Sfouf (Lebanese Turmeric Cake)

This Lebanese cake flavored with anise seeds was one of my favorite treats growing up. It's a beautiful bright yellow thanks to turmeric powder. My grandmother shared her recipe with me so I can finally make it for myself!

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 283 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups white sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ cups boiling water
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts
• 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 1 tablespoon tahini
• 2 teaspoons whole anise seeds
• 1 ¼ teaspoons anise seed powder

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with tahini.

Step 2

Combine boiling water and anise seeds in a glass measuring cup; let steep, about 5 minutes. Strain into a bowl; stir in sugar until dissolved. Discard anise seeds.

Step 3

Mix flour, turmeric, baking powder, and anise seed powder together in a bowl. Make a well in the center; mix in oil and butter. Stir in sweetened anise water until batter is the consistency of thick yogurt.

Step 4

Pour batter into the prepared baking pan. Score top into diamond shapes with the tip of a knife; place 1 pine nut in the center of each diamond.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven until top is lightly browned, about 30 minutes.