Fluffy Kefir Semolina Cake
This simple kefir semolina cake has a soft, airy texture and a clearly defined crumb. Soaking the semolina before baking helps it become tender, while kefir keeps the cake pleasantly moist.
Updated : 13 November, 2026
Easy
About 45 min.
Ingredients
250 milliliters
Kefir
200 grams
Semolina
220 grams
Sugar
3
Eggs
5 tablespoon
Wheat flour
1 teaspoon
Baking soda
1 grams
Vanillin
1 tablespoon
Vegetable oil
Table
Table of volume measurements:
- teaspoon - 5 ml
- dessert spoon - 10 ml
- tablespoon - 20 ml
- glass - 200 ml
Preparation
Step 1
Prepare the ingredients. Adjust the amount of sugar to taste. Kefir with 2.5–3.2% fat works well. Take it out of the refrigerator in advance so it reaches room temperature.
Step 2
Combine the room-temperature kefir with the eggs and mix until smooth. For an even lighter texture, you can beat the eggs separately until fluffy and then gently fold them into the batter.
Step 3
Add the semolina to the kefir and egg mixture, mix thoroughly, cover and leave for 40–50 minutes so the semolina can swell. If desired, blend the mixture briefly with an immersion blender for a smoother texture. Preheat the oven to 355°F.
Step 4
Add the sugar, flour, baking soda and a small pinch of vanilla to the swollen semolina mixture. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Sift the flour and baking soda to remove any lumps. You may need slightly more or less flour; the batter should have the consistency of thick sour cream.
Step 5
The finished batter should develop many small bubbles as the baking soda reacts with the kefir. Its color may range from nearly white to pale yellow depending on the eggs and semolina.
Step 6
Line a 20 cm (8-inch) baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it with vegetable oil. Pour in the batter and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes. Avoid opening the oven door during the first 20–25 minutes. Once baked, turn off the oven and let the cake rest inside for 7–10 minutes.
Step 7
Serve the semolina cake warm or completely cooled. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
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