Sweet basbousa – Arabic cheesecake

sweet basbousa

Sweet Basbousa is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert that is made with semolina flour, yogurt, and some additions. It is often served with a drizzle of honey or syrup. Basbousa is a popular dessert in countries such as Egypt, Lebanon, and Syria. Stay tuned to know exactly how to make it.

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What is sweet basbousa cheesecake made of?

Basbousa is a traditional Egyptian cake made from semolina flour, sugar, and yogurt. It is often flavored with almonds, orange blossom water, or rose water. Basbousa is typically served as a dessert, but can also be eaten as a snack or breakfast dish.

Are basbousa cheesecake and Kunafa the same?

Sweet Basbousa and kunafa are both traditional Middle Eastern desserts that are very popular in Egypt and other Arab countries. Both desserts are made with a semolina pastry and soaked in sweet syrup. The main difference between the two desserts is the topping. Basbousa is usually topped with coconut, while kunafa is topped with a cheese filling.

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How do you make sweet basbousa?

Ingredients

  • Semolina
  • Powdered sugar
  • Refined oil or melted butter
  • Coconut powder
  • Milk
  • Vanilla essence
  • Baking powder
  • Lemon
  • Rose water
  • Almonds

Directions

  • Let's start making our sweet basbousa. First, in a bowl, add 1 cup and a third of semolina and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Mix them well.
  • Second, add 1/3 cup of refined oil or melted butter. Mix well again then add 1/2 cup of coconut powder, 1 cup of milk, 1 tsp vanilla essence, and 1 tsp baking powder. Mix well again.
  • Third, bring a casserole and grease it with oil or butter. Pour the batter inside it and level it all the same to prevent cooking side more than another. Add some almonds above the batter.
  • Next, Bake it in the preheated oven at 180°C for 30 - 40 minutes.
  • While baking, let's prepare the syrup sugar. In a bowl, add 1/2 cup boiled water, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 slice of lemon, and 1 tsp of rose water. Stir well until the sugar melted then let it cool.
  • After that, when the basbousa is baked, take it out from the oven and let it cool.
  • Finally, divide it into squares with a knife (2.5 inches for each). Pour the syrup sugar slowly then let it rest for 20 minutes. Cheers!!!
Cooking Method
Cuisine
Difficulty Intermediate
Time
Prep Time: 10 min Cook Time: 40 min Rest Time: 30 min Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins
Servings 8
Best Season Suitable throughout the year
Ingredients
  • 1+1/3 cup Semolina
  • 1/2 cup Powdered sugar
  • 1/3 cup Refined oil or melted butter
  • 1/2 cup Coconut powder
  • 1 cup Milk
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla essence
  • 1 teaspoon Baking powder
  • 1 Lemon
  • 1 teaspoon Rose water
  • 50 grams Almonds
Instructions
  1. First, in a bowl, add semolina and powdered sugar. Mix them well.

  2. Second, add refined oil or melted butter. Mix well again then add coconut powder, milk, vanilla essence, and baking powder. Mix well again.

  3. Third, bring a casserole and grease it with oil or butter. Pour the batter inside it and level it all the same to prevent cooking side more than another. Add some almonds above the batter.

  4. Next, Bake it in the preheated oven at 180°C for 30 – 40 minutes.

  5. While baking, let’s prepare the syrup sugar. In a bowl, add boiled water, sugar, lemon, and rose water. Stir well until the sugar melted then let it cool.

  6. After that, when the basbousa is baked, take it out from the oven and let it cool.

  7. Finally, divide it into squares with a knife (2.5 inches for each). Pour the syrup sugar slowly then let it rest for 20 minutes. Cheers!!!