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Middle EasternAuthentic Cuisine

Middle Eastern Sweet Syrup Cake

Serves 4 to 6 Pastry vegetarian, Breads & Pastry

Middle Eastern Sweet Syrup Cake

Middle Eastern Sweet Syrup Cake is a beloved treat, often made in family kitchens where recipes are passed down like treasured heirlooms. This home-style version reflects the informal warmth of gatherings where dishes are shared, and culinary secrets are whispered over steaming cups of tea. It’s a cake that embodies the essence of Middle Eastern hospitality, served generously and with open arms.

The cake itself is a tender embrace of buttery richness, balanced by the sweetness of syrup that seeps into every crumb. As you take a bite, the delicate texture yields under your fork, offering a satisfying sweetness that lingers. This is not a cake for solitary enjoyment; it invites company, conversation, and the clinking of tea glasses.

Ingredients

  • 200 gflour
  • 150 gsugar
  • 100 gbutter
  • 3eggs
  • syrupto soak

Method

  1. Begin by bringing the 100 g of butter to room temperature. This will make it easier to cream with the sugar, ensuring a smooth batter. Meanwhile, take the 3 eggs out of the fridge to allow them to come to room temperature, which helps them incorporate better into the batter.
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the 150 g of sugar and the softened butter using a wooden spoon or electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which is crucial for a tender cake texture.
  3. Add the room temperature eggs, one at a time, to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition. This gradual incorporation prevents the batter from curdling and ensures a smooth consistency.
  4. Sift the 200 g of flour into the wet ingredients, folding it gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can result in a dense cake. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
  5. Grease a baking pan generously with butter to prevent sticking, and pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The batter should settle into the corners and edges of the pan.
  6. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the cake until it is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should have a slight spring when pressed gently with a finger.
  7. While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup by heating your chosen syrup gently until warm. This allows it to soak into the cake more effectively without making it soggy.
  8. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan. Pour the warm syrup evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak in completely. The cake should absorb the syrup and become moist and fragrant.
  9. Serve the Middle Eastern Sweet Syrup Cake at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld and the syrup to fully integrate into the cake. It's perfect for sharing at a family gathering or as a sweet treat after a meal.
Cover of Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Middle Eastern volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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