Name: Sfouf (Turmeric Cake) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons tahini; 1 ½ cups fine semolina flour; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon turmeric; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup neutral oil (such as avocado oil or vegetable oil); ¼ cup pine nuts

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 52 reviews

If you’ve never tried a bright, golden cake that is both deeply comforting and uniquely flavorful, then this Sfouf (Turmeric Cake) Recipe is about to become your new obsession. This Lebanese classic boasts a beautiful yellow hue from turmeric, giving it just the right earthy warmth without overwhelming sweetness. The tender crumb, kissed by the subtle nuttiness of pine nuts and the gentle hint of tahini greasing the pan, results in a moist, mildly spiced cake that is perfect for any time of the day. Whether you’re sharing with friends over coffee or enjoying a quiet moment, this Sfouf (Turmeric Cake) Recipe brings a touch of sunshine and tradition to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A set of nine small white bowls and a clear glass jug are arranged on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl, placed on the top left, holds a fine, bright yellow powder with a smooth texture. To its right is a cut crystal glass filled with a clear light yellow liquid. On the top right, a small clear glass jug contains a white liquid. Below the large yellow bowl, several smaller white bowls hold various ingredients: bright orange powder, light brown liquid, pale beige seeds, fine white powder, white crystals, and a coarse white flour-like substance. All containers have neat, clean lines, and the color contrasts between the ingredients are clear and vibrant. The overall scene is clean and minimalistic, focused on the ingredients’ colors and textures photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Sfouf (Turmeric Cake) Recipe lies in how simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each component plays its role—from the semolina’s sandy texture to turmeric’s vibrant color and the milk and oil ensuring softness and moisture.

2 tablespoons tahini: Used to grease the pan, it adds a subtle nutty essence and ensures the cake won’t stick.
1 ½ cups fine semolina flour: Gives the cake its characteristic crumb and slight grittiness that’s just right.
½ cup all-purpose flour: Balances the semolina and contributes to the cake’s structure.
1 tablespoon turmeric: Responsible for the vibrant yellow tone and gentle earthy flavor.
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise to light and fluffy perfection.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just enough without overwhelming the other flavors.
1 cup whole milk: Adds richness and moisture for a tender crumb.
½ cup neutral oil (like avocado or vegetable oil): Keeps the cake moist and tender without overpowering the flavors.
¼ cup pine nuts: Sprinkled on top, they toast slightly during baking for a crunchy, buttery accent.

How to Make Sfouf (Turmeric Cake) Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and generously greasing a 9×9-inch baking pan with tahini. This little step not only prevents sticking but imparts a subtle nutty undertone that pairs perfectly with the turmeric’s earthiness.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the semolina, all-purpose flour, turmeric, and baking powder. Taking the time to combine these well ensures even color and texture in every bite of your Sfouf (Turmeric Cake) Recipe.

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar, whole milk, and oil until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture looks smooth. This blend provides the moisture and sweetness needed to balance the dry ingredients beautifully.

Step 4: Combine and Transfer

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until the batter is smooth and glows with a bright yellow color. Then, pour the batter into your tahini-coated pan and sprinkle pine nuts evenly over the top, setting the stage for that delightful toasted crunch.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the cake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is set and lightly golden, and the pine nuts are toasted but not burnt. This timing guarantees a moist interior with a beautiful, slightly crisp exterior.

Step 6: Cooling and Cutting

Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling phase is crucial for the Sfouf (Turmeric Cake) Recipe to set properly and makes cutting easier. Once cooled, slice into 16 squares or diamond shapes for that classic look.

How to Serve Sfouf (Turmeric Cake) Recipe

The image shows a white plate with a thin gold rim holding 15 small square pieces of yellow cornbread topped with scattered pine nuts. Each piece is thick and textured, showing a moist crumb inside, with some pine nuts slightly browned on top. To the top left of the plate, there is a small white bowl filled with pine nuts. On the right side, there are two stacked white plates with two forks resting on them. A light blue cloth is folded on the bottom right corner against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the pine nuts add a natural topping during baking, consider sprinkling a light dusting of powdered sugar or even a few fresh mint leaves for a fresh contrast when serving. A drizzle of honey can also add a lovely touch of sweetness for those with a sweet tooth.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of Arabic coffee or mint tea. For a more indulgent experience, serve alongside a dollop of labneh or thick Greek yogurt to balance the spice with creamy tanginess.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive occasions, arrange the cut pieces on a colorful platter, alternating between squares and diamonds for visual appeal. You can also serve it with a small bowl of toasted pine nuts or crushed pistachios for guests to add extra crunch if they desire.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Sfouf keeps well at room temperature, covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container, staying fresh for up to 3 days. This makes it a perfect make-ahead treat.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake, sliced or whole, wrapped well in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked warmth, or enjoy it cold with your favorite beverage. Avoid overheating to keep the cake moist and tender.

FAQs

What does turmeric add to Sfouf?

Turmeric provides the signature golden color and a subtle earthy flavor that’s central to the identity of Sfouf. It’s gentle and not spicy but lends warmth and vibrancy to the cake.

Can I substitute the pine nuts?

Yes, you can swap pine nuts for slivered almonds, chopped pistachios, or even walnuts. Each will add a slightly different nuttiness and texture but will maintain the delightful crunch on top.

Is Sfouf cake gluten-free?

Traditional Sfouf uses semolina and all-purpose flour, both contain gluten, so it is not gluten-free. However, you could experiment with gluten-free flour blends that work for baking, though texture and flavor may vary.

Why is tahini used to grease the pan?

Tahini isn’t just for flavor; it helps the cake release easily while imparting a mild nutty undertone to the edges, enhancing the overall depth of the Sfouf (Turmeric Cake) Recipe.

Can I make Sfouf dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace the whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk, and use a neutral oil. The texture will still be moist, and the flavor remains close to the original.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give this Sfouf (Turmeric Cake) Recipe a try—it’s a beautiful way to bring some exotic warmth and tradition into your kitchen. Once you taste its tender crumb, subtle sweetness, and sunny color, I’m confident it will become a beloved staple in your collection. Plus, it’s wonderfully simple to make and so satisfying to share with those you love.