Introduction
Semolina cake is a rich and comforting dessert, known for its smooth, velvety texture and sweet, delicate flavor. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a pudding or cake, often served warm or chilled.
Its simple ingredients—milk, eggs, sugar, and semolina—combine to create a creamy yet satisfying treat that can be customized in various ways.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a homemade dessert, semolina cake is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients
For the Pudding:
4 cups full-fat milk
4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or semolina for a denser texture)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional: a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for extra flavor
For Topping:
2 tablespoons butter (melted)
1 tablespoon sugar (to caramelize)
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the pudding from sticking. Set it aside.
In a medium saucepan, pour in the milk and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally to avoid the milk from scorching.
Once the milk starts to heat, slowly whisk in the sugar, ensuring it dissolves completely into the milk.
While the milk is heating, whisk the eggs in a separate bowl. Gradually add the flour or semolina to the eggs while whisking, making sure no lumps form.
If you want a slightly denser texture, semolina is the better choice, but flour will work just as well for a smoother pudding.
Once the milk has reached a simmer, slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. This process prevents the eggs from scrambling.
Once all the milk has been incorporated, return the mixture to the saucepan and cook it over low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens into a pudding-like consistency. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
When the mixture has thickened, stir in the vanilla extract and salt. If you are using any additional spices like nutmeg or cinnamon, add them at this point to infuse the pudding with extra warmth and flavor.
Pour the pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula and place the dish in the oven.
Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the pudding is set.
While the pudding is baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan and stir in the sugar until it dissolves.
Once the pudding is done baking, remove it from the oven and drizzle the melted butter and sugar mixture on top to create a sweet, caramelized topping. Let the cake cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Make
To start, make sure to gather all your ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process. You’ll want to keep the milk at a simmering temperature throughout to avoid scalding it, so be patient and stir it gently.
The key to achieving the perfect texture is in the slow blending of hot milk into the egg mixture. If you add the hot milk too quickly, the eggs will scramble and create an undesirable texture.
For an even creamier consistency, ensure that the egg mixture is whisked thoroughly before adding the flour or semolina.
This step helps to avoid any lumps from forming when the flour or semolina is added.
When baking, be mindful of the time as the pudding can overbake and become too firm.
You want it to have a slight wobble in the center when you remove it from the oven. This is a sign that it’s perfectly set without being too firm.
If you prefer a more caramelized topping, you can broil the pudding for a few minutes after adding the butter and sugar topping.
making sure to watch it closely to prevent burning. This will give the pudding a rich, golden color and an extra layer of flavor.
Once baked, let the pudding rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set further and makes it easier to cut and serve.
You can enjoy this semolina cake warm, but it also keeps well in the refrigerator and can be served cold. Its flavor deepens as it cools, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert.
If you want to experiment with textures, try replacing part of the semolina with coconut flour or almond flour for a slightly different bite and flavor profile.
Variations
If you’re looking to add a twist to your semolina cake, there are several fun variations you can try. For a fruitier version.
try adding fresh berries or sliced stone fruits like peaches or apricots to the pudding before baking. These fruits add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pudding.
For a nuttier flavor, consider mixing in some chopped nuts, such as pistachios or almonds, into the batter before baking.
This will add texture and a lovely nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creaminess of the semolina cake.
If you enjoy a more decadent dessert, consider drizzling a bit of honey or maple syrup on top of the cake once it has finished baking.
This will give the semolina cake a luxurious sweetness that is perfect for special occasions.
For an even more traditional version, you can swap the vanilla extract for a bit of rosewater or orange blossom water.
which will infuse the pudding with a floral fragrance and flavor, reminiscent of Mediterranean desserts.
If you want to experiment with a more savory version, you can reduce the sugar and add savory spices such as cumin, black pepper, or turmeric. This would make the pudding a perfect side dish for a savory meal or a unique appetizer.
To make the semolina cake gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, or simply use all semolina. The semolina will provide a similar texture and result in a dense, satisfying pudding.
For those who prefer a dairy-free option, try substituting the milk with coconut milk or almond milk. This will change the flavor profile but still yield a creamy and delicious pudding.
Tips
For the smoothest texture, be sure to whisk the egg mixture well before adding the flour or semolina. This ensures there are no lumps in the batter.
If you’re in a rush, you can speed up the cooling process by placing the pudding in the fridge after it’s come to room temperature. This will allow you to enjoy it chilled much sooner.
To enhance the flavor, try experimenting with different spices like cardamom or saffron, which can provide a warm and exotic twist to the traditional semolina cake.
If you find the pudding too sweet, reduce the sugar slightly and balance it with a dash of citrus zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a light, refreshing contrast.
When making the caramel topping, you can adjust the sugar to your taste. If you prefer a lighter topping, use less sugar, or try substituting it with brown sugar for a richer caramel flavor.
For an added crunch, sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes on top just before serving. This adds both texture and a pleasant tropical flavor to the cake.
Lastly, don’t forget to serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Conclusion
Semolina cake is a versatile and easy-to-make dessert that brings warmth and comfort with every bite.
Its creamy, smooth texture and subtle sweetness make it a delightful treat for any occasion.
With endless variations and customization options, it’s a recipe you’ll enjoy making time and time again.
Whether you prefer it warm from the oven or chilled in the fridge, semolina cake is a timeless dessert that never fails to please. Try it once, and it will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.