 2 1⁄4 cups sugar
  • 1 1⁄2 cups water
  • 1 lemon, juice of
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
  • Cake Ingredients:
  • 1 ⁄2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups semolina
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • Optional:
  • blanched almond halve
  • whipped cream

Preparation

Step 1

Prepare syrup first:
Dissolve sugar inwater in a medium saucepan.
Add lemon juice and bring to a boil.
Once the syrup begins to boil, add in honey.
Reduce heat and allow to slowly boil for about 8-10 minutes.
Remove from heat and set aside.
Preheat oven to 350ºF.
Lightly grease and flour a 9x12 baking dish.
Cream together butter and sugar in a mixing bowl.
Add eggs and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, combine semolina, baking powder, and baking soda.
Slowly add to butter and egg mixture.
Stir in milk.
Pour mixture into baking dish and smooth with spoon.
Take a butter knife and make diagonal lines from left to right and complete to make diamond shapes.
Place an almond in the center of each diamond.
Bake for 25 minutes.