Qalb el Louz (Algerian Almond Semolina Cake)
Local name: قلب اللوز
In short: A moist semolina and almond cake soaked in orange blossom syrup and cut into diamonds, a tea-time sweet for Eid and Ramadan in Algeria. It takes about 55 min in total and makes 12 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 35 min
- Resting
- 1 h
- Total
- 55 min
- Servings
- 12
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 300 kcal
Qalb el louz means heart of almond, and this syrup-soaked semolina cake is a staple of Algerian celebration trays. Fine semolina and ground almonds give it a dense, moist crumb, and a syrup scented with orange blossom water soaks in as it cools. It is cut into diamonds, topped with a whole almond and served with coffee or mint tea. Because the syrup keeps it moist, it tastes even better the next day.
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 23 cm (9 in) square baking pan.
- For the syrup, simmer the sugar, water and lemon juice for 8 minutes. Stir in the orange blossom water and let the syrup cool completely.
- Mix the semolina, ground almonds, sugar and baking powder in a large bowl.
- Whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter and orange blossom water, then stir them into the dry ingredients until smooth. Rest the batter for 10 minutes so the semolina can absorb the liquid.
- Spread the batter in the pan and level the top. Score it into 12 diamonds with a knife and press a whole almond into the center of each.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cut along the marks while the cake is hot.
- Slowly spoon the cool syrup over the hot cake and let it soak in for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tips
- Use fine semolina. Coarse semolina gives a sandy crumb. Pouring cool syrup over the hot cake lets it soak in evenly without turning the cake soggy.
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the semolina in a dry pan for 5 minutes and cool it before mixing.
Questions and answers
How long does qalb el louz keep?
In an airtight container at room temperature it keeps for 4 to 5 days. It also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Can I use almond flour?
Yes. Blanched almond flour works in place of ground almonds, and the crumb will be a little finer.
Why is my cake dry?
It may have baked too long or you may have used too little syrup. Bake only until a toothpick comes out clean and use all of the syrup.
How long does it take to make Qalb el Louz (Algerian Almond Semolina Cake)?
About 55 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 35 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Qalb el Louz (Algerian Almond Semolina Cake)?
About 300 kcal per serving, with 6 g of protein, 40 g of carbohydrates and 13 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 300 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 24 g |
| Sodium | 90 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
