Moroccan Tea

Morocco is a country rich in culture, history, and, of course, cuisine. The culinary traditions of Morocco are as diverse as its landscapes, with its desserts standing out for their delicate blend of flavors and textures. While Moroccan savory dishes like tagine and couscous have gained international fame, its sweet treats deserve just as much recognition. From the fragrant orange cakes to the sticky, honey-soaked cookies, Moroccan cakes are a true delight for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Whether enjoyed during festive celebrations, paired with traditional mint tea or as an afternoon snack, Moroccan cakes are not just desserts—they are a reflection of the country’s vibrant heritage and culinary artistry. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey through Morocco’s top cakes, each with its own unique story and flavor profile. Ready to discover the sweet side of Morocco? Let’s dive in!

1. Meskouta (Moroccan Orange Cake)

First on our list is the delightful Meskouta, often referred to as the Moroccan orange cake. Meskouta is a simple yet flavorful cake that is commonly enjoyed with a cup of Moroccan mint tea. This cake has been a staple in Moroccan households for generations, particularly because of its light and airy texture, combined with the vibrant taste of fresh oranges. Its preparation is straightforward, and the ingredients are easy to find, making it a go-to recipe for many families.

Why Meskouta Stands Out

Meskouta’s key ingredient is orange zest and juice, giving it a refreshing citrus flavor. The use of olive oil instead of butter also adds a subtle richness to the cake, making it incredibly moist. It’s a cake that strikes a perfect balance between sweet and tangy, without being overly rich or dense.

How It’s Made

Meskouta is made with basic ingredients such as eggs, flour, sugar, and baking powder, but it’s the addition of freshly squeezed orange juice that makes all the difference. Once baked, the cake is often sprinkled with powdered sugar or drizzled with a light orange glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.

2. Ghriba (Moroccan Almond Cookies)

Next on our sweet journey is Ghriba, a Moroccan almond cookie that has won the hearts of many. While technically not a cake, Ghriba cookies are often served alongside other cakes during celebrations and are deeply intertwined with Morocco’s sweet traditions. These cookies are soft, crumbly, and often infused with almonds, coconut, or sesame seeds, making them a delicious treat for any occasion.

The Charm of Ghriba

What makes Ghriba unique is its texture. It is slightly crispy on the outside but tender and chewy on the inside. The almond version of Ghriba, also known as Ghriba b’Louz, is the most popular, but variations with sesame seeds and coconut are also widely enjoyed.

Perfect for Gluten-Free Diets

Since Ghriba is traditionally made with ground almonds instead of flour, it’s a fantastic option for those following a gluten-free diet. The recipe is simple: a combination of ground almonds, powdered sugar, eggs, and a hint of vanilla or almond extract, baked to perfection. The cookies are often dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

3. Chebakia (Honey and Sesame Cookies)

No list of Moroccan desserts would be complete without Chebakia, the star of Moroccan Ramadan sweets. Chebakia is a fried, flower-shaped cookie that is soaked in honey and generously sprinkled with sesame seeds. These sweet, sticky treats are traditionally prepared in large batches during Ramadan and are often served with Harira, a hearty Moroccan soup used to break the fast.

The Process of Making Chebakia

Making Chebakia is a labor-intensive process that requires patience and skill. The dough is flavored with a mixture of spices, including anise, cinnamon, and saffron, and then rolled and twisted into intricate shapes before being fried until golden brown. After frying, the cookies are soaked in warm honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds, creating a perfect combination of crunchy, chewy, and sticky textures.

A Symbol of Celebration

While Chebakia is most closely associated with Ramadan, it is also prepared for weddings, Eid celebrations, and other festive occasions. Its intricate design and rich flavors make it a symbol of celebration in Moroccan culture.

4. Sellou (Sfouf) – Moroccan Energy Cake

Sellou, also known as Sfouf, is a traditional Moroccan sweet that is particularly popular during Ramadan. This dessert is made from a combination of toasted flour, sesame seeds, and almonds, all mixed with melted butter and honey. Unlike most cakes, Sellou is not baked but rather mixed into a crumbly, yet rich, consistency. Its dense, nutrient-rich ingredients make it an ideal treat to regain energy after a long day of fasting.

The Ingredients that Define Sellou

The star ingredients in Sellou are toasted flour, which gives it a unique nutty flavor, along with sesame seeds and almonds. The addition of cinnamon and anise further enhances its warm, comforting taste. Traditionally, Sellou is shaped into mounds, pressed into a pan, and cut into squares.

A Nutrient-Packed Treat

Sellou is often referred to as an energy cake because it provides a dense, satisfying snack that is packed with calories and nutrients. It is commonly enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee during special occasions.

5. Basbousa (Moroccan Semolina Cake)

While Basbousa is originally from the Middle East, it has found a beloved place in Moroccan cuisine as well. This semolina-based cake is soaked in sweet sugar syrup, making it incredibly moist and flavorful. The Moroccan version of Basbousa often includes coconut, adding a tropical flair to the rich, buttery cake. Basbousa is a favorite during family gatherings and special events due to its simplicity and irresistible sweetness.

How Basbousa is Made

Basbousa is made with semolina, yogurt, butter, and coconut, which are mixed together to form a thick batter. After baking, the cake is soaked in a warm syrup made from sugar, water, and lemon juice, which is poured over the cake while it’s still warm, allowing it to absorb the sweet liquid.

A Versatile Cake

One of the best things about Basbousa is how versatile it is. You can adjust the sweetness by controlling the amount of syrup, and it can be flavored with orange blossom water or rose water for a more exotic taste.

6. Fekkas (Moroccan Biscotti)

If you love crunchy, twice-baked cookies, then Fekkas is for you. Often described as the Moroccan version of biscotti, Fekkas is a crunchy, nutty, mildly sweet treat perfect for dunking into tea or coffee. This cookie is usually filled with nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, and sometimes raisins or other dried fruits.

The Traditional Fekkas Recipe

Fekkas is made by preparing a dough with flour, sugar, eggs, and nuts. The dough is shaped into logs, baked, sliced, and then baked again until crispy. This twice-baked method gives Fekkas its signature crunch, making it perfect for storage as it stays fresh for a long time.

Ideal for Tea Time

Fekkas is commonly served with Moroccan mint tea and is a staple during holidays and celebrations. Its long shelf life also makes it an excellent gift to bring to friends and family.

7. Kaab el Ghazal (Gazelle Horns)

One of the most elegant and iconic Moroccan desserts is Kaab el Ghazal, also known as gazelle horns. These crescent-shaped pastries are filled with a fragrant almond paste that is flavored with orange blossom water and sometimes cinnamon. The outer pastry is delicate and thin, often dusted with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

The Art of Making Kaab el Ghazal

Kaab el Ghazal requires a fair amount of skill to prepare, as the dough needs to be rolled out extremely thin to achieve the pastry’s signature delicate texture. After being filled with almond paste, the pastries are shaped into crescents and baked until golden brown.

A Symbol of Moroccan Hospitality

Kaab el Ghazal is often served at weddings, special celebrations, and during Eid. Its sophisticated appearance and delicate flavor make it a symbol of Moroccan hospitality and elegance.

Conclusion: 

Moroccan cakes and sweets are not just desserts—they are a cultural experience, each bite bringing you closer to the rich history and traditions of Morocco. From the fragrant Meskouta to the honey-drenched Chebakia, these cakes offer a wide range of flavors and textures that are sure to impress anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether you are hosting a Moroccan-themed dinner or simply exploring new desserts, these Moroccan cakes will add a delightful and authentic touch to your culinary repertoire.