Sfouf (Lebanese Turmeric Cake)

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This Lebanese-style cake, flavored with anise and brightened with turmeric, was a favorite treat from my childhood. Thanks to my grandmother’s recipe, I can make it as an adult!

Submitted by LauraF
Updated on November 5, 2024
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Additional Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
50 mins
Servings:
16
Yield:
1 (9x13-inch) pan
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 16 servings

  • 1 tablespoon tahini

  • 1 ½ cups boiling water

  • 2 teaspoons whole anise seeds

  • 1 ½ cups white sugar

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 teaspoons ground turmeric

  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

  • 1 ¼ teaspoons anise seed powder

  • ½ cup vegetable oil

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts

Directions

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

  2. Combine boiling water and anise seeds in a glass measuring cup. Let steep, about 5 minutes. Strain into a bowl and discard anise seeds. Stir in sugar until dissolved.

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

  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.

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

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

283 Calories
14g Fat
38g Carbs
3g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 16
Calories 283
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 14g 18%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 15mg 5%
Sodium 49mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 38g 14%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 19g
Protein 3g 6%
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 39mg 3%
Iron 2mg 9%
Potassium 51mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.