Description
A traditional Middle Eastern dessert, Kunafa with cream filling features shredded phyllo dough baked to golden perfection, encasing a rich and creamy filling, then drenched in a sweet sugar syrup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound shredded phyllo dough (kunafa dough)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon rose water (optional)
- 1 teaspoon orange blossom water (optional)
- For the simple syrup:
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the simple syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Let cool completely.
- Prepare the cream filling: In a saucepan, whisk together milk, cornstarch, and sugar until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in rose water and orange blossom water, if using. Let cool.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Shred the phyllo dough into small pieces. In a large bowl, drizzle the melted butter over the shredded phyllo dough and toss until all strands are evenly coated.
- Press half of the buttered phyllo dough into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, forming an even layer.
- Spread the cooled cream filling evenly over the phyllo dough layer.
- Cover the cream filling with the remaining buttered phyllo dough, gently pressing down.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Immediately after removing from the oven, pour the cooled simple syrup evenly over the hot kunafa.
- Let the kunafa cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the simple syrup is completely cool before pouring it over the hot kunafa for best results.
- You can adjust the amount of rose water and orange blossom water to your preference.
- For extra richness, you can add a spoonful of clotted cream (ashta) to the cream filling.
- Kunafa is best served warm.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 60g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg