Description
Semolina Cake with Yogurt and Orange Zest is a delightful dessert that combines the rich texture of semolina with the tanginess of yogurt and the bright citrus flavor of orange zest, soaked in a sweet syrup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 320 grams semolina (fine or medium grind)
- 180 grams granulated sugar
- 240 grams plain yogurt
- 115 grams melted butter or ghee
- 5 grams baking powder (about 1 teaspoon)
- Zest of 2 medium oranges (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Blanched almonds or orange zest (for decoration)
- For Syrup: 480 ml water
- 350 grams granulated sugar
- 15 ml lemon juice (about 1 tablespoon)
- 15 ml orange blossom water or orange juice (about 1 tablespoon)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 23 cm (9 inch) round cake pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine semolina, sugar, baking powder, and orange zest. Stir well.
- Add yogurt, melted butter, and vanilla extract, mixing until a thick batter forms.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Score the batter into diamond or square shapes or plan to cut wedges after baking. Garnish each piece with a blanched almond or a sprinkle of extra orange zest.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup by combining water, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in orange blossom water or orange juice.
- Once the cake is out of the oven, immediately pour the warm syrup evenly over the hot cake.
- Allow the cake to soak up the syrup and cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half the butter with applesauce.
- Use almond yogurt for a dairy-free option.
- Ensure the syrup is poured over the cake while it’s still hot so it absorbs properly.
- For extra flavor, add a few drops of orange blossom water to the cake batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 25 grams
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 16 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 5 grams
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: Semolina Cake, Yogurt Cake, Orange Zest, Middle Eastern Dessert, Mediterranean Cake, Orange Blossom Syrup, Sweet Cake