MIDDLE EASTERN COCONUT CAKE (HARISSAH)

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Middle Eastern Coconut Cake (Harissah) image

If you love coconut macaroons, you will love this dish. This recipe is incredibly easy.This recipe yields a very moist cake that is traditional in the Jordanian/ Palestinian region.This recipe is different than the traditional harissa (also known as basbousa) which is made has semolina or cream of wheat as the main ingredient. I love coconut macaroons which this reminds me of, but in a cake like form.This is always a hit when i have company.If you cannot find unsweetened coconut, use regular sweetened and reduce sugar and use about 1 1/2-1 3/4 cup for the batter.

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups sugar
6 eggs
2 cups corn oil
1 1/2 cups milk
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 dash vanilla
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 cups flour
4 cups of shredded unsweetened coconut (usually found in middle eastern stores)
2 cups water
2 cups sugar
1 dash vanilla

Steps:

  • First make syrup by boiling water and sugar for about 5 to 10 minutes depending on how heavy you may want it but it shouldn't be any thicker than pancake syrup in consistency.
  • *You may also add a tsp of rose water or orange blossom to it to give more of a traditional middle eastern dessert taste (I personally can do without it so that's why my recipe doesn't call for it under the ingredients).
  • When done with that process set syrup aside to cool.
  • Start on the Harissa by combining sugar,eggs,oil,milk,vanilla,lemon juice and mix them together until blended.
  • Then add flour and baking powder to mixture and blend well.
  • Lastly you want to STIR coconut into batter.
  • Then its time to add to greased and floured pan (never a bundt pan)-- an oblong pan will do.
  • Bake for about 30 minutes at 350°F or more until a light/medium golden brown.
  • When cake is done and still hot pour syrup all over cake in pan.
  • You don't have to use all the syrup but at least 3/4 should be used on the cake.
  • Let cool, then cut in slanted squares.
  • Then remove each piece onto a tray.
  • You can garnish with a little shredded coconut on top for presentation.

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