Greek Semolina Cake With Orange Syrup (Revani)

Revani (reh -vah-NEE) (also spelled ravani) is a Greek cake known for its citrus flavors and use of semolina flour. The sponge cake is made with lemon zest and is sweetened with a simple syrup flavored with orange zest. The cake is not difficult to make and is a delightful addition to any sweet table.

Semolina is durum wheat that is more coarsely ground than regular wheat flour, and it's commonly used in pasta dough and gnocchi. Consequently, it can produce a cake with a coarser texture than what you might be accustomed to. This recipe uses a combination of fine semolina (which isn't hard to find) and all-purpose flour. But this semonlina cake's flavor combination, as well as the citrus syrup, results in a delicious and moist dessert. You will want to make sure the syrup cools completely before spooning it over the warm sponge cake; otherwise, the cake will become soggy.

As revani is popular throughout the eastern Mediterranean countries, you will find slightly different versions depending on the recipe's origin, such as the Turkish semolina cake in syrup that offers a subtle twist on this simple recipe.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup fine semolina
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 lemon, zested
• 1 cup milk
• 1 pinch salt

For the Syrup:

• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 (3-inch) strips orange zest
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Optional Toppings:

• Powdered sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup lightly toasted chopped blanched almonds