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Orange Coconut Basbousa

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Orange Coconut Basbousa is a moist, syrup-soaked Middle Eastern semolina cake that combines the bright, citrusy flavor of orange with the richness of coconut. It’s a delightful twist on a classic dessert, perfect for tea time or festive occasions.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup semolina
  • 1 cup desiccated coconut
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 3/4 cup orange juice (fresh preferred)
  • 3/4 cup plain yogurt
  • 1/2 cup melted butter or ghee
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Whole almonds (optional, for topping)
  • For the syrup:
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp orange zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine semolina, desiccated coconut, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
  3. Add orange zest and mix well to distribute evenly.
  4. Pour in orange juice, yogurt, melted butter or ghee, and vanilla extract. Stir until a thick batter forms.
  5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.
  6. Let the batter rest for 10–15 minutes to allow semolina to absorb the liquid.
  7. Score the top into diamond or square shapes and optionally place a whole almond in the center of each.
  8. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  9. While the basbousa is baking, prepare the syrup: in a saucepan, boil sugar, water, orange juice, lemon juice, and optional orange zest for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
  10. As soon as the basbousa comes out of the oven, pour the warm syrup evenly over the hot cake.
  11. Allow the cake to absorb the syrup and cool to room temperature before slicing along the pre-scored lines.

Notes

Use fresh orange juice for best flavor.Resting the batter helps achieve the perfect texture.Do not overbake to avoid a dry cake.Store at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate up to 7 days.Reheat in microwave or low oven to refresh.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/orange-coconut-basbousa/