Harissa Cake

Harissa Cake with Yogurt and Coconut Flakes Recipe

Total preparation time: 3 hours and 15 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35-45 minutes
Number of servings: 12

We present you a delicious Harissa cake recipe, an easy-to-make dessert, refreshing and perfect for hot summer days. This cake has a fluffy texture, thanks to the yogurt and semolina, while the lemon syrup and coconut flakes give it a unique flavor.

A bit of history
The Harissa cake is a perfect example of a recipe that combines simple, accessible ingredients to create a sophisticated dessert. This cake has become popular due to its simplicity, but also its versatility. It can be served as a dessert after a meal or as a delicious snack throughout the day.

Ingredients
For a loaf pan, you will need the following ingredients:

For the cake:
- 1 and a half cups semolina (approximately 200 g)
- ½ cup yogurt (approximately 125 g)
- ¼ cup sugar (approximately 50 g)
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 packet baking powder (approximately 10 g)
- A pinch of salt

For the syrup:
- 1 cup water (approximately 240 ml)
- 1 cup sugar (approximately 200 g)
- Juice of 1 lemon

For decoration:
- Coconut flakes

Optional suggestion:
- You can add an almond on each cut piece for an extra flavor and texture.

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the yogurt
Start by placing the yogurt in a bowl. Add the baking powder and mix gently. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, during which it will start to swell and double in volume.

Step 2: Mixing the ingredients
Meanwhile, in another bowl, mix the butter (make sure it is at room temperature for better incorporation) with the sugar and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer to obtain a creamy and homogeneous mixture. Add the lemon zest, then the swollen yogurt and mix again until perfectly combined.

Step 3: Combining the dry ingredients
In another container, mix the semolina with the baking powder. Add the butter and yogurt mixture over the semolina and mix well until you get a thick paste.

Step 4: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a pan with butter and pour the cake mixture. Using a knife, cut the top of the cake into squares. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 35-45 minutes. It is ready when the edges turn slightly golden and, if you gently press with your finger on top, it leaves no mark.

Step 5: Preparing the syrup
While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, add the sugar, water, and lemon juice. Boil over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Step 6: Combining the cake with the syrup
Once the cake is ready, take it out of the oven and cut it again. Carefully pour the cold syrup over the hot cake, ensuring that the syrup is absorbed evenly. Let the cake sit until it absorbs all the syrup.

Step 7: Decorating and cooling
Sprinkle the coconut flakes over the cake. Let the cake cool in the pan, then cover it and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. This cooling time will enhance the flavors and make the texture even more pleasant.

Serving
When ready, serve the Harissa cake directly from the pan, cut into squares. You can add an almond on each piece for a more elegant appearance and richer taste. This cake is perfect alongside a mint tea or a glass of cold lemonade.

Tips and useful advice
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature for better mixing with the sugar.
- You can replace the semolina with almond flour for a gluten-free version.
- For an even more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence to the cake mixture.
- If you like exotic flavors, try adding some spices like cardamom or cinnamon to the cake mixture.

Calories and nutritional benefits
A serving of Harissa cake contains approximately 180 calories. This cake is rich in carbohydrates from semolina and sugar, but also contains protein from yogurt, making it a better choice than many other desserts. Additionally, lemon provides a source of vitamin C, and coconut flakes are a source of fiber and healthy fats.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use low-fat yogurt?
Yes, you can use low-fat yogurt, but the cake will have a less creamy texture.
2. How can I store the cake?
The cake stores well in the refrigerator for 4-5 days, covered to avoid drying out.
3. Can I add fruits?
Of course! You can add berries or peach slices for an extra flavor and color.

Enjoy this Harissa cake and let yourself be inspired to experiment with various ingredients! This is a simple yet flavorful recipe that will bring smiles to everyone who tastes it. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For a loaf pan: 1 and a half cups of semolina, half a cup of yogurt, a quarter cup of sugar, 100 g of butter (at room temperature), the zest of 1 lemon, 1 packet of baking powder, a pinch of salt. Syrup: 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, juice from 1 lemon. Decoration: coconut flakes.

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