Sfouf – Yellow Cake

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I’m back to my kitchen, to my bed and most importantly to my family. Gosh! I missed my hubby and daughters. Four weeks away from home felt very long and slow. I felt the time freezing, as if the Earth was not rotating, but Thanks God, there’s a bright side for every story, because I was working with a wonderful team, on a very big brand, learning splendid recipes from a gifted chef.

I came back a week ago! I miss cooking so much that we had different menu everyday for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even dessert. My family and I are overwhelmed.

The first item I want to share with you after my return is Sfouf cake.

Sfouf are fun! It’s a Lebanese dessert known for its distinctive yellow color coming from the addition of turmeric. Sfouf can be enjoyed with milk, tea or coffee. It contains no eggs or no butter, mix the ingredients the way you like and make sure you will get a superb cake flavored with aniseed and turmeric spices; two of the healthiest spices available. Like many recipes, the quantities varies from a kitchen to another, but this recipe is simply the best ☺

Sfouf (Sfoof)

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cups semolina flour
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 3/4 cups sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 2 tbsp turmeric
  • 1 tbsp ground aniseed
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp rose water
  • 2 tbsp tahini

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, semolina flour, sugar, baking powder, turmeric, aniseed, and salt.
  3. Add the milk, yogurt, oil, water, and rose water, and whisk until the batter is smooth.
  4. Grease a baking dish with tahini and pour in the batter. Make sure it is flat and even. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, pine nuts, or decorate with almonds.
  5. Bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool for 15 minutes, then cut into pieces like brownies and serve.

This recipe has been edited on April 5, 2026

 

17 thoughts on “Sfouf – Yellow Cake”

  4. Maya, we miss you back here in Dubai!!! The recipe sounds easy, I will give it a try especially that I’m missing authentic home made Lebanese food these days… Can I place a request for more Lebanese recipes?

    Reply ↓

  7. hello 🙂
    just wanted to ask you if this cake is moist . i’m planning to make it for a party tonight
    have a nice weekend
    lara

    Reply ↓

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