Semolina Tutti Frutti Cake or Gulab Jamun Style :)

This is one of my fav Indian style cake that I love to make and can be enjoyed on any occasions :)

Semolina Cake (Basbousa, Hareesa), also known as Revani in Turkey, Ravani, or Revani in Greece, is a decadent sweet treat. Made from a combination of semolina and flour this cake is soaked in a citrus-infused syrup  ̶  much like gulab jamuns  ̶  it too has a golden brown shell encasing a soft syrupy internal section.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Yield: 20 3cm x 3cm squares

Ingredients

• 2 cups semolina *
• 6 level tablespoons flour
• 2 cups plain yogurt
• half cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons sugar
•  5  eggs
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla or orange essence
• 1/4 cup Tutti Frutti
• 1.5 cups sugar
• 1.5 cups water
• 1 lemon
• 1 orange  or orange zest (optional)
• pinch of salt (optional)

* Note: It is best to use finer grains of semolina e.g Tasty Wheat.

1. Make the syrup 2-3 hours before you intend baking the cake. Add the 1.5 cups water and sugar in a pan on medium heat. Boil for 5-7 minutes until the sugar appears to be dissolved. Squeeze half a lemon into the syrup. Then add the half lemon into the syrup. Add remaining lemon zest. Boil for another 4-5 minutes. The lemon will prevent the sugar from crystallizing. Remove from the stove. Allow cooling until needed.

2. Preheat the oven to 150 degrees Celsius or 350 f. 
Whisk the eggs, vanilla essence, and sugar then add the oil and yogurt. Mix to form a creamy consistency. Sift in the dry ingredients. Add 2 tablespoons orange zest. Add the tutti Frutti. 

3. Mix to form a smooth batter. Pour into a lined baking pan.
4. Bake for 20- 25 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius. The crust should be light golden brown.
5. Remove from the oven. Pour the cold syrup over the cake. Top with citrus peel or pistachios. Place in the refrigerator until needed.

You can also eliminate tutti fruit and make it. It tastes equally delicious!