Heavenly Kadaifi Delight
Indulge in the exquisite layers of our Heavenly Kadaifi Delight, a luxurious dessert that tantalizes your taste buds with its blend of textures and flavors. The base of golden, crispy shredded wheat pastry creates a delightful crunch, soaked in a sweet citrus syrup that infuses each bite with zesty brightness. Topped with a silky, rich egg custard, this creation is finished with a fluffy layer of freshly whipped cream that adds an airy sweetness. Garnished with slivers of toasted almonds or pistachios, every slice of this decadent treat promises a sweet escape that is more than just dessert—it's an experience that will leave your guests craving more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen kadaifi
1 lb (thawed and pulled apart)
Butter
6 ounces (melted)
Sugar
2 cups (for syrup)
Water
1 1/2 cups (for syrup)
Lemon juice
1/2 lemon (freshly squeezed)
Fresh lemon rind
1/2 (used for syrup)
Orange slices
3 (with rind)
Flour
2 tablespoons (for custard)
Cornstarch
2 tablespoons (for custard)
Sugar
1/2 cup (for custard)
Milk
4 cups (3 cups hot, 1 cup cold)
Egg yolks
4
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Whipped cream
12 ounces (freshly whipped)
Slivered toasted almonds
to taste (for garnish)
Pistachios
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Break apart the threads of frozen kadaifi into a 13x9-inch glass baking dish, ensuring even distribution. Use your fingertips to gently pack it down.
3
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the kadaifi, then place in the oven to bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
4
In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups of sugar, 1 1/2 cups of water, lemon juice, lemon rind, and orange slices. Bring this mixture to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes. If you prefer a cinnamon flavor, replace the lemon with a cinnamon stick. Once done, remove the citrus rinds and pour the syrup over the cooled kadaifi. Set aside to allow the syrup to soak in.
5
Next, prepare the custard by mixing 2 tablespoons each of flour and cornstarch with 1/2 cup of sugar in a small bowl. Whisk in 1 cup of cold milk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Incorporate the egg yolks, whisking until well combined.
6
Pour the mixture into a saucepan containing 3 cups of hot milk. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and place a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent skin formation. Allow the custard to cool for at least 1 1/2 hours.
7
Once the custard is cooled, spread it evenly over the kadaifi crust. Refrigerate for a minimum of 1 1/2 to 2 hours to firm up.
8
Top your dessert with a generous layer of whipped cream and sprinkle with slivered, toasted almonds or pistachios for an added crunch.
9
Chill the dessert well before serving to enhance its flavors and textures. Enjoy your delightful creation!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heavenly Kadaifi Delight?
Heavenly Kadaifi Delight is a multi-layered dessert featuring crispy shredded wheat pastry, citrus-infused syrup, rich egg custard, and whipped cream.
What are the primary layers of this dessert?
The dessert consists of a golden shredded wheat base, a sweet citrus syrup soak, a silky egg custard layer, and a top layer of freshly whipped cream with toasted nuts.
How do I prepare the frozen kadaifi?
Thaw the kadaifi and then break apart the threads into a 13x9-inch baking dish, packing it down gently with your fingertips.
What temperature should I bake the kadaifi at?
The kadaifi base should be baked in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the kadaifi need to bake?
Bake the kadaifi for approximately 40 minutes or until the top becomes golden brown.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 13x9-inch glass baking dish is ideal for this recipe.
Should the syrup be poured on hot or cold kadaifi?
The syrup should be poured over the kadaifi after the pastry has cooled completely.
What ingredients are in the citrus syrup?
The syrup is made from sugar, water, lemon juice, lemon rind, and orange slices.
Can I substitute the lemon flavor in the syrup?
Yes, you can replace the lemon components with a cinnamon stick for a warmer spice profile.
How do I avoid lumps in the custard?
Whisk the flour, cornstarch, and sugar with one cup of cold milk until smooth before adding the egg yolks and then combining with hot milk.
How many egg yolks are required for the custard?
This recipe requires 4 egg yolks to achieve a rich and silky texture.
What thickens the custard layer?
The custard is thickened using a combination of flour, cornstarch, and egg yolks cooked over low heat.
How do I prevent a skin from forming on the custard?
Place a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the custard while it cools.
How long must the custard cool before assembly?
The custard needs to cool for at least 1.5 hours before being spread over the kadaifi crust.
How long should the assembled dessert refrigerate?
After adding the custard layer, refrigerate the dessert for 1.5 to 2 hours to allow it to firm up.
What are the best nuts for garnishing?
Slivered toasted almonds or pistachios are recommended for an added crunch and flavor.
Can I use fresh whipped cream?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 12 ounces of freshly whipped cream for the top layer.
When should I add the whipped cream?
The whipped cream and nut garnish should be added after the custard layer has properly chilled and firmed in the refrigerator.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, this recipe contains flour and wheat-based kadaifi, so it is not gluten-free.
What type of milk should I use?
The recipe calls for standard milk; using whole milk will result in the richest custard.
Can I make this dessert in advance?
Yes, because it requires several stages of cooling and refrigeration, it is an excellent dessert to prepare ahead of time.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any remaining portions in the refrigerator, covered, to maintain the texture of the custard and whipped cream.
How do I prepare the orange slices for the syrup?
Use 3 orange slices with the rind still on to infuse the syrup with maximum citrus flavor.
Does the recipe require vanilla?
Yes, one teaspoon of vanilla extract is stirred into the custard after it is removed from the heat.
Why do I need both flour and cornstarch?
Using both provides a stable, thick consistency for the custard that holds its shape when sliced.
How much butter is used for the base?
The recipe uses 6 ounces of melted butter drizzled evenly over the shredded wheat.
What is the texture of the finished dessert?
It features a contrast between a crispy, syrup-soaked base and a smooth, creamy top.
Should the dessert be served cold?
Yes, the dessert should be chilled well before serving to enhance the flavors and ensure the layers are set.
How do I ensure the kadaifi is evenly buttered?
Drizzle the 6 ounces of melted butter as evenly as possible over the entire surface of the shredded wheat before baking.
Can I use a different type of citrus?
While lemon and orange are traditional, you could experiment with other citrus rinds for a unique flavor profile.