How to Make Cheese Kunafa for Four People

According to Saednews, Kunafa is a popular dessert in the baklava family. In this article, you’ll learn how to prepare delicious cheesy kunafa at home using simple ingredients and an easy method. Follow the steps below to make this rich and fragrant dessert with minimal equipment.

Ingredients for Cheesy Kunafa

The following quantities make approximately 4 servings. Adjust the amounts according to the number of people you are serving.

• 300 g Turkish kadayıf pastry

• 200 g mascarpone cheese

• 200 g breakfast cream

• 150 g butter

• Pistachio powder, as desired

• 2 cups sugar

• Brewed saffron, as desired

• Cinnamon, as desired

• Cardamom or rose water, as desired

How to Make Cheesy Kunafa

Step 1: Prepare the Syrup

Before preparing the kunafa, make the sweet syrup. Fill a suitable saucepan halfway with water and bring it to a boil.

Step 2: Add the Sugar

Once the water is boiling, add the sugar. Stir continuously until the sugar has completely dissolved.

Step 3: Add the Saffron

After the sugar has dissolved, add the brewed saffron. Let the mixture simmer over low heat for at least 30 minutes until it thickens.

Step 4: Finish the Syrup

The syrup should become thick and resemble a sweet syrup or nectar. Once it reaches the right consistency, turn off the heat. If desired, add a little cardamom or rose water for extra fragrance.

Step 5: Prepare the Kadayıf

Now it’s time to prepare the kunafa. Separate the kadayıf strands by hand and break them into smaller pieces.

Step 6: Add the Butter

Melt the butter using indirect heat and pour it over the kadayıf strands.

Step 7: Mix with Saffron

Add 2 tablespoons of concentrated brewed saffron and mix thoroughly. Make sure all the kadayıf strands are evenly coated with butter.

Step 8: Prepare the Baking Dish

A glass baking dish is ideal for making kunafa. Generously butter the bottom and sides of the dish to prevent sticking. You can also add a little saffron to the bottom of the dish.

Step 9: Add the First Layer

Place half of the kadayıf mixture in the bottom of the dish. Press it firmly with a spatula or spoon until the surface is completely flat and even.

Step 10: Prepare the Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese and cream. Mix well until smooth and uniform. You can also use labneh or cream cheese instead of mascarpone.

Step 11: Add the Cheese Layer

Spread the cheese and cream mixture evenly over the kadayıf layer. If desired, you can add a small amount of mozzarella or pizza cheese on top of the filling.

Step 12: Add the Remaining Kadayıf

Cover the cheese layer with the remaining kadayıf. Press it down gently but firmly until the top is smooth and even.

Step 13: Bake the Kunafa

Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F). After the oven has heated for about 5 minutes, place the dish on the middle rack. Bake for approximately 30 minutes.

Step 14: Check the Color

After 30 minutes, check the kunafa. If the top has turned golden brown, remove it from the oven. If it has not browned sufficiently, let it bake for a few more minutes.

Step 15: Pour Over the Syrup

As soon as the kunafa comes out of the oven, pour the prepared syrup evenly over the surface. Allow it some time to absorb the syrup.

Step 16: Garnish and Serve

Finally, garnish the kunafa with pistachio powder or dried edible flowers. Serve it warm with ice cream or tea.

Kunafa is best served warm. Once it cools, the cheese can become firm and the dessert may lose some of its soft, rich texture.