Sfouf Turmeric Cake: A Home-Style Recipe
Cookies & baking · Makes 16 squares · Published October 22, 2026
Sfouf is a golden semolina cake flavored with turmeric. This home version uses oil and no eggs, with tahini brushed onto the pan.
A home-style variation, not our shop’s formula. These recipes have not been kitchen-tested by Syrian Sweets of America. Check ingredient labels for allergens and kosher suitability.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups fine semolina
- 1/2 cup flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup milk or unsweetened plant milk
- 1/2 cup neutral oil
- 1 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp pine nuts
Method
- Heat oven to 350°F and brush a 9-inch square pan with tahini.
- Whisk semolina, flour, sugar, turmeric and baking powder. Stir in milk and oil just until the mixture is smooth.
- Spread batter in the pan and sprinkle pine nuts over the top. Bake 30–40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely in the pan before slicing. Letting the crumb set makes cleaner squares.
A better result
Turmeric is potent: measure it rather than pouring from the jar. Too much makes the cake bitter.
Serve it together
Serve plain with tea. Ready-made sfouf is an easy addition to a Lebanese sweets assortment.
Prefer it ready to serve?
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