Semolina Syrup Cake (Basbousa-Style)

55 min | easy

Close-up of a single square slice of semolina syrup cake on a white plate, showing a deep golden, glossy top and a moist, coarse crumb with syrup pooling around the base.

Recipe by Eunice Published Jan 16, 2026

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time
20 min	35 min	55 min

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Introduction

This semolina syrup cake bakes up tender, moist, and fragrant, with a gorgeous lemony basbousa-style twist.

It’s soaked in a simple lemon-honey syrup, so every bite is sweet, tangy, and irresistibly juicy.

Serve this easy make-ahead dessert for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight treats when you want something special without extra fuss.

Close-up of a triangular slice of semolina syrup cake on a white plate, showing a moist, golden crumb and a deep caramelized top with syrup glistening and pooling on the plate; the remaining cake is blurred in the background.

How to Make Semolina Syrup Cake (Basbousa-Style)

Prep mode (keeps screen active)

Preheat oven and prepare pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F with a rack in the center position.
Grease an 8-inch square pan or 9-inch round pan, then line the bottom with parchment.
If you like crisp edges, skip the flour and just grease the pan well.
Combine the dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the semolina, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Break up any small clumps with the whisk so the batter stays smooth later.

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Mix the wet ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk the yogurt, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and lemon zest until mostly smooth.
Make sure the butter is cooled, so it does not scramble the eggs.
Bring the batter together

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until no dry patches remain.
Try not to overmix, because extra stirring can make the cake slightly tough.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with the spatula.
For a more tender crumb, let the batter rest in the pan for 10 minutes before baking.
Bake the cake

Bake the cake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is deep golden and a tester comes out clean.
If the top browns too fast, loosely tent the pan with foil during the last 10 minutes.

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Cook the lemon syrup

While the cake bakes, combine the sugar, water, lemon juice, and honey in a small saucepan.
Set the pan over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves and the syrup begins to simmer.
Simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, until slightly thickened and lightly syrupy, then remove from the heat.
Keep the syrup warm, because warm syrup soaks into the hot cake more evenly.
Soak the hot cake

When the cake is done, set the pan on a rack and quickly pierce the surface all over with a skewer.
Slowly ladle the warm syrup over the hot cake, letting each addition soak in before adding more.
The cake should look very moist but not soupy once all the syrup is absorbed.
Cool, slice, and serve

Let the cake cool completely in the pan, for at least 1 hour, so the crumb can set.
Run a thin knife around the edges, then cut into small squares or diamonds for serving.
Serve at room temperature, and store leftovers covered at room temperature for two days or in the fridge longer.

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Close-up of a slice of semolina syrup cake on a white plate, showing a moist, golden crumb and a dark caramelized top; a spoon rests in a small pool of lemon-honey syrup in front, with the remaining cake blurred in the background.

Substitutions

Use sour cream instead of yogurt: Full-fat sour cream works well in place of the plain whole-milk yogurt for a slightly tangier cake. If your sour cream is very thick, stir in a tablespoon of milk so the batter stays spreadable.
Swap melted butter with neutral oil: Use the same amount of neutral oil, like canola or light olive oil, instead of melted butter. The cake turns out very moist and tender, with a slightly less rich, cleaner flavor.
Use orange juice instead of lemon juice in the syrup: Fresh orange juice can replace the lemon juice in the syrup for a softer, more floral citrus note. The cake will taste slightly sweeter and less sharp, which pairs nicely with coffee or dark chocolate desserts.

Tips

Use fine semolina for the best texture: Fine semolina hydrates more evenly than coarse, giving you a plush, tender crumb instead of a gritty bite. If you only find coarse semolina, pulse it briefly in a food processor to break it down.
Do not skip resting the batter: That short 10-minute rest lets semolina soak up moisture, so the cake bakes more evenly and slices cleanly. If you are rushed, even five minutes helps noticeably with texture.
Match syrup and cake temperatures: For best absorption, always pair a hot cake with warm syrup, rather than cold syrup straight from the fridge. Cold syrup can tighten the crumb and prevent it from soaking in evenly.
Score the cake before baking for neat pieces: For traditional basbousa-style diamonds, lightly score the batter into a grid before baking using a sharp knife. The lines deepen as it bakes, making it easier to cut even portions later.
Let flavors develop overnight: This cake actually tastes better the next day, after the syrup has fully soaked and the flavors mellowed. Cool completely, cover the pan tightly, and keep it at room temperature for an overnight rest.

Nutrition Facts ^*

Energy	400	kcal
Protein	4	g
Total Fat	10	g
Carbohydrates	48	g
Dietary Fiber	0	g

^* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.

FAQ

My cake turned out dry. What went wrong?: Dry cake usually means it was baked a bit too long or the pan was too large. Start checking for doneness at 28 minutes, and use the recommended pan size for the batter amount. Also be sure to pour on all the syrup, since that adds moisture and softness.
Can I make this cake without eggs?: You can replace the two eggs with 1/2 cup plain yogurt and 1 tablespoon cornstarch for extra binding. The texture becomes slightly denser, but the cake stays moist and cuts nicely. For a more traditional basbousa feel, you may prefer using the eggs when possible.
Why did my syrup crystallize instead of staying clear?: Crystallized syrup often happens when sugar crystals on the pan sides fall back into the syrup while it cooks. To prevent this, gently stir only until dissolved, then simmer without stirring, and avoid scraping the pan walls. If crystals appear, you can usually still use the syrup, though the texture feels slightly grainy.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?: Store the cake well covered at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerated for up to five days. Warm individual pieces in the microwave for a few seconds, just until the syrup loosens slightly. Avoid reheating the entire pan in the oven, which can dry the edges.