Description
A fragrant and indulgent Middle Eastern semolina cake infused with saffron, cardamom, and rose water, topped with crunchy pistachios and soaked in a floral sugar syrup. This Saffron Pistachio Basbousa is moist, aromatic, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 cup semolina
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
1/4 tsp saffron threads, soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk
2 tbsp rose water
1/4 cup chopped pistachios (plus more for garnish)
For the sugar syrup:
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp rose water
A pinch of saffron threads
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine semolina, shredded coconut, flour, sugar, baking powder, and cardamom.
- Stir in yogurt, melted butter, rose water, and the saffron milk mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pistachios and spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Score the top into squares or diamonds and sprinkle with more pistachios.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- While baking, prepare the syrup: combine sugar, water, lemon juice, saffron, and rose water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Once baked, pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot cake.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting along the scored lines.
Notes
Swap pistachios with almonds or omit for a nut-free version.
Orange blossom water can be used instead of rose water.
For a richer flavor, replace some yogurt with sour cream.
To reduce sweetness, slightly decrease the sugar in both the batter and syrup.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate up to a week.
Freezes well; reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
