Traditional Lebanese Sfouf Cake Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp of turmeric
  • 1 tsp of baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp of baking soda
  • 1 cup of vegetable oil
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 1/4 cup of sesame seeds
  • 1 tsp of vanilla extract

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking dish with a bit of oil.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, turmeric, baking powder, and baking soda.
  3. Add the vegetable oil to the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture becomes sandy.
  4. In a separate bowl, heat the milk until it is warm, not hot.
  5. Slowly add the warm milk and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
  6. Pour the batter into the greased baking dish, making sure to spread it evenly.
  7. Generously sprinkle the top of the batter with sesame seeds.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
  9. Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting into squares or diamonds.
  10. Enjoy your Sfouf with a cup of tea or coffee.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the dry and wet ingredients together.
  • Baking Dish - A dish used to bake the Sfouf cake in the oven.
  • Whisk or Spoon - Used to mix the ingredients together until well combined.
  • Measuring Cups - To accurately measure the flour, sugar, oil, and milk.
  • Measuring Spoons - To measure precise amounts of turmeric, baking powder, and baking soda.
  • Oven - To preheat and bake the Sfouf cake.
  • Toothpick - Used to check if the cake is fully cooked by inserting it into the center.
  • Cooling Rack - To cool the cake after baking before cutting into squares.

Recipe variations

  • Use almond flour or semolina flour instead of all-purpose flour for a different texture and flavor.
  • Replace the granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dry ingredients for a hint of spice.
  • Incorporate chopped nuts such as almonds, pistachios, or walnuts into the batter for added crunch.
  • Experiment with different oils like olive oil or melted butter for a richer taste.
  • Add a tablespoon of orange blossom water or rose water to infuse the cake with a floral aroma.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Make it vegan by using plant-based milk (such as almond milk or soy milk) instead of cow's milk and replace the honey with a vegan sweetener like agave nectar.
  • Try different toppings such as shredded coconut or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
  • For a savory twist, omit the sugar and turmeric, and instead add herbs like thyme, oregano, or za'atar to the batter before baking.

Recipe overview

Sfouf is an incredibly delicious and traditional Lebanese dessert, known for its vibrant yellow color and intense flavors. A sponge cake in essence, Sfouf gets its distinctive hue from turmeric, a spice cherished for its robust health benefits and earthy taste. This tender, moist cake is lightly sweetened, making it perfect for a light dessert or an accompaniment to your afternoon tea. In our recipe, we'll guide you through the process of creating this delightful treat from scratch. You'll see how simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and oil, when combined with the magic of turmeric and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds, transform into a cake that's beautifully golden and incredibly satisfying. With a preparation time of around 15 minutes and a baking period of 30 to 35 minutes, this recipe is straightforward and relatively quick. It's also versatile - the cake can be cut into squares or diamonds and served either warm or cold. Let's start baking, and in no time, you'll be enjoying your very own homemade Sfouf!

Common questions

  1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that it may result in a denser texture.
  2. Can I use a different type of oil? Yes, you can use a different type of oil such as canola oil or melted butter as a substitute for vegetable oil.
  3. Can I omit the turmeric? While turmeric is a traditional ingredient in sfouf and gives it its distinctive golden color, you can omit it if you prefer.
  4. What can I use instead of sesame seeds? If you don't have sesame seeds or prefer a different topping, you can use chopped almonds, pistachios, or coconut flakes instead.
  5. How should I store the leftover sfouf? To keep the sfouf fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the dry and wet ingredients together.
  • Whisk - To mix the ingredients smoothly and ensure there are no lumps in the batter.
  • Baking Dish - A dish or pan to bake the sfouf in.
  • Cooling Rack - Used to cool the sfouf completely after baking.
  • Spatula - To remove the sfouf from the baking dish and transfer it to a serving plate.
  • Knife - To cut the sfouf into squares or diamonds for serving.
  • Tea or Coffee Cups - For serving the sfouf with your favorite hot beverage.

Origin stories

Sfouf, a vibrant yellow cake, hails from the diverse and rich culinary traditions of Lebanon. It's a popular treat for various occasions, oftentimes served at celebrations. The cake's unique, bright yellow color comes from an ingredient not typically found in most sweet treats - turmeric, a spice more commonly associated with savory dishes. But in Sfouf, turmeric lends not only color but also a unique, earthy flavor that, combined with the sweetness of the cake, creates a taste experience that is truly one-of-a-kind, much like Lebanon itself. This unusual cake also has a social aspect to it. Traditionally, Sfouf is cut into small, diamond-shaped pieces, making it easy to share among family and friends, reflecting the Lebanese people's penchant for hospitality and communal meals. Sfouf isn't just a cake; it's a testament to Lebanon's culinary ingenuity and convivial culture.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.