A Moist and Fragrant Moroccan-Inspired Delight
Introduction
If you’re looking for a dairy-free, egg-free, and utterly irresistible dessert, this Coconut & Semolina Vegan Cake is your answer. Infused with the floral elegance of orange blossom water and the nutty texture of semolina and coconut, this cake is a perfect example of how Moroccan-inspired flavors can meet modern vegan baking.
This cake is:
- 🥥 Soft and moist
- 🌿 Completely plant-based
- 🍊 Aromatic with orange blossom and citrus
- 🍰 Perfect for tea time, brunch, or festive occasions
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Vegan-friendly — no eggs, milk, or butter
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Bursting with North African floral flavor
- Can be prepared in under 1 hour
- Delicious warm or chilled, and easy to store
🛒 Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup semolina (medium grind)
- ¾ cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup plant-based yogurt or unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup coconut milk or any plant milk
- ½ cup sugar (or maple syrup)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp orange blossom water
- Zest of 1 orange
- Pinch of salt
Optional Syrup (for extra moisture):
- ½ cup water
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp orange blossom water
🍰 Instructions
🔄 Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease a round or square baking pan with oil or line with parchment paper.
🥣 Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine:
- Semolina
- Flour
- Shredded coconut
- Baking powder, baking soda
- Salt
- Orange zest
Mix well.
🥥 Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together:
- Plant-based yogurt or applesauce
- Sugar
- Coconut milk
- Orange blossom water
- Vegetable oil
Mix until smooth.
🍊 Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
- Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
- Stir gently with a spatula until fully combined — do not overmix.
🔥 Step 5: Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
🍯 Optional: Soak with Syrup
For extra moisture and Moroccan flair:
- Heat water and sugar in a saucepan until sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and stir in orange blossom water.
- While the cake is still warm, drizzle the syrup evenly over the surface.
🎂 Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a cup of mint tea for a traditional Moroccan experience.
- Top with toasted coconut flakes or slivered almonds.
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
- Add a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for dessert decadence.
💡 Variations & Tips
| Want to customize it? | Try this: |
|---|---|
| Sweeter version | Increase sugar to ¾ cup |
| Nutty twist | Add chopped pistachios or walnuts |
| Citrus boost | Add a bit of lemon zest |
| Gluten-free | Use gluten-free flour blend + fine cornmeal |
🧠 Nutritional Value (Per Slice – Approx. 12 slices)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~200 kcal |
| Carbs | 27g |
| Sugar | 12g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 3g |
✅ A light, plant-based treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without heaviness.
📦 Storage & Make-Ahead
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Fridge: Keeps fresh for up to 6 days
- Freezer: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months
To reheat: microwave for 15–20 seconds or enjoy cold!
📝 Meta Description (SEO Optimized)
Try this Coconut & Semolina Vegan Cake with Orange Blossom — a soft, dairy-free Moroccan-inspired dessert bursting with floral and nutty flavors.
🌍 Cultural Insight: The Moroccan Love for Semolina and Orange Blossom
In Moroccan baking, semolina is a beloved ingredient used in everything from cookies to breads to celebratory cakes. Combined with orange blossom water, which is a staple in Moroccan sweets and drinks, this cake pays tribute to tradition while embracing a modern, vegan twist.
It’s a perfect example of how Moroccan flavors can be reimagined into inclusive, health-conscious desserts without losing their soul.
✨ Final Thoughts
This Coconut & Semolina Vegan Cake with Orange Blossom isn’t just delicious — it’s an experience. It fills your kitchen with the scent of citrus and coconut, delights your taste buds, and proves that plant-based desserts can be just as satisfying and celebratory as their classic counterparts.
Whether you’re serving guests or treating yourself, this cake is a slice of Moroccan-inspired magic.
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