Orange Cardamom Semolina Cake with Honey Drizzle

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A moist semolina cake flavored with fresh orange zest and aromatic cardamom, finished with a sticky honey glaze that adds a luscious sweetness. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, layers semolina flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 8 Mediterranean cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup semolina flour, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, and 1 tsp baking powder. In a separate large bowl, beat 3 large eggs with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 2 tbsp fresh orange zest, and 1 tsp ground cardamom into the egg mixture. Gently fold in the flour mixture until just combined.
  3. Step 3: Pour batter into a greased 8-inch round cake pan and bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the top is golden. While the cake bakes, warm 1/3 cup honey with 2 tbsp fresh orange juice in a small saucepan over low heat until runny.
  4. Step 4: Remove cake from oven and immediately poke holes all over the top with a skewer. Drizzle the warm honey-orange glaze evenly over the cake. Allow to cool before slicing and serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Orange Cardamom Semolina Cake with Honey Drizzle take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Orange Cardamom Semolina Cake with Honey Drizzle?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Orange Cardamom Semolina Cake with Honey Drizzle?

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 Cardamom Semolina Cake with Honey Drizzle for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Cardamom Semolina Cake with Honey Drizzle?

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.

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