Ravani - Greek Semolina Cake


I have been craving this cake for quite some time now.  So today, I decided to make it.  My mother used to make it often, while I was young.  The semolina gives it a different texture than any typical flour cake.  The lemony syrup (you actually don’t taste it a bit), gives it that extra flavor.  It’s not too sweet but it goes well with coffee, or as an afternoon snack. 

Enjoy!!!

Ravani – Greek Semolina Cake with Lemon Syrup 

32 pieces (approximately 2.5oz each)

For the cake

1 cup unsalted butter melted, or at room temperature
1 cup sugar
4 eggs separated
1 cup milk
1 cup semolina flour (durum wheat)
1 and ½ cups flour
4 tsps baking powder
1 tsp vanilla
Rind of one lemon

For the syrup

2 cups sugar
2 cups water
Juice of ½ a lemon

The cake

Heat the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grease a 9x13 ovenproof glass pan.

Preparation ingredients

Prepare the flour mixture by mixing the flour, semolina, and baking powder together.  Set aside.

Beat together the butter and sugar till creamy.  Add the egg yolks one at time, beating well after each addition.  Add vanilla extract and the rind of one lemon.  Add the flour mixture alternating with the cup of milk.  Beat well.  Set aside.

Beat together the egg whites until soft peaks form.  Fold the egg whites into the batter mixture until blended.  Pour the batter into the pan and bake at 350 degree oven for 45 minutes or until it is lightly golden brown.  Or, if a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.  (The cake will rise while baking). 
The batter and the greased pan

The batter in the oven proof pan, before it goes in the oven


The syrup

While the cake is baking prepare the syrup.  Pour the sugar and water in a pan and bring to a boil stirring constantly.  Lower the heat to medium and let it cook for 10-15 minutes while stirring.  The syrup should be clear by the time you are done, and very slightly reduced.  Remove from heat.  Add the lemon juice and stir until dissolved. 

When the cake is done, let it cool for a while.  Cut into diamond shape pieces or squares and while it is still warm pour the syrup on top.  The cake will absorb all the syrup.  Serve with some icing sugar sprinkled on top, or just plain.

Out of the oven, cooled with the syrup and with some sprinkled icing sugar on top. 


Nutrition Facts*
Serving Size                                         1 serving(66.7 g)
Amount Per Serving
Calories                                              176
Calories from Fat                                  59                                % Daily Value
Total Fat                                               6.6g                             10%
Saturated Fat                                       3.9g                             20%
Cholesterol                                           39mg                           13%
Sodium                                                 53mg                           2%
Total Carbohydrates                             27.8g                           9%
Dietary Fiber                                         0.4g                             2%
Sugars                                                 19.2g
Protein                                                 2.3g

*The nutrition facts include the syrup.