Sunny Golden Sfoof: The Semolina Turmeric Cake Recipe You’ll Love

Lebanese kitchens sparkle with warmth when a golden semolina turmeric cake emerges from the oven, filling rooms with nostalgic aromas.

Generations have treasured this delicate dessert passed through whispered recipes and loving hands.

Vibrant yellow hues reflect the cake’s unique character, blending traditional spices with sweet comfort.

Soft crumbs promise a delightful experience that connects you to cultural roots and cherished memories.

Unexpected ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that surprise and delight.

Subtle hints of turmeric provide a gentle earthiness balanced by sweet undertones.

Each slice tells a story of love, tradition, and culinary creativity waiting to be savored.

You won’t want to miss exploring this extraordinary Lebanese treat that transforms simple ingredients into something magical.

Why Semolina Turmeric Cake (Sfoof) Is A Golden Delight

• Celebrate Cultural Heritage: Discover the rich Lebanese tradition through this authentic sfoof cake, bringing a taste of Middle Eastern culinary artistry to your kitchen.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Create a delightful dessert with simple pantry staples, making this recipe incredibly accessible for home bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Serving Delight: Perfect for family gatherings, afternoon tea, or a comforting sweet treat that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.
• Nutritious Spice Boost: Turmeric adds a beautiful golden color and offers potential health benefits, transforming this cake into more than just a dessert.

Ingredients Needed For Semolina Turmeric Cake (Sfoof)

• Semolina Flour: A coarse wheat flour that gives the cake its distinctive texture and golden color.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a tender and light cake structure.
• Turmeric: Provides a warm golden hue and subtle earthy flavor to the cake.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the cake rises and becomes light and fluffy.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cake's overall flavor profile.

• Oil: Keeps the cake moist and contributes to its soft texture.
• Milk: Helps bind the ingredients and adds richness to the cake.

• Slivered Almonds, Pine Nuts: Provide a delightful crunch and decorative topping for the cake.
• Anise Seeds: Offers an optional aromatic and traditional flavor enhancement.

How To Bake Semolina Turmeric Cake (Sfoof)

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of tahini across the entire surface to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Semolina flour
• All-purpose flour
• Sugar
• Turmeric powder
• Baking powder

Whisk these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Create Silky Batter

• Vegetable oil
• Milk

Stir continuously until the mixture transforms into a smooth, golden batter.

For an extra flavor punch, sprinkle in some anise seeds.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the batter into the tahini-coated baking dish.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly, creating a perfectly flat surface.

Step 5: Add Decorative Crunch

Scatter slivered almonds or pine nuts across the top of the batter for a beautiful and delicious finishing touch.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool completely. Slice into squares and serve this delightful Middle Eastern treat to your eager guests.

Helpful Tips For Perfect Semolina Turmeric Cake (Sfoof)

• Use tahini instead of regular oil or butter for an authentic Middle Eastern flavor boost that adds richness to the cake.
• Toast slivered almonds or pine nuts before sprinkling on top to enhance their nutty aroma and create a delightful crunch.
• Experiment with different spices like cardamom or cinnamon to personalize the turmeric cake's flavor profile while maintaining its traditional essence.
• Check the cake's doneness by inserting a toothpick at the center; if it comes out clean with minimal crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.
• Store the sfoof in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moisture and soft texture.

Simple Swaps For Semolina Turmeric Cake (Sfoof)

• Gluten-Free Sfoof: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Coconut Sfoof: Swap milk with coconut milk and sprinkle shredded coconut on top for a tropical flavor profile.
• Lemon Zest Sfoof: Add fresh lemon zest to the batter and garnish with candied lemon peel to brighten the traditional recipe.
• Cardamom Sfoof: Incorporate ground cardamom instead of anise seeds for a warm, aromatic Middle Eastern spice variation.

What Tastes Great With Semolina Turmeric Cake (Sfoof)

• Pair Perfectly with Sfoof Cake
• – Brew Golden Cardamom Tea: Warm, fragrant cardamom tea complements the turmeric's earthy notes and balances the cake's sweet, nutty flavor profile.
• – Serve with Lebanese Coffee: Strong, dark Lebanese coffee cuts through the cake's richness and provides a robust contrast to its delicate spice undertones.
• – Garnish with Fresh Pistachios: Sprinkle crushed pistachios alongside each slice to enhance the nutty texture and add a delightful crunch that echoes the cake's almond topping.
• – Create Creamy Yogurt Accompaniment: Drizzle cool, tangy Greek yogurt over cake squares to introduce a refreshing element that softens the turmeric's warmth.

Storing Semolina Turmeric Cake (Sfoof) Made Easy

• Refrigerator Storage: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining its moisture and flavor.
• Freezer Preservation: Cut cake into individual portions, wrap each square in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing texture or taste.
• Counter Storage: Store at room temperature in a covered container for 2-3 days if your kitchen is cool and dry. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Reheating Method: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or reheat in a preheated 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes until slightly warm and soft.

Semolina Turmeric Cake (Sfoof) Questions Answered

• What is semolina flour, and why is it used in this cake?

Semolina flour is a coarse flour made from durum wheat, giving the cake a unique texture and slightly nutty flavor. It provides a denser, more substantial crumb compared to regular all-purpose flour.

• Is turmeric just for color, or does it add flavor?

Turmeric adds both vibrant yellow color and a subtle earthy, warm flavor to the cake. It’s a traditional spice in Middle Eastern baking that enhances the cake’s overall taste profile.

• Can I make this cake without anise seeds?

Yes, anise seeds are optional. If you don’t like their licorice-like flavor, you can easily omit them without affecting the cake’s basic structure or baking process.

Semolina Turmeric Cake (Sfoof) Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 45-55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Lebanese sfoof cake brings sunshine to dessert tables with its golden hue and aromatic spice. Rich with semolina and turmeric, this traditional treat offers a warm, subtly sweet experience you’ll savor bite by bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups semolina flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon anise seeds (optional)

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup milk
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 tablespoon tahini (for greasing the pan)

Garnish:

• Slivered almonds or pine nuts (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350°F and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with tahini for easy cake removal.
2. Whisk together semolina flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, turmeric, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Gradually incorporate oil and milk into the dry mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth, lump-free batter.
4. If desired, fold in anise seeds to enhance the cake’s aromatic profile.
5. Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it uniformly and eliminate any air pockets.
6. Elegantly scatter slivered almonds or pine nuts across the surface for a decorative and crunchy topping.
7. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick emerges clean and the top achieves a rich golden hue.
8. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature, which helps set the texture and intensify the flavors.
9. Once cooled, slice into square portions and serve as a delightful Middle Eastern dessert.

Notes

• Grease the pan with tahini for an authentic Middle Eastern flavor that adds a subtle nutty undertone to the cake’s edges.
• Sift dry ingredients thoroughly to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, consistent texture throughout the cake.
• Toast pine nuts or almonds lightly before sprinkling on top to enhance their natural richness and create a delightful crunchy contrast.
• Customize the cake by experimenting with alternative milks like almond or oat for dairy-free variations, maintaining the recipe’s traditional golden color and tender crumb.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 135 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg