iBakeMemories

Mini Raisin Basbousa – a perfect sweet treat for Valentine’s Day!

Since we can’t go out, why not make it fun to stay in? These mini-cakes make a delicious treat, and a great way to spend quality time together.

Basbousa is a classic Middle-Eastern dessert, made with semolina. What I love about this recipe is that you can add in your own twist. I added California Raisins in my batter, and it took the cake to another level! California Raisins are the best raisins in the world, and I love their naturally sweet flavour. My toddler and I love snacking on them throughout the day!

Check out californiaraisins.ca for more great recipes.

*This post is sponsored by California Raisins*

Raisin Basbousa (Semolina Cake) Recipe

Ingredients:

Syrup:

• 1 cup Water
• 1 cup Sugar
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice

Cake:

• 1½ cup Semolina
• ½ cup All Purpose Flour
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• ½ cup Desiccated Coconut
• 1 cup California Raisins
• 1 tbsp Orange Zest
• 2 Eggs
• ½ cup Sugar
• ½ cup Sour Cream
• 1 cup Melted Butter
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• Toppings – Crushed nuts,edible rose petals and raisins (optional)

This recipe makes 18-20 mini-cakes. It can be easily halved to make less.

Instructions:

Syrup:

1. Bring water and sugar to a boil in a pan.
2. Add the lemon juice and stir.
3. Turn off stove and let it cool.

For the Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease baking tray with butter. I used a mini-Bundt cake baking pan, but you can use a 9×11-inch baking tray as well.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar.
4. Add sour cream, melted butter and vanilla extract to the mixture and whisk everything together.
5. In another bowl, add semolina, flour, baking powder, California Raisins, coconut and orange zest. Mix everything well.
6. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until fully combined.
7. Pour the batter in the prepared tray.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes for mini cakes or 35-40 minutes for 9×11-inch baking tray. The cake should be golden brown on top, and an inserted toothpick should come out clean.
9. Pour your prepared sugar syrup over the warm cake and let the cake cool down completely.
10. Top with crushed nuts,edible rose petals and raisins.