Last Updated on December 14, 2020 by Chef Mireille
Baath – Goa Semolina Coconut Cake is a super soft and moist cake made with fresh coconut.

I’d come across Baath many times before, but I did not understand the reason for leaving the batter out overnight and I especially did not want to do that in the middle of a New York summer. I figured winter was the perfect time to attempt this recipe, especially the frigid temperatures that continued to plague us in March. I investigated the reason for leaving the batter out overnight and discovered it was so that the semolina would absorb the liquid and swell, for a softer cake. I realized this made a lot of sense as both semolina and cornmeal cakes often have a very coarse and crumbly texture.
The recipes I found varied greatly. Some used vanilla for flavoring while others used rose water or cardamom. Some combined the eggs at one time, while others added the yolks and whites separately. Some versions also added a little all purpose flour and cornstarch to the recipe. Finally, I decided to come up with my own based on common factors and personal preference, after a little consultation with our resident BM Goan, Archana.
IN THE MAKING – HOW TO MAKE BAATH
This cake is very soft and moist.
It is very addictive and difficult to have just one slice.
Baath – Goa Semolina Coconut Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup semolina
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups frozen grated coconut defrosted (or freshly grated coconut)
- 1/3 cup warm water
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons butter softened
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 tablespoon golden raisins
- 1 tablespoon sliced almonds
- edible flowers optional garnish
Instructions
- Grind the coconut with the water until you have a coarse coconut paste.
- Beat the eggs until very light and fluffy, about 10 minutes with an electric mixer. Add the butter and beat again for another 2 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the semolina, salt, baking powder and sugar. Add coconut to this and mix well.
- Add beaten eggs and ground cardamom. Mix well. Cover and leave to rest overnight or at least 6 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Spray a square baking dish with non stick spray.
- Pour batter into prepared baking dish. Garnish the top with the raisins and almonds.
- Bake for 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Garnish with edible flowers, if desired.
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The cake has come out really good! So moist and soft 🙂
Mouth watering cake for sure & I just want to make it some for my sweet tooth.
I too bookmarked the cucumber cake from goa, but somehow settled with the mix veg curry. Cake looks fluffy!!
Looks very yummy and addictive.
Looks like many of us consulted our resident Goan! And the cake sounds delicious. Got to see if I can come up with an eggless version.
You can PJ use curds
thanks for the info Archana!
Do I have to grind the sugar or is it ok?
No – you don’t have to grind the sugar.
Hi, can I substitute semolina for almond meal? I have gluten insensitivity. Thanks 🙂
* sensitivity
Almond meal usually needs more binding – I would say oat flour would probably be a better substitute
How many people does this recipe serve?
9 or more if you cut the slices smaller