Baklava-Style Kunefe with Sweet Honey Syrup
Indulge in the decadent flavors of this Baklava-Style Kunefe, a delightful sweet pastry made with golden, crispy kadaifi and a luscious filling of fresh cheeses. This recipe, inspired by the talented Ana Sortun, showcases the rich tradition of Middle Eastern desserts. The combination of buffalo mozzarella and ricotta creates a creamy texture that perfectly complements the delicate layers of shredded phyllo dough. The addition of finely ground pistachios adds a delightful crunch, while the homemade honey syrup infused with cinnamon brings a warm sweetness that enhances the dish. Perfect for special occasions or as a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, this Kunefe is sure to impress your family and friends alike.
N/A
Servings
562
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Shredded phyllo dough (kadaifi)
1/2 package (Finely chopped)
Melted butter
8 tablespoons (Melted)
Milk
1 1/2 tablespoons (N/A)
Fresh buffalo mozzarella
1/4 lb (Grated)
Ricotta cheese
12 ounces (N/A)
Ground pistachios
1/2 cup (Finely ground)
Confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Grated fresh nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon (N/A)
Water
3 cups (N/A)
Sugar
1 1/2 cups (N/A)
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Rose water
3-5 drops (N/A)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Place the shredded phyllo dough (kadaifi) into a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped kadaifi with melted butter and milk, mixing until well coated.
4
Grease an 8-inch square heavy baking dish and press half of the butter-coated kadaifi mixture evenly into the bottom to create a base layer.
5
In another bowl, blend the grated buffalo mozzarella, ricotta cheese, ground pistachios, confectioners' sugar, and grated nutmeg until well combined.
6
Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the base layer of kadaifi.
7
Top with the remaining half of the kadaifi mixture, pressing down gently to secure it.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
9
While the kunefe is baking, prepare the sugar syrup by combining 3 cups of water, 1 1/2 cups of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the mixture is reduced by a third and has thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
10
Remove the syrup from heat and stir in the rose water, adjusting to taste.
11
Once the kunefe is out of the oven, ladle approximately 2/3 of the hot syrup over the pastry, allowing it to soak in. Save the remaining syrup to serve alongside.
12
Serve the kunefe hot, garnished with extra ground pistachios if desired.
Nutrition Information
31g
Fat
50g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Baklava-Style Kunefe?
It is a decadent Middle Eastern sweet pastry made with golden, crispy kadaifi and a luscious filling of buffalo mozzarella and ricotta cheese, finished with a honey-infused syrup.
Who inspired this specific Kunefe recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the talented chef Ana Sortun.
What is the main pastry ingredient used in this recipe?
The main ingredient is shredded phyllo dough, also known as kadaifi.
How should the kadaifi be prepared?
The shredded phyllo dough should be placed in a food processor and pulsed until it is finely chopped.
What cheeses are used for the filling?
The filling uses a combination of 1/4 lb of grated fresh buffalo mozzarella and 12 ounces of ricotta cheese.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
How long does the Kunefe need to bake?
It should bake for approximately 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
What size baking dish is recommended?
An 8-inch square heavy baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
What ingredients are used to coat the kadaifi?
The chopped kadaifi is mixed with 8 tablespoons of melted butter and 1.5 tablespoons of milk.
What nuts are included in this recipe?
Finely ground pistachios are used both in the filling and as a garnish.
How is the sugar syrup prepared?
The syrup is made by boiling 3 cups of water, 1.5 cups of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice until reduced by a third.
When do you add the rose water?
The rose water is stirred into the syrup after it has been removed from the heat.
How much syrup should be poured over the pastry?
Ladle approximately two-thirds of the hot syrup over the kunefe once it is out of the oven.
Should the Kunefe be served hot or cold?
Kunefe is best served hot to maintain its creamy cheese texture and crispy exterior.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 562 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 31 grams of fat per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 50 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this dessert provide?
One serving provides 10 grams of protein.
Is there any spice added to the cheese filling?
Yes, 1/8 teaspoon of grated fresh nutmeg is added to the cheese mixture.
How many ingredients are required in total?
This recipe requires 12 total ingredients.
What kind of sugar is used in the cheese filling?
The filling uses 2 tablespoons of confectioners sugar.
How is the Kunefe layered in the dish?
Press half the buttered kadaifi into the bottom, add the cheese and pistachio layer, then top with the remaining kadaifi.
Can I adjust the amount of rose water?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 3 to 5 drops, adjusted to your personal taste.
What gives the syrup its thickness?
Simmering the mixture for 10-15 minutes until it reduces by one-third creates a thicker consistency.
What is the role of lemon juice in the syrup?
Lemon juice helps balance the sweetness and prevents the sugar from crystallizing.
What type of mozzarella is best for this recipe?
Fresh buffalo mozzarella is specified for its superior flavor and melting properties.
Should the syrup be saved for later?
The recipe recommends saving the remaining one-third of the syrup to serve alongside the kunefe.
What is the texture of the finished dessert?
The dessert is characterized by a crispy, golden-brown crust and a soft, creamy cheese center.
Is this a traditional Middle Eastern dessert?
Yes, Kunefe is a traditional dessert found throughout the Middle East, though this version adds a baklava-style twist.
What should I do if I want a more intense pistachio flavor?
You can garnish the finished dish with extra ground pistachios before serving.