Crispy Kunafa: A Middle Eastern Cheese Pastry with Sweet Honey Syrup

30 minutes

1152 reads

4.60 from 5 votes

About Crispy Kunafa: A Middle Eastern Cheese Pastry with Sweet Honey Syrup

Craving a taste of the Middle East? Discover the magic of kunafa, a decadent dessert featuring crispy shredded phyllo dough, creamy cheese filling, and a drizzle of fragrant honey syrup.
This recipe guides you through each step, ensuring your kunafa is as exquisite as any you'd find in a Middle Eastern bakery. It's the perfect treat for celebrations or satisfying any sweet tooth.
Indulge in the rich flavors and textures of this traditional dessert – a true culinary experience you won't soon forget.
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Recipe Time & More

Prep15 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Total30 minutes
Calories278 kcal
Serves10
Served AsDesserts
Recipe TasteCrunchySweet

Ingredients
 

For the Kunafa Base

For the Cheese Filling

For the Honey Syrup

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Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, combine the roasted vermicelli, melted ghee, and honey. Toss well to ensure the vermicelli is evenly coated. Set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and cream cheese spread. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy. This creates a luscious base for the kunafa filling.
  • In a large pot, combine the granulated sugar and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the rose water or orange blossom water and stir. Continue to cook until the syrup reaches a one-string consistency. This indicates the perfect syrup thickness for the kunafa. Remove from heat.
  • Grease a 9-inch springform pan with ghee or butter. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal. Create an even layer of the kunafa base, about 1 inch thick, on the bottom of the prepared pan. Gently press down using your fingers or the back of a glass to compact the layer.
  • Pour the cheese filling evenly over the kunafa base. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the cheese filling, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
  • Add another layer of the kunafa base over the cheese and mozzarella. Gently press down to create a compact top layer. This ensures a beautiful, even kunafa.
  • Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the kunafa for 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. The edges should be lightly browned, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.
  • Remove the kunafa from the oven. While still hot, immediately pour the prepared honey syrup evenly over the top. Allow the syrup to soak in for 5-10 minutes. This creates a wonderfully moist and flavorful dessert. Garnish with chopped pistachios and rose petals (optional). Serve warm and enjoy!
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Recipe Notes

Expert Tips

  • For a richer flavor, use whole milk and heavy cream for the pudding.
  • Adjust the sweetness according to your preference by adding more or less sugar.
  • Garnish with chopped nuts, dried fruits, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added texture and flavor.

Storage Instructions

  • Store leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Also See

Explore Recipes by Tags cake recipescheese recipes

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4.60 from 5 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 278kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 5gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 182mgPotassium: 35mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 180IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 106mgIron: 0.3mg

Ritu Arora
Ritu Arora
Articles: 14
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