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Hi! I’m Kate, the face behind KateFi.com—a blog all about making life easier and more affordable.
Looking for a dessert that’s both affordable and full of flavor? Meet Basbousa, a traditional Egyptian semolina cake that’s sweet, moist, and incredibly easy to make. Best of all, it’s made with just a few simple pantry staples, so you can enjoy an exotic treat without breaking the bank!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Budget-Friendly: Cheap ingredients like semolina and coconut are all you need.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour.
- Authentic Flavors: A taste of Egypt without the airfare.
What You’ll Need:
| Ingredient | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|
| Semolina (1 cup) | $0.50 |
| Sugar (1 cup) | $0.50 |
| Baking powder (1 tsp) | $0.05 |
| Plain yogurt (1/2 cup) | $0.30 |
| Coconut flakes (1/4 cup) | $0.20 |
| Butter (1/4 cup) | $0.50 |
| Water (1 cup) | Free (tap water) |
| Rosewater or vanilla (1 tsp) | $0.10 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $2.15 |
Step-By-Step Instructions for Basbousa
- Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the semolina, sugar, baking powder, and coconut flakes. Stir to mix evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the yogurt, water, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. If you’re using rosewater or vanilla, add it now. Mix everything until the batter comes together and is smooth.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Make the Syrup: While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside.
- Syrup the Cake: As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour the cooled syrup over the hot cake. Let it absorb the syrup and cool for 15-20 minutes.
Pro Tips for Success
- Flavor Variations: You can add a splash of orange blossom water for a different fragrant twist or sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for added texture.
- Moisture: The syrup is key to keeping the cake moist, so don’t skip this step! Make sure to pour the syrup evenly over the cake while it’s still warm.
- Storage: Basbousa can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
More Sweet Treats You’ll Love
If you’re looking for more affordable and delicious desserts, try these:
- Turkish Delight on a Dime: A Fragrant, Chewy Treat You Can Make at Home
- Magic 3-Ingredient Chocolate Truffles – So Fancy Yet So Cheap!
- Lazy Day Cookie Bars: Zero Effort, Maximum Flavor (and Budget-Friendly!)
For more dessert inspiration from around the world, visit Taste of Home.
Final Thoughts
Basbousa is a delightful dessert that’s not only easy to make but also incredibly budget-friendly. With its rich syrup-soaked texture and coconut flavor, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your baking rotation. Enjoy a slice of Egypt without leaving your kitchen!
