Semolina cake with sesame seeds (Mannik recipe)

Semolina cake (Mannik) is a simple yet incredibly delicious homemade dessert, a traditional recipe believed to have originated in the 19th century. As the name suggests, this easy semolina cake recipe is made with semolina flour. For a softer and more delicate texture, almond flour or cornmeal can sometimes be added.

If you bake mannik with sesame seeds, you will get not only a unique and flavorful sesame cake, but also a nutritious and healthy homemade dessert with a pleasantly crunchy texture. Sesame seeds are rich in essential minerals such as calcium, zinc, magnesium, and iron, as well as omega-6 fatty acids that support immune system function. They also contain vitamins B1 (thiamine), B3 (niacin), vitamin E, and folic acid. In addition, sesame seeds are a natural source of powerful antioxidants like sesamin and sesamolin, which help protect the body from free radicals while supporting bone and cartilage health.

CraftOil offers the freshest, organic sesame seeds (both black and white varieties). Our sesame seeds are preservative-free, stored under optimal conditions, and certified for quality. They are packaged in eco-friendly kraft paper bags only after purchase, ensuring maximum freshness. Perfect for baking, cooking, and cold-pressed oil production.

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Ingredients for sesame semolina cake

To prepare this easy sesame mannik recipe, you will need:

• 1 cup semolina;
• 250 g kefir;
• 3 eggs;
• 1 cup sugar;
• 1 cup wheat flour (can be substituted with another flour);
• 1 packet baking powder;
• 150 g butter;
• 70 g sesame seeds (for topping);

Step-by-step instructions

Pour kefir over the semolina and let it sit for 30 minutes to swell. Meanwhile, soften the butter using a water bath or microwave. It should become soft but not melted. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with sugar until a thick, pale foam forms.

Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet for 5–7 minutes until lightly golden. Sift the wheat flour twice and mix it with baking powder. Add the softened butter to the egg-sugar mixture, then stir in the soaked semolina.

Gradually add the flour mixture. The batter should be moderately thick and smooth. Transfer the batter to a greased or parchment-lined baking pan. Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes.

After baking, let the cake rest in the switched-off oven with the door closed for another 15–20 minutes. Remove, cool completely, slice into portions, and serve.

Serving suggestions:

Traditionally, semolina cake is served with sour cream whipped with sugar or with jam. Alternatively, you can layer it with custard cream or sweetened condensed milk. Adding almonds or cashews to the batter will give the cake a unique flavor and make it even more delicious.

A wide selection of organic nuts, grains, seeds, and specialty flours (almond flour, sesame flour, camelina flour, and more) is available at CraftOil, a trusted Ukrainian online store of organic products and reliable equipment.