Description
Classic Lebanese Cake is a delightful dessert featuring a unique texture from fine semolina combined with all-purpose flour. Sweetened with sugar and enhanced with warm ground turmeric, this moist and flavorful cake is topped with toasted pine nuts or almonds for a crunchy finish. Perfect for a special occasion or a comforting treat, it bakes to a beautiful golden brown in just over half an hour.
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pan thoroughly using baking spray to ensure the cake will release easily after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the fine semolina, all-purpose flour, sugar, ground turmeric, and baking powder. Stir these ingredients together to evenly distribute the turmeric and baking powder.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the canola oil and milk (or water, if preferred) into the bowl of dry ingredients. Mix well until you achieve a smooth, consistent batter without lumps.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the greased baking pan, spreading it evenly to cover the surface.
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or almonds evenly over the top of the batter to add a crunchy contrast and a nutty aroma.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Bake until the cake is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving to enjoy the full flavors and texture.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use water instead of milk.
- Ensure that pine nuts or almonds are toasted to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Canola oil can be substituted with another neutral oil like vegetable or sunflower oil if desired.
- The turmeric adds a subtle earthy flavor and a lovely golden color but can be adjusted to taste.
