Deliciously Sweet: A Comprehensive Guide to Making Traditional Kunafa

Ingredients

1 package (500 grams) of Kunafa Dough
300 grams of Unsalted Butter
300 grams of Mozzarella Cheese
200 grams of Sweetened Condensed Milk
1/2 cup of Sugar
1/4 cup of Cornstarch
2 cups of Whole Milk
1 teaspoon of Rose Water
1/2 teaspoon of Orange Food Colouring
For the Sugar Syrup:

2 cups of Sugar
1 cup of Water
1 teaspoon of Lemon Juice
1 teaspoon of Rose Water

Handful of Crushed Pistachios for garnishing

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius. While the oven is heating, start working on the kunafa dough. Remove it from its packaging and cut it into small pieces.
In a pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped kunafa dough and stir until it’s well combined with the butter. Add the orange food colouring and stir until the colour is evenly distributed.
Press half of the kunafa dough into a non-stick round baking tray. Make sure it’s evenly distributed and compact.
In a separate bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, and cornstarch. Mix until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Spread the cheese mixture over the kunafa dough in the baking tray. Make sure it’s evenly distributed.
Cover the cheese layer with the remaining kunafa dough, pressing it gently so it’s compact.
Bake the kunafa in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until it’s golden brown and crispy.
While the kunafa is baking, prepare the sugar syrup. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring it to a boil, then add the lemon juice and rose water. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat.
Once the kunafa is baked, pour the hot sugar syrup over it while it’s still hot. Let it soak for a few minutes.
Garnish the kunafa with crushed pistachios and serve warm.

Tools for making

Baking Tray - A round non-stick baking tray to bake the kunafa.
Pan - A pan to melt the butter and combine the kunafa dough.
Saucepan - A saucepan to prepare the sugar syrup.
Mixing Bowl - A bowl to combine the mozzarella cheese, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, and cornstarch.
Oven - An oven to bake the kunafa.
Knife - A knife to cut the kunafa dough into small pieces.
Whisk - A whisk to mix the ingredients for the sugar syrup.
Spatula - A spatula to spread the cheese mixture on the kunafa dough.
Crusher - A tool to crush the pistachios for garnishing.

Recipe variations

Replace the mozzarella cheese with a different type of cheese like ricotta or akkawi for a different flavor.
Add a layer of finely chopped nuts such as pistachios, almonds, or walnuts between the cheese layers for added texture and taste.
Use phyllo dough instead of kunafa dough for a lighter and flakier texture.
Add a layer of diced fruits such as mangoes or strawberries between the cheese layers for a fruity twist.
Replace the sweetened condensed milk with a mixture of heavy cream and sugar for a less sweet option.
For a savory version, replace the cheese and sweet ingredients with a filling of sautéed vegetables like spinach, onions, and bell peppers.
Add a tablespoon of rose water or orange blossom water to the sugar syrup for a more pronounced floral flavor.
Replace the sugar syrup with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free kunafa dough or substitute the dough with a layer of crushed gluten-free cookies or nuts.
Add a pinch of ground cardamom or cinnamon to the cheese mixture for a subtle spicy flavor.

Recipe overview

Kunafa is a beloved Middle Eastern dessert known for its crisp, golden crust and its soft, cheesy filling. This recipe guides you through making a traditional Mozzarella Cheese kunafa at home. It combines the richness of mozzarella and the sweetness of a homemade sugar syrup to create a dessert that's truly delightful. The process involves creating layers of shredded Kunafa dough and cheese mixture, baking it to perfection, and then soaking it in a sweet syrup. Finished with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios, the final result is a dessert that's as beautiful as it is delicious. This recipe requires a bit of patience and preparation, but the heavenly taste of the final product makes it all worth it! You can expect a crunchy, sweet, and cheesy dessert that will impress at any gathering.

Common questions

What is Kunafa?
Kunafa is a Middle Eastern dessert made with shredded pastry dough, filled with a creamy cheese mixture, and soaked in sweet sugar syrup.
Where can I find Kunafa Dough?
Kunafa dough can be found in Middle Eastern grocery stores or online. It is typically sold in packages or rolls.
Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?
Mozzarella cheese is commonly used for the filling as it melts well and has a mild flavor. However, you can experiment with other types of cheese like Akkawi or Ricotta if you prefer.
Can I make the sugar syrup in advance?
Yes, you can make the sugar syrup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to reheat it before pouring it over the baked kunafa.
Why is the kunafa dough orange?
The orange food coloring is added to give the kunafa dough a traditional and appetizing appearance. It's purely optional, and you can omit it if you prefer a natural color.
Can I add any other toppings or garnishes?
Crushed pistachios are commonly used to garnish kunafa, but you can also experiment with other nuts or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor.

Serving dishes and utensils

Baking Tray - A non-stick round baking tray is needed to bake the kunafa.
Pan - A pan is required to melt the butter and combine it with the kunafa dough.
Saucepan - A saucepan is needed to prepare the sugar syrup.
Mixing Bowl - A mixing bowl is required to combine the mozzarella cheese, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, and cornstarch.
Oven - An oven is needed to bake the kunafa at the specified temperature.
Spatula - A spatula will be helpful to spread and press the kunafa dough and cheese mixture.
Knife - A knife is necessary to cut the kunafa dough into small pieces.

Origin stories

Originating from the Middle East, more specifically Palestine, Kunafa is a centuries-old dessert adored by many. It bears cultural significance as it is often prepared during the month of Ramadan for breaking fast. The dish has seen many adaptations as it traveled through different Arabic regions, each adding their own unique touch. A fascinating aspect of Kunafa is its vibrant orange color, which was traditionally derived from a special kind of cooking butter locally known as 'samneh'. Today, food coloring often substitutes for this, but the signature hue remains a distinctive element of this delightful dessert. Its fame has transcended regional bounds, making Kunafa a globally recognized and cherished sweet treat.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.