North African Date and Walnut Semolina Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F/175°C. Lightly grease a 9-inch round baking pan.

In a large bowl, whisk together the semolina, flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt.

In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, yogurt, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the chopped dates and walnuts over the batter.

Carefully spread the remaining batter over the date and walnut layer. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

While the cake bakes, prepare the syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in the orange blossom water.

Once the cake is out of the oven, immediately pour the warm syrup evenly over the hot cake. Let the cake cool completely in the pan, allowing it to absorb all the syrup.

Once cooled, slice and serve.