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Classic Lebanese Semolina Cake with Pine Nuts Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 272 reviews
  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Lebanese
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Classic Lebanese Cake features a delightful combination of fine semolina and all-purpose flour, enhanced with warm turmeric and topped with toasted pine nuts or almonds. Moist and subtly nutty, it makes a perfect sweet twist for any dessert occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup fine semolina
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 1 cup milk or water

Other

  • 1 spray baking spray (for greasing pan)
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts or almonds (toasted, for garnish)


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking and grease your baking pan with baking spray to ensure the cake releases easily.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the fine semolina, all-purpose flour, sugar, ground turmeric, and baking powder until well combined.
  3. Add wet ingredients: Pour in the canola oil and milk (or water) to the dry mixture and stir thoroughly until the batter becomes smooth and consistent.
  4. Prepare for baking: Pour the smooth batter evenly into the greased pan, spreading it out carefully to fill the surface uniformly.
  5. Add nuts: Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts or almonds evenly over the surface of the batter for a crunchy, flavorful topping.
  6. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cake turns a golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Notes

  • For a lighter nut flavor, you can toast the pine nuts or almonds before sprinkling on the cake.
  • Milk adds a richer taste, but water can be used as a dairy-free option.
  • Ground turmeric not only adds color but imparts a subtle earthy aroma—do not omit.
  • Ensure even spreading of batter for uniform baking.
  • Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center; it should come out clean when done.