International Cuisine

Exploring the world through food.

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
  • Journey by Country
  • Recipes
  • Travel
  • My Cookbook

Syrian Nut Cake (H’risseh)

February 18, 2021 By Darlene at International Cuisine

Sharing is caring!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Jump to Recipe  ↓ Print Recipe  ❒
slices of a Syrian nut cake

Syrian nut cake called h’risseh is a delectable cake made with semolina, topped with an assortment of nuts, and then doused with a fragrant sugar syrup.  The result is a stunningly beautiful and delicious dessert.

slices of a Syrian nut cake

This recipe calls for semolina, you just want to make sure to use coarse semolina flour not fine to achieve the proper texture.  I have a link to the proper semolina here.    Additionally it calls for superfine sugar which you should be able to find in your local grocery store but I but if you can’t find it I have it linked here.  Rose water and Orange Blossom water are used in the fragrant syrup. 

The semolina batter is made with butter and yogurt which results in a lovely light and airy cake.  Feel free to use whatever nuts you like.  This easy to make dessert calls for it to rest in a cool place for about 3 hours so be sure to plan ahead when you want to make it. 

Interestingly, the name h’risseh in Lebanon is a savory dish, a porridge made with wheat and meat.  In Syria however, there is no confusion everyone knows this Syrian nut cake.  It was made famous in a small town not to far from the Capital city Damascus called Nabak on the road to Aleppo.

It should be served with a coffee as would be traditional in Syria.  A lovely dessert recipe for just about any occasion.

Syria has had many trials and tribulations and a most recent horrific civil war. If you would like to learn more about this Middle Eastern country be sure to check out “Our Journey to Syria”.  There you will also find some more delicious and authentic Syrian recipes like Muhamarra, a spicy red pepper dip served with Syrian pita bread.  and a wonderful main dish, baked lamb kibbeh.

Craving even more?  Be sure to join the culinary and cultural journey around the world, so you don’t miss a thing,  it’s free,  You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook ,  Pinterest and youtube to follow along our journey.

Please note that this page contains affiliate links in which I will earn a small commission however, it will in no way affect the price you pay. I thank you for your support!

slices of a Syrian nut cake
Print Pin
5 from 2 votes

Syrian Nut Cake (H'risseh)

A delicious semolina cake topped with nuts and a fragrant sugar syrup from Syria
Course Dessert
Cuisine Middle Eastern, Syrian
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Refrigeration time 3 hours
Total Time 4 hours
Servings 8
Calories 452kcal
Author Darlene at International Cuisine

Ingredients

For the Batter

  • 1 1/4 cups Semolina flour not fine
  • 6 Tbsp unsalted butter room temperature
  • 1/4 cup sugar superfine
  • 1 1/2 cups Yogurt Whole Milk
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp tahini for greasing the pan

For the topping

  • 1/3 cup almonds blanched
  • 1/3 cup Pistachio nuts
  • 1/3 cup walnut pieces
  • 1/3 cup cashews unsalted

Fragrant Sugar Syrup

  • 1 cup sugar superfine
  • 1 tsp lemon juice fresh
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 Tbsp rose water
  • 1 Tbsp orange blossom water

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, put in the semolina, butter and sugar and with a spatula blend together.
  • Add in the yogurt, and baking soda and mix well.
  • Grease a 10" round cake pan with tahini.
  • Spread the batter in the cake pan and smooth with a spoon.
  • Cover with plastic wrap, and let rest in the refrigerator for 3 hours.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
  • Remove the batter from the refrigerator and scatter the nuts all over the top.
  • Bake until the cake is golden 40 minutes
  • While the cake is cooking make the fragrant syrup
  • In a saucepan add the sugar, lemon juice and water and place over medium heat.
  • Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved. Let it boil for 3 minutes then add in the rose and orange blossom water. Mix and remove from heat.
  • When the cake is done pour over the syrup and let the cake stand for 30 minutes. It may look like it is too much syrup, but it will be absorbed by the cake.
  • Slice and serve with coffee

Nutrition

Calories: 452kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 38mg | Potassium: 229mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 286IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 2mg

 

Sharing is caring!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Filed Under: Dessert, Recipes, Syria

« Our Journey to Syria
Baked Lamb Kibbeh (Kibbeh Bil Sanieh) »
Symbols of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan a tea pot, cotton, wheat, an apple, and pictures of their national animals an Uzbek cat and markhor.

Our Journey to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan

How did they get their Names? Both of these countries are named for early, ...

Read More »

Symbols of Taiwan, a flag, plum blossoms, black bear, butterfly, baseball bat, teapot and a mask.

Our Journey to Taiwan

How did Taiwan get its name? Portuguese explorers, back in the mid 1500s, ...

Read More »

This Week’s Recipes

A plateful of Togolese Spaghetti Salad

Togolese Spaghetti Salad

A plateful of Togolese grilled chicken served with djenkoume, a tomato cornmeal

Togo Grilled Chicken Recipe

a mound of Togolese tomato cornmeal called Djenkoume

Togo Djenkoume Tomato Cornmeal Recipe

Welcome to International Cuisine

Hello my name is Darlene and thank you for stopping by!

I am cooking a meal from every country in the world. I do extensive research and choose a menu that I feel best represents the country and their cuisine. Of course that also includes the authentic, delicious recipes. Simply click on the link or the photo in the journey by country posts to get them. I also share important information about the country as well.

I love to cook, photograph, and especially travel. I hope you enjoy this culinary and cultural adventure around the world. Be sure to join the journey so you don't miss a thing. It's free!

Our Mission

To promote cultural appreciation by cooking our way across the world, one nation at a time. To discover the struggles and joys that have influenced the people, to gain an appreciation of their land and traditions and to feel the hospitality that only sharing a meal can convey.

Come join the journey, explore a new country each week and embark on a fantastic culinary adventure.

Connect and share with Us

  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Join the Journey It’s Free!

Sign up for my culinary, travel and cultural adventure delivered right to your inbox so you won't miss a thing.

Copyright International Cuisine 2014-2021 All Rights Reserved