Basbousa (Egyptian Semolina Cake Soaked in Syrup)

Basbousa is the everyday celebration cake of Egypt, a dense semolina bake soaked in fragrant syrup until every bite is moist and sweet. It is simple enough for a weeknight and always the first thing to disappear from the tray.

Ingredients

For the cake

• 2 cups semolina (fine or medium)
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup melted butter or ghee
• 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• Blanched almonds, for topping

For the syrup

• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp rose water or orange blossom water

Instructions

1. Make the syrup first
   Combine sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan and simmer for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the rose water and let cool completely.
2. Mix the batter
   In a bowl, combine the semolina, yogurt, sugar, melted butter, coconut, baking powder, and baking soda. Stir until just combined.
3. Pour and score
   Spread the batter into a greased 9×9-inch pan. Score into diamond or square shapes and press an almond into the center of each piece.
4. Bake
   Bake at 350F for 30-35 minutes, until deep golden brown on top.
5. Soak in syrup
   While the cake is still hot, pour the cooled syrup evenly over the top. Let it soak in fully before serving, about 20 minutes.

It only gets better the next day, once the syrup has had time to settle in.