Delicious Arabic Sweet Kunafa (Knafeh)
Here is a Delicious Arabic Sweet Kunafa (Knafeh/Kunafeh) recipe-crispy, creamy, and soaked in fragrant sugar syrup. It's a beloved Middle Eastern dessert perfect for special occasions or indulgent treats!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 10–12
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Ingredients:
For the Kunafa:
500g (about 1 lb) kunafa dough (kataifi), thawed if frozen
200g (7 oz) unsalted butter, melted
2 cups (500g) ricotta cheese or a mix of ricotta and mozzarella (or traditional Arabic akkawi/nabulsi cheese, soaked to remove salt)
¼ cup cream (optional, for extra richness)
½ teaspoon orange food coloring (optional, traditional for red/orange kunafa)
For the Sugar Syrup (Ater):
1½ cups sugar
¾ cup water
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon rose water or orange blossom water (optional but traditional)
Optional Garnish:
Crushed pistachios
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Instructions:
Make the Sugar Syrup:
In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil.
Add lemon juice and simmer for 7–8 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add rose water or orange blossom water at the end. Let cool.
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Prepare the Kunafa:
1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Shred the kunafa dough: Using clean hands or scissors, cut or pull the kunafa dough into small pieces.
3. Mix with butter: Pour the melted butter over the dough and toss well to coat evenly. Add orange food coloring if using.
4. Layer the kunafa:
Grease a round baking pan (about 12 inches).
Spread half of the buttered kunafa dough and press down firmly.
Spread the cheese (mix with cream if using) evenly over the bottom layer.
Add the remaining kunafa dough on top and gently press again.
5. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden and crisp on top.
6. Flip and soak:
Once baked, carefully flip the kunafa onto a serving platter.
Immediately pour the cooled sugar syrup over the hot kunafa.
7. Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle with crushed pistachios. Serve warm for the best texture.
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