Semolina–Lemon Syrup Cakes

Delicate and moist cakes made with almond and semolina flour, infused with fresh lemon zest and topped with a tangy lemon syrup. These elegant individual cakes offer the perfect balance of nutty and citrus flavors.

12 servings
1 hr 17 min

Ingredients

  • cups almond flour
  • ½ cup semolina flour
  • ¾ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter
  • 1⅛ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 6 tablespoons lemon juice
  • cup sugar

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Line the cups of a standard 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners. Whisk almond flour, semolina flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl to combine.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat butter, sugar, and lemon zest until very light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. With motor running, gradually add eggs and beat until glossy, about 1 minute. Add dry ingredients and lemon juice and beat to combine, about 1 minute.

    7 min

  3. 3.

    Divide batter among muffin cups and bake until cakes are golden brown and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 25-35 minutes.

    30 min

  4. 4.

    Make the syrup while the cakes are baking. Bring lemon zest, lemon juice, and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar; reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

    5 min

  5. 5.

    As soon as cakes come out of the oven, brush or spoon syrup liberally over top (you may not need all of it). Transfer pan to a wire rack and let cakes cool completely before turning out.

    30 min

  6. 6.

    Cakes can be made 2 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.