Easy Mabrousha Recipe – Palestinian Jam-Filled Crumb Cake

This delicious **Mabrousha** (also known as Mabrouseh) is a traditional Palestinian dessert that combines a soft, buttery cake base with a sweet jam filling and a crunchy grated crumb topping. It’s simple to make, incredibly comforting, and perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.

Popular across the Middle East, especially in Palestine, Jordan, and Syria, Mabrousha is a wonderful make-ahead dessert for family gatherings, Ramadan, or Eid. The contrast between the tender base, fruity jam, and golden crumb topping makes it absolutely addictive.

Ingredients

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 packet vanilla powder or 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup butter, softened
• Jam (any flavor – strawberry, apricot, or fig recommended)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest until the mixture becomes pale and creamy.
2. Add the oil and softened butter, and continue mixing until well combined.
3. Sift in the flour and baking powder. Mix until a soft dough forms. Do not over-knead.
4. Divide the dough: Take ¼ of the dough, wrap it, and place it in the freezer for easier grating later.
5. Grease a baking pan with tahini or butter. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the pan.
6. Spread a generous layer of jam over the dough.
7. Take the frozen dough and grate it evenly over the jam layer using a coarse grater.
8. Brush the top lightly with melted butter or oil. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
9. Let it cool slightly before cutting into squares or diamonds. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Success

• Freezing part of the dough makes grating much easier and gives a beautiful crumbly top.
• Use good quality jam for the best flavor.
• You can add coconut, ground nuts, or cinnamon to the dough for extra flavor.
• This dessert tastes even better the next day after the flavors settle.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Enjoy this soft, fragrant, and delicious **Mabrousha** — a traditional Middle Eastern treat that’s sure to become a family favorite!