Soft Semolina Mini Cakes (Basbousa-Style)

Yield

10–12 mini cakes (like the photo)

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

1 cup fine semolina
½ cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

2 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for richer flavor)
½ cup milk (warm, not hot)
1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Flavor Boost (Recommended)

Zest of ½ lemon or ½ orange
OR 1 tsp rose water or orange blossom water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Everything

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a silicone mini loaf or rectangle mold (even silicone benefits from light oiling).
Place mold on a baking tray for stability.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

Semolina
Flour
Sugar
Baking powder
Salt

Make sure everything is evenly combined.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl:

Beat eggs lightly.
Add oil, milk, vanilla, and optional flavoring.
Whisk until smooth.

4. Make the Batter

Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
Mix gently until smooth.
Batter should be pourable but thick, similar to pancake batter.

🟡 Important: Let the batter rest 10 minutes — this allows the semolina to absorb liquid and gives that soft texture.

5. Fill the Mold

Spoon batter evenly into each cavity (about ¾ full).
Smooth the tops gently.

6. Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes, until:
- Tops are golden
- Toothpick comes out clean
If tops brown too fast, loosely cover with foil.

7. Cool & Unmold

Let cakes cool in the mold 10 minutes.
Gently remove and transfer to a plate.

They’ll firm up slightly as they cool but stay soft inside.

Optional Sugar Syrup (Traditional Finish – Optional but Amazing)

If you want a classic basbousa-style finish:

Syrup Ingredients

½ cup sugar
½ cup water
1 tsp lemon juice
½ tsp rose or orange blossom water

Syrup Instructions

Boil sugar + water for 5 minutes.
Add lemon juice and flavoring.
Pour warm syrup over warm cakes (lightly, not soaked).

Texture & Taste Notes

Inside: Soft, moist, slightly grainy (in a good way)
Outside: Lightly golden
Flavor: Mild, comforting, perfect with tea or coffee

Variations You’ll Love

Coconut: Replace ¼ cup semolina with shredded coconut
Nutty: Add ground almonds or pistachios
Chocolate: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder
Yogurt version: Replace milk with plain yogurt

Serving Ideas

Dust with powdered sugar
Drizzle honey
Serve with tea, coffee, or milk
Spread with butter or jam 😌