Golden Baked Turkish Revani with Syrup

I still remember the first time I tasted Turkish Revani at a summer family gathering—it was love at first bite. The sweet, fragrant cake soaked in syrup was golden, tender, and utterly comforting. I wanted to recreate that same magic at home, but with a simple, foolproof method that didn’t take all day. That’s how I perfected this recipe for golden baked Turkish Revani with syrup, and now it’s my go-to dessert whenever I crave something sweet, traditional, and satisfying.
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s impressive yet simple to make, this Turkish Revani with syrup will tick all the boxes. It’s moist, flavorful, and perfectly sweet—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
What Makes Turkish Revani Special?
Revani is a traditional Turkish semolina cake soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup. Its unique texture—light, slightly grainy from semolina, and syrup-soaked—is what makes it so distinctive. Unlike other cakes, the syrup permeates every bite, keeping it moist for days. I love that this dessert feels both festive and homey, perfect for a family gathering or a quiet afternoon treat with tea.
The magic of golden baked Turkish Revani is in its simplicity: a handful of ingredients, no complicated techniques, and yet it yields a dessert that tastes like it belongs in a bakery.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a simple list of ingredients to make the perfect golden baked Turkish Revani with syrup:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup semolina (120g)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup yogurt (120ml)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (120ml)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for freshness)
For the Syrup:
- 1 cup sugar (200g)
- 1 cup water (240ml)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
These ingredients are easy to find, and the preparation is straightforward—perfect for beginner and seasoned bakers alike.
How to Bake Golden Turkish Revani
Step 1: Prepare the Syrup
Start by making the syrup. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Add lemon juice and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool while you bake the cake. Visual Tip: The syrup should be golden and pourable—like a thin honey consistency.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add yogurt, vegetable oil, vanilla, and lemon zest, mixing until smooth. Slowly fold in semolina, flour, and baking powder until the batter is uniform.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking pan and pour in the batter. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden.
Step 4: Pour the Syrup
Once the cake is out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes. Then pour the cooled syrup evenly over the warm cake. The semolina will absorb the syrup slowly, creating a moist, fragrant texture.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature. Cut into squares or diamonds and serve. For an extra touch, garnish with toasted coconut, ground pistachios, or a dollop of whipped cream.
FAQs About Turkish Revani
Q1: Can I make Revani ahead of time?
Yes! Revani actually tastes better after resting for a few hours or overnight, as the syrup fully absorbs into the cake.
Q2: Can I adjust the sweetness?
Absolutely. You can reduce the sugar slightly in both the cake and syrup to suit your taste.
Q3: Can I make this gluten-free?
You can try substituting almond flour for part of the all-purpose flour, but the texture will be slightly different due to the semolina.
Q4: How should I store leftovers?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. The syrup keeps it moist and flavorful.
Tips for Perfect Golden Revani
- Even Syrup Distribution: Pour slowly to prevent soggy spots.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and yogurt are not cold for smoother batter.
- Optional Flavors: Add orange zest, a pinch of cinnamon, or cardamom for subtle aromatic notes.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with a cup of strong Turkish tea or coffee for an authentic experience.
Conclusion: Delicious, Simple, and Timeless
Golden baked Turkish Revani with syrup is the ultimate dessert that’s simple, moist, and packed with flavor. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for anyone looking to impress without stress. From family gatherings to quiet afternoons, this dessert brings warmth, sweetness, and a touch of tradition to your table.
Next time you’re craving a sweet treat, try this recipe—it’s a guaranteed hit that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Pour the syrup, cut into squares, and enjoy the perfect combination of golden semolina cake and fragrant sweetness.
Pro Tip: Let the cake rest for at least 1 hour after adding the syrup to maximize the moist, flavorful texture before serving.