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7 Easy Steps to Make Moroccan Pancake Layer Cake (Baghrir) Recipe

7 Easy Steps to Make Moroccan Pancake Layer Cake (Baghrir) Recipe

  • Author: basmer
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 cakes (12 servings) 1x

Description

This delightful dessert transforms traditional Moroccan pancakes into an impressive layered masterpiece. Baghrir, known as the “thousand holes pancake,” is layered with honey-infused crème pâtissière and decorated with pistachios and pomegranate seeds for a spectacular treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Baghrir Pancakes:
    • 1 cup fine semolina
    • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
    • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
    • 1 tablespoon sugar
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 2 cups warm water (not hot)
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • For the Honey-Orange Blossom Crème Pâtissière:
    • 3 egg yolks
    • 3 tablespoons caster sugar
    • 3 tablespoons honey
    • 2 teaspoons orange blossom water
    • 1 1/4 cups whole milk
    • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • For Garnish:
    • 1 cup pomegranate seeds
    • 1 cup unsalted pistachios, roughly chopped
    • Extra honey for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Baghrir Batter:
    1. In a blender, combine the semolina, flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
    2. Add the warm water and blend until completely smooth with no lumps.
    3. Add the baking powder and blend again for a few seconds.
    4. Transfer the batter to a bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Cook the Baghrir Pancakes:
    1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat until very hot.
    2. Pour about 1/2 cup of batter into the pan. You should immediately see bubbles forming on the surface.
    3. Let the pancake cook until it’s completely dry on top and no longer wet (approximately 1 minute). Do not flip the pancake!
    4. Remove from the pan and place on a clean kitchen towel.
    5. Repeat until you’ve used all the batter, making approximately 14 pancakes.
    6. Allow the pancakes to cool completely before assembling the cake.
  3. Prepare the Honey-Orange Blossom Crème Pâtissière:
    1. In a large bowl, beat together the egg yolks, sugar, honey, and orange blossom water until smooth. Set aside.
    2. Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat.
    3. Add a few splashes of the warm milk to the egg mixture while stirring constantly to temper the eggs.
    4. Add the flour and cornstarch to the egg mixture and whisk until smooth with no lumps.
    5. Gradually add the remaining milk while continuing to whisk.
    6. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
    7. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly touching the surface, and refrigerate until cool.
  4. Assemble the Cake:
    1. Place one baghrir pancake on a serving plate.
    2. Spread a generous layer of the crème pâtissière on top.
    3. Sprinkle with a teaspoon of pomegranate seeds and a teaspoon of chopped pistachios.
    4. Place another pancake on top and repeat the layers.
    5. Continue until you’ve used 7 pancakes for each cake (makes 2 cakes).
    6. For the final layer, spread crème pâtissière and decorate generously with pomegranate seeds and pistachios.
    7. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the cake to set.

Notes

Water temperature matters – use warm water (not hot) to activate the yeast properly. If no bubbles appear when cooking the pancakes, your batter might be too thick. Add a couple tablespoons of warm water and let it proof for an additional 15 minutes. Never flip the pancakes – cooking only happens on one side to preserve the holes. Cool completely before stacking.

  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Moroccan

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: moroccan pancake layer cake, baghrir cake, thousand holes pancake, moroccan dessert, semolina pancakes, honey orange blossom cream

Find it online: https://recipesmolly.com/moroccan-pancake-layer-cake-baghrir-recipe/