Middle Eastern Coconut Cake (Harissah) Recipe
🕒 Cook Time: 30 minutes
🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 40 minutes
🔖 Description:
If you’re a fan of coconut macaroons, prepare to fall in love with this Middle Eastern delicacy! This recipe offers a delightful twist on the traditional Harissa (also known as basbousa), a beloved dessert in Jordanian and Palestinian cuisine. Unlike the classic version, which typically features semolina or cream of wheat, this rendition boasts the irresistible flavor and texture reminiscent of coconut macaroons but in cake form. Perfect for gatherings, this moist and aromatic treat is sure to impress your guests.
🥮 Recipe Category: Dessert
🔍 Keywords: Coconut, Fruit, Nuts, Palestinian, Southwest Asia (Middle East), Asian, Ramadan, < 60 Mins, Inexpensive
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 cups | Sugar |
| 6 | Eggs |
| 2 cups | Milk |
| 1 1/2 tsp | Baking powder |
| 2 tsp | Vanilla extract |
| 1 tbsp | Lemon juice |
| 1 cup | All-purpose flour |
| 2 cups | Unsweetened coconut |
| 1 cup | Water |
| 2 cups | Sugar |
| 1 tsp | Vanilla extract |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 1211.5
- Fat Content: 88.9g
- Saturated Fat Content: 49.5g
- Cholesterol Content: 97.3mg
- Sodium Content: 262.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 102.7g
- Fiber Content: 12.9g
- Sugar Content: 72.3g
- Protein Content: 11.5g
- Servings: 12
- Yield: 1 9×13 pan
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Syrup:
- In a saucepan, combine water and sugar.
- Boil for 5 to 10 minutes until the desired thickness is achieved, resembling pancake syrup.
- Optionally, add a teaspoon of rose water or orange blossom for a traditional Middle Eastern flavor.
- Set the syrup aside to cool.
-
Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, eggs, milk, oil, vanilla extract, and lemon juice.
- Mix until well blended.
-
Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
- Add all-purpose flour and baking powder to the mixture.
- Blend until smooth and uniform.
-
Add Coconut:
- Stir in the unsweetened coconut to incorporate into the batter evenly.
-
Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, ensuring an even distribution.
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until the cake is light to medium golden brown.
-
Syrup Soaking:
- While the cake is still hot, pour the prepared syrup generously over the entire surface.
- Ensure that at least 3/4 of the syrup is used, soaking the cake thoroughly.
-
Cooling and Serving:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan.
- Once cooled, cut the cake into slanted squares for a decorative touch.
- Carefully transfer each piece onto a serving tray.
-
Garnish:
- For an extra flourish, sprinkle a little shredded coconut on top of each slice to enhance the presentation.
Enjoy the delightful fusion of flavors and textures in this Middle Eastern Coconut Cake (Harissah), a perfect treat for any occasion!
