Delicious Kunafa dessert topped with syrup and nuts

Kunafa

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Why Make This Recipe

Kunafa is a popular Middle Eastern dessert that offers a delightful combination of crispy pastry with creamy cheese. It’s a delicious treat for special occasions or simply when you want to indulge in something sweet. Making kunafa at home allows you to customize it to your taste, using fresh ingredients and your favorite flavors.

How to Make Kunafa

Ingredients:

  • 500g kunafa dough
  • 200g unsalted butter, melted
  • 300g ricotta cheese
  • 300g mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 200g sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon rose water or orange blossom water
  • Chopped pistachios for garnish

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with some melted butter.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta and mozzarella cheese. Set aside.
  3. Take half of the kunafa dough and crumble it into small pieces. Mix it with half of the melted butter until well combined.
  4. Spread the buttered dough evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
  5. Layer the cheese mixture over the dough, then crumble the remaining kunafa dough on top. Drizzle the remaining melted butter evenly on top.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.
  7. While the kunafa is baking, prepare the syrup by combining sugar and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add rose or orange blossom water.
  8. Once the kunafa is done baking, pour the syrup evenly over it while it’s still hot.
  9. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then garnish with chopped pistachios before serving.

How to Serve Kunafa

Kunafa is best enjoyed warm, right after it has been drizzled with syrup. You can serve it on its own or with a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat. The combination of hot kunafa and cold ice cream is simply irresistible!

How to Store Kunafa

If you have leftovers, you can store kunafa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, just warm it gently in the oven or microwave. Keep in mind the texture might change slightly, but it will still taste delicious.

Tips to Make Kunafa

  • Make sure to crumble the kunafa dough finely for even baking.
  • Use a mix of cheeses for different flavors; some people like adding cream cheese for extra creaminess.
  • Don’t skip the syrup! It adds sweetness and moisture that enhances the dish.

Variation

You can experiment with flavors by adding different nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, to either the cheese layer or as a garnish. Some people also like to incorporate chocolate or fruit fillings into their kunafa for a twist.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze kunafa?
Yes, you can freeze kunafa before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When you are ready to bake, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual.

2. Can I use different kinds of cheese?
Absolutely! While ricotta and mozzarella are traditional, you can also try using other cheeses like feta or cream cheese for different flavors and textures.

3. What can I substitute for rose or orange blossom water?
If you don’t have rose or orange blossom water, you can use vanilla extract as a substitute, although the flavor will be different.

Kunafa

Kunafa is a delectable Middle Eastern dessert, featuring crispy pastry layered with creamy cheese, perfect for special occasions or sweet cravings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert, Sweet Treat
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the kunafa
  • 500 g kunafa dough Be sure to crumble finely for even baking.
  • 200 g unsalted butter, melted Used for mixing with dough and greasing the dish.
For the cheese filling
  • 300 g ricotta cheese Can substitute with cream cheese for extra creaminess.
  • 300 g mozzarella cheese, shredded Use a blend of cheeses for different flavors.
For the syrup
  • 200 g sugar Provides sweetness to the dish.
  • 1 cup water Needed to prepare the syrup.
  • 1 teaspoon rose water or orange blossom water Can substitute with vanilla extract.
For garnish
  • Chopped pistachios Adds crunch and flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with some melted butter.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta and mozzarella cheese. Set aside.
  3. Take half of the kunafa dough and crumble it into small pieces. Mix it with half of the melted butter until well combined.
  4. Spread the buttered dough evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
  5. Layer the cheese mixture over the dough, then crumble the remaining kunafa dough on top. Drizzle the remaining melted butter evenly on top.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Syrup Preparation
  1. While the kunafa is baking, prepare the syrup by combining sugar and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add rose or orange blossom water.
Finishing Touches
  1. Once the kunafa is done baking, pour the syrup evenly over it while it’s still hot.
  2. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then garnish with chopped pistachios before serving.

Notes

Kunafa is best enjoyed warm, right after it has been drizzled with syrup. Can be served with ice cream for an irresistible dessert. If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently to maintain flavor.