Experience the unique and delicious fusion of traditional Middle Eastern dessert and classic chocolate indulgence with this Chocolate Basbousa stuffed with chocolate. This recipe combines the moist texture of a chocolate cake with the sweet, dense consistency of basbousa, creating a dessert that’s absolutely addictive. It’s straightforward to make, requiring no beating or excessive effort—just mix the ingredients and bake!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe: Chocolate Basbousa is perfect for those who love rich, chocolatey desserts but also appreciate the unique textures of traditional Middle Eastern sweets. The addition of a creamy chocolate layer in the middle adds a luxurious surprise that makes each bite more delightful than the last. This dessert is very easy to prepare, making it foolproof even for novice bakers.
Perfect Occasion: This Chocolate Basbousa is a fantastic choice for family gatherings, festive celebrations, or as a special treat during the holidays. It’s also great for sharing at community events or enjoying as a decadent snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
Decoration Tips: For a stunning presentation, you can garnish the basbousa with shredded coconut, sliced almonds, or a drizzle of melted chocolate after baking. Serve each piece with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Ingredients:
For the Basbousa:
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup (100g) sugar
- 1 can of cream (Qishta)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee (Nescafe)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 1 ½ cups (260g) coarse semolina
- ½ cup (85g) shredded coconut
- 300g chocolate (for the middle layer)
For the Syrup:
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
- A little water to thin the syrup slightly
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mixture:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 16×26 cm baking tray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until well combined. Stir in the cream, cocoa powder, instant coffee, baking powder, vanilla sugar, and oil until smooth.
- Gradually add the semolina and shredded coconut, mixing until just combined.
2. Assemble the Basbousa:
- Pour half of the basbousa mixture into the prepared tray. Spread evenly.
- Lay down an even layer of chocolate over the mixture.
- Cover with the remaining basbousa mixture, smoothing the top with a spatula.
3. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Prepare and Apply the Syrup:
- While the basbousa is baking, gently warm the condensed milk with a little water in a small saucepan just until it becomes slightly runny. Do not let it boil.
- Once the basbousa is out of the oven, immediately pour the warm syrup over it, ensuring it soaks evenly.
5. Serving:
- Allow the basbousa to cool completely in the pan before slicing into pieces.
- Serve as is or garnished with additional coconut, nuts, or a chocolate drizzle.
Enjoy this decadent Chocolate Basbousa, a perfect blend of traditional texture and rich chocolate flavor, guaranteed to be a hit at any dining table.
