Basbousa with a Heavenly Ashta Filling

Basbousa with a heavenly Ashta filling is a classic Middle Eastern dessert that's perfect for any occasion. This delightful semolina cake is soaked in aromatic simple syrup and filled with luscious cream, offering a beautifully layered treat that will impress your guests and family alike.

Ingredients

Simple Syrup:
🥄 3 cups sugar
💧 2 cups water
🍋 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Semolina Cake:
🥚 3 eggs
🥄 1/3 cup sugar
🫒 1 cup oil
🍦 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
🥛 1 cup plain yogurt
🥛 1 cup milk
🥥 1 cup unsweetened coconut
🥄 1 teaspoon baking powder
🍚 2 cups fine semolina

Ashta Filling:
🥛 2 cups milk
🥛 1 cup heavy cream
🥤 1 can (14oz) sweetened condensed milk
🌽 8 tablespoons corn starch
🌸 1 tablespoon orange blossom water or rose water

Garnish:
🌿 Grated pistachios
🥥 Coconut flakes
🌹 Edible roses (optional)

Instructions

1- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2- Prepare the Simple Syrup:

• In a medium pot, combine sugar, water, and lemon juice.
• Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for 12 minutes.
• Set aside to cool.

3- Make the Semolina Cake Batter:

• In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, and sugar until well combined.
• Add in the yogurt, milk, and vanilla extract and whisk again.
• Finally, add the semolina, coconut, and baking powder, whisking until you achieve an even mixture.

4- First Bake:

• Grease a springform pan or a rectangular cake pan.
• Pour half of the semolina batter into the pan and spread it evenly.
• Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven.

5- Prepare the Ashta Filling:

• In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and cornstarch, ensuring the cornstarch is completely dissolved.
• Place over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.

6- Layer the Cake:

• Immediately spread the thickened Ashta over the baked semolina layer.
• Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes.
• Carefully spread the remaining semolina batter on top of the Ashta layer.

7- Final Bake:

• Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 30 minutes.
• Switch to broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the top turns a golden brown.

8- Soak and Cool:

• Remove from the oven and evenly pour the prepared simple syrup over the hot cake.
• Let the cake cool completely.

9- Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish with grated pistachios, coconut flakes, and optional edible roses.
• Cut into squares and serve.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 47 minutes
Total Time: 67 minutes
Servings: Approximately 12 pieces
Calories per serving: 400 kcal (approx.)
Proteins per serving: 6g
Fats per serving: 20g
Carbohydrates per serving: 50g
Equipment: Mixing bowls, whisk, saucepan, springform or rectangular cake pan, oven

Cooking Tips

• Make sure the simple syrup is cooled before pouring it over the cake to ensure even absorption.
• For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to the Ashta filling.
• Use freshly grated coconut and pistachios for the garnish to enhance taste and presentation.

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YouTube channel - EmanInTheKitchen: https://www.youtube.com/@EmanInTheKitchen

Basbousa with Heavenly Ashta Filling