Warm Honey-Glazed Semolina Cake with Toasted Pistachios

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

A moist semolina cake infused with honey and warm spices, topped with crunchy toasted pistachios for texture contrast. This mediterranean-inspired desserts 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 280 calories and feeds 10, 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 10 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, sift together 1 1/2 cups semolina flour, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, and 1 tsp baking powder.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk 3 large eggs and 1 cup granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3/4 cup melted unsalted butter, 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1/3 cup honey, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp ground cardamom until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
  6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Step 7: While the cake bakes, warm 2 tbsp honey in a small saucepan until runny.
  8. Step 8: Remove cake from oven and immediately brush the warm honey glaze over the top, then sprinkle 1/3 cup toasted chopped pistachios evenly.
  9. Step 9: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Warm Honey-Glazed Semolina Cake with Toasted Pistachios 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 Warm Honey-Glazed Semolina Cake with Toasted Pistachios?

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 Warm Honey-Glazed Semolina Cake with Toasted Pistachios?

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 Warm Honey-Glazed Semolina Cake with Toasted Pistachios for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 10 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 10). 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 Warm Honey-Glazed Semolina Cake with Toasted Pistachios?

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.