How Many Calories in Basbousa?
A 60 gram slice of Basbousa is roughly 210 calories. There are 350 kcal in 100 grams of Basbousa; the sugar syrup poured over the baked semolina turns this dense dessert into a fairly calorie-rich treat.
Basbousa nutrition facts
| Nutrient | 100 g | 1 slice (60 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal | 210 kcal |
| Carbs | 50 g | 30 g |
| Protein | 5 g | 3 g |
| Fat | 15 g | 9 g |
| Fiber | 1 g | 0.6 g |
Calories by portion
| Portion | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 slice | 60 g | 210 kcal |
| 1 serving | 100 g | 350 kcal |
Values are approximate, based on average recipes; they vary with ingredients, portion size and cooking method.
Activity equivalent
The energy in one serving of Basbousa (60 g, 210 kcal) is roughly equivalent to:
Based on a 70 kg reference; it varies from person to person. See activity calories →
For informational purposes only — not medical advice. If you have symptoms or a medical condition, consult a doctor.
Basbousa is a classic dessert of Middle Eastern and North African kitchens, made by spreading a semolina batter into a tray, baking it, and soaking it with plenty of sugar syrup while still hot. Its dense, moist and distinctly sweet texture comes from that syrup and the semolina at its core, and it is often finished with shredded coconut or a single almond on top.
On the macro side, Basbousa is made up mostly of carbohydrate and fat: 100 grams carries 350 kcal, 50 g of carbs, 15 g of fat, 5 g of protein and 1 g of fiber. Most of the carbohydrate comes from the sugar in the syrup, which is why Basbousa is better seen as a treat to enjoy than a light snack. In practice the portion is kept small: a thin 60 gram slice sits on the table at around 210 kcal.
How Many Calories Are in a Slice of Basbousa?
A thin slice (60 g) of Basbousa is roughly 210 calories, while a more generously cut serving (100 g) reaches 350 kcal. The gap is all about how thick the slice is; because the dessert is dense and syrupy, the calories climb quickly as the weight goes up. Settling for a small slice is the most practical way to keep this treat in balance.
What Determines the Calories in Basbousa?
Two things stand out: the syrup and the semolina. Much of the 50 g of carbohydrate in 100 grams of Basbousa comes from the sugar syrup poured over it while hot; the more generous the syrup, the more calorie-dense each slice becomes. The second factor is the butter or oil worked into the batter, which is the source of the 15 g of fat per 100 grams. Using a little less syrup at home gives a result that is close in taste but lighter overall.
Can You Eat Basbousa on a Diet?
You can, but portion size is what matters here. A small 60 gram slice at around 210 kcal is a dessert that fits into a daily plan; the real problem is how fast the total grows when several slices are eaten one after another. Choosing a single slice alongside an unsweetened tea or coffee is an easy way to keep the balance without feeling deprived. For most people, satisfying a sweet craving with one slice and moving on is enough.
Frequently asked questions
Is Basbousa high in protein?
Not really; one slice (60 g) of Basbousa provides around 3 g of protein. Basbousa is not a protein source but a dessert made up mostly of carbohydrate and fat, so it is better thought of as a treat.
Is a slice or a full serving of Basbousa the better choice?
A thin slice (60 g) is around 210 kcal, while a full serving (100 g) climbs to 350 kcal. If you are watching your weight, choosing the thin slice and keeping the weight small is what makes the difference.
Is there a way to make Basbousa lighter?
Cutting back on the syrup, slicing it thin and stopping at one slice are the three most effective ways, keeping a 60 gram slice at around 210 kcal. This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.
How much of a daily calorie intake does Basbousa provide?
One serving of Basbousa (60 g) has about 210 kcal — roughly 11% of an average 2,000-calorie daily intake.
What is the macronutrient breakdown of Basbousa?
In 100 g of Basbousa, the energy split is roughly 56% carbs, 6% protein and 38% fat.