Orange Blossom-Scented Basbousa with Semolina
A tender semolina cake soaked in a sweet orange blossom syrup, ideal for tea time or dessert. This mediterranean-inspired desserts ready in about 40 minutes pairs Semolina, All-purpose flour, Sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 200 calories and feeds 9, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Semolina
- 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 1/2 cup, melted Butter
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 2 tbsp Orange blossom water
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 1/2 cup Water
- 2 tbsp Orange blossom water
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix 1 cup semolina, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1 tsp baking powder.
- Step 3: Add 1/2 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup milk, and 2 tbsp orange blossom water. Mix until a smooth batter forms.
- Step 4: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes until golden and set.
- Step 5: While baking, make syrup: Combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 2 tbsp orange blossom water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Cool completely.
- Step 6: After baking, pierce the basbousa with a toothpick in several places. Pour cooled syrup over the hot cake, letting it soak in. Let cool completely before cutting.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Orange Blossom-Scented Basbousa with Semolina take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Orange Blossom-Scented Basbousa with Semolina?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep semolina from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Orange Blossom-Scented Basbousa with Semolina?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Orange Blossom-Scented Basbousa with Semolina for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 9 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 9). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Orange Blossom-Scented Basbousa with Semolina?
Mediterranean desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My go-to basbousa recipe now. The texture is spot on and the orange blossom infusion is just amazing. Served it for guests and they were impressed!
- ★★★★★
A delightful surprise! I was skeptical about the orange blossom, but it added a beautiful floral note without overpowering. The recipe is easy to follow.
- ★★★★★
Absolutely perfect for a special occasion. The semolina base was fluffy and the orange blossom syrup was just right. Will make this again and again!
