Turkish Coffee-Spiced Semolina Cake with Orange Syrup

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

A moist semolina cake delicately flavored with Turkish coffee and drizzled with bright orange syrup for a balanced finish. This middle eastern-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers fine semolina, 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 320 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 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl, sift together 1 cup fine semolina, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 2 tbsp Turkish coffee grounds.
  2. Step 2: In a separate large bowl, whisk 3 large eggs with 1 cup granulated sugar until pale and fluffy.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 1 tbsp orange zest to the eggs and sugar, mixing until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Gradually fold the dry semolina mixture into the wet ingredients until fully incorporated.
  5. Step 5: Pour batter into a greased 8-inch round cake pan and bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Step 6: While the cake bakes, combine 3/4 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup water, and 1/4 cup honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until syrup thickens slightly.
  7. Step 7: Remove the cake from the oven and immediately poke holes across the surface with a skewer. Pour the warm orange syrup evenly over the hot cake.
  8. Step 8: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Turkish Coffee-Spiced Semolina Cake with Orange Syrup 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 Turkish Coffee-Spiced Semolina Cake with Orange Syrup?

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 Turkish Coffee-Spiced Semolina Cake with Orange Syrup?

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 Turkish Coffee-Spiced Semolina Cake with Orange Syrup 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 Turkish Coffee-Spiced Semolina Cake with Orange Syrup?

Middle Eastern 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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