Bint Al Sahn (Yemeni Honey Cake)

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Recipe Intro From tastealdonya

A Yemeni “honey cake” made of layered flaky bread and brown butter, and served warm with authentic Yemeni honey. This is MY FAVORITE dish from my culture, and we eat it every eid morning or when we have guests over! I learned it from my mom, and it takes a lot of patience to get the dough right to be able to layer it like that. It’s difficult but I would love for you all to try it!

Want more Middle Eastern desserts? You've got to try Warbat or Mamool Date Cookies!

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Recipe Card

ingredients

  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1 room temperature egg
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 5 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1 cup melted brown butter
  • 1 teaspoon nigella seeds, optional

Method

  • Step 1

    Start by combining your milk, eggs, sugar, salt, flour, and instant yeast. Knead the dough by hand, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment (highly recommend) to knead until the dough comes together and is tacky to touch. During the process, you may need to add more flour or water little by little depending on how dry/wet it looks.

  • Step 2

    Let the dough rest for 30min in a warm area so that it can rise. When it’s risen, divide the dough into 16 balls and cover while you work so that it doesn’t dry out.

  • Step 3

    To begin the layering process, you will need to use a 15inch baking pan/pizza pan. Butter the pan, but leave the edges dry so that the dough sticks when stretched. Begin by flattening a ball with your hand and stretch it like you’re making pizza. Place it in the center of the pan and continue stretching till you reach the edge of the pan. Take your time doing this as you don’t want the dough to rip too much. Spread an even a layer of melted brown butter on top making sure the edges are not covered in butter. Continue with the rest of the balls until you have a 16 layers of dough and melted butter.

  • Step 4

    Let the layered dough rest for another hour to proof. Before baking, brush with an egg wash and top with nigella seeds. Bake at 350f on the bottom rack for 15min, and then transfer to the top rack and bake for an additional 5min until the top has browned nicely.

  • Step 5

    Once it comes out, sprinkle melted butter. Serve it warm with good quality honey and enjoy!