Dessert

Namoura (Middle Eastern Semolina Cake with Orange Blossom Syrup) Recipe

Name: Namoura (Middle Eastern Semolina Cake with Orange Blossom Syrup) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 3 cup fine semolina flour; 1/2 cup cane sugar; 1 tbsp baking powder; 3/4 cup melted butter; 9 oz Vanilla Bean Skyr (2 containers of 4.4 oz each); 1/2 cup milk (plus more if needed); 1 tbsp orange blossom water (for batter); 1 orange (zest only); Blanched almonds (for topping); Tahini (to spread on baking sheet); 1 cup water; 1 1/3 cup sugar; 1 tbsp orange blossom water (for syrup)

ByElena Hart January 9, 2026January 9, 2026

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Introduction

Namoura is a delightful Middle Eastern semolina cake that’s soft, fragrant, and perfectly sweetened with a rose-scented syrup. This version features creamy vanilla bean skyr and a hint of orange blossom for an elegant twist. It’s an inviting treat for any occasion.

A baking tray filled with 20 square pieces of golden yellow cake, each piece topped with a light brown almond placed in the center. The cake has a slightly shiny, moist texture on top with a crumbly surface, and one piece has been cut and lifted slightly by a silver knife resting on the tray, showing the soft, dense inside. In the background, a white plate holds one square piece of the same cake with a spoon containing a white creamy substance next to it. The surface beneath the tray and plate is a white marbled texture, and a container of extra creamy skyr yogurt is visible behind the tray. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cup fine semolina flour
3/4 cup melted butter

1/2 cup cane sugar
1 tbsp baking powder

9 oz Vanilla Bean Skyr (2 containers of 4.4 oz)
1/2 cup milk

1 orange (zest)
1 tbsp orange blossom water (for the batter)
Blanched almonds (for garnish)

Tahini (for greasing)
1 cup water (for syrup)
1 1/3 cup sugar (for syrup)

1 tbsp orange blossom water (for syrup)

Instructions

Step 1: Whisk together the semolina flour, cane sugar, and baking powder in a large bowl.
Step 2: Add the vanilla bean skyr, melted butter, 1 tablespoon orange blossom water, milk, and orange zest to the dry ingredients. Mix until combined.

Step 3: Cover the mixture and let it rest for 30 to 45 minutes. If the batter feels too dry, add a little more milk to loosen it.
Step 4: Spread a layer of tahini on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Transfer the batter onto the prepared sheet. Use your hands to press it flat and even. Before baking, cut the batter into diamond shapes and place a blanched almond in the center of each piece.

Step 6: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes. For a golden top, broil for 1 to 3 minutes at the end.
Step 7: While the cake bakes, prepare the syrup. Combine water and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower heat to medium-low and simmer for 6 to 7 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in 1 tablespoon orange blossom water, then remove from heat and let cool.
Step 8: When the cake is done and still warm, pour the cooled syrup evenly over it. Allow it to soak in before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra fragrance, add a teaspoon of rose water to the syrup or batter.
Try swapping skyr for Greek yogurt if you cannot find it; it will give a similar creamy texture.
Decorate the top with pistachios instead of almonds for a colorful touch.

If your batter is too thick after resting, add milk gradually to reach a spreadable consistency.

Storage

Store namoura in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it longer, refrigerate for up to a week. When ready to serve, warm it slightly to bring back its soft texture. The syrup keeps the cake moist, so reheating gently is best.

How to Serve

Two small squares of golden brown cake with a light, moist texture are placed on a white plate with a floral pattern. Each square has a single almond on top, and one piece is tilted against the other, showing a soft inside with a slightly crisp top. Next to the cake pieces is a dollop of creamy white topping with a smooth and soft texture. A silver spoon rests beside the topping on the plate. In the blurred background, more cake squares with almonds sit on a tray, and a container of extra creamy skyr yogurt is visible. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make namoura gluten-free?

Traditional namoura relies on semolina, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, you could experiment with fine gluten-free flour blends, but the texture and authenticity will differ.

What’s the purpose of resting the batter?

Resting helps the semolina absorb the liquids, resulting in a moist, tender cake. It also improves the texture by allowing flavors to meld before baking.