Description
Make delicious Kunafa at home with this easy recipe—crispy dough, melted cheese, and sweet syrup!
Ingredients
The perfect kunafa comes together with premium ingredients that make up its three distinct parts. The base just needs Kataifi dough (shredded phyllo pastry) – about 1 pound to create that signature crispy texture. This delicate pastry works best with ¾ cup of ghee or clarified butter to get that golden-brown finish.
The filling combines traditional and available options. The authentic recipe uses Akkawi cheese, which we used in Middle Eastern cooking. But fresh mozzarella (1 pound) makes an excellent alternative. Adding ½ cup ricotta cheese improves the creaminess.
The syrup just needs exact measurements. Mix 1½ cups sugar with 1½ cups water. A teaspoon of lemon juice prevents crystallization. Rose water or orange blossom water adds that distinctive Middle Eastern flavor.
Here’s my complete ingredient list:
- For the Base:
- 1 pound Kataifi dough
- ¾ cup ghee
- 1 teaspoon kunafa food coloring (optional)
- For the Filling:
- 1 pound fresh mozzarella
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup whole milk
- For the Syrup:
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1½ cups water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon rose water
- ¼ cup pistachios (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
- Bring it to a gentle boil and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until it slightly thickens.
- Add the lemon juice and rose or orange blossom water (optional). Stir and remove from heat. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Kunafa Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- If using kunafa dough, gently pull it apart with your fingers to separate the strands. If using semolina, mix it with some butter to create a soft dough-like consistency.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded kunafa dough (or semolina) with melted butter. If you want a sweeter dough, add sugar here and mix until fully combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Kunafa
- Grease a round or rectangular baking pan with some butter or ghee.
- Take half of the prepared dough mixture and press it into the bottom of the pan to form an even layer.
- Spread the cheese (or mixture of cheeses) evenly over the dough layer.
- Top with the remaining dough, pressing it gently to form a smooth layer.
Step 4: Bake the Kunafa
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the kunafa turns golden and crispy on top.
- Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Step 5: Add the Syrup
- Once the kunafa is out of the oven, immediately pour the cooled sugar syrup evenly over the hot dessert. The syrup should soak in nicely.
- Let the kunafa sit for about 10 minutes for the syrup to absorb and cool down slightly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish the kunafa with crushed pistachios or ground cinnamon for extra flavor and decoration.
- Slice and serve warm. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of Arabic coffee or tea!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes