Basbosa
Basbosa (sometimes spelled basbousa) is an Egyptian dessert that is similar in many ways to pound cake. It is a thick and moist cake. This recipe uses the flavors of coconut, rose water, and pistachios to give the basbosa a richer flavor.
However, rose water and coconut are not a fixture in every basbosa. As with most traditional foods, there are variants of basbosa around the world. In many Middle Eastern countries there are desserts similar to this. Sometimes orange flower water is used in place of rose water to give the cake a different flavor. It is delicious and rich, but not so much that it weighs on you.
Finally, in making this we were inspired by a recipe from the cookbook Share, which was sponsored by Women for Women International and explores cuisines from around the globe.
Egyptian Basbosa
Ingredients
For the cake
- 1 stick salted butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups cornstarch
- 1/2 cup dried coconut flakes
For the syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon rose water
- 1/3 cup chopped pistachios
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350F.
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Grease a 9×9 pan with butter.
Prepare batter.
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Melt the butter, and set aside to cool.
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Beat together the eggs, sugar, milk, cream, baking powder, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.
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Add the butter in and mix thoroughly to avoid cooking the eggs.
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Whisk in the cornstarch and coconut slowly.
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Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 30 minutes.
Make the syrup.
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Combing the sugar and lemon juice with 1/2 cup of water in a small pot over medium heat.
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Stir the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved and bring to a simmer.
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Add in the rose water and let the syrup simmer for a few minutes.
Remove the cake from the oven when the top is golden and the edges are dark.
Cool the cake for 5 minutes, cut into slices, and then pour the syrup over the entire cake.
Top with pistachios and toasted coconut.
Recipe Notes
Rosewater is a very floral and distinctive ingredient. I enjoy it very much and reduced the original amount by half. Be cautious when using this ingredient and listen to your senses to use the right about for you.
