Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Kunafa (cheese pastry with sugar syrup)

Irresistible 30-Minute Golden Kunafa Recipe That Melts Hearts


  • Author: Emma Fleming
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A sweet Middle Eastern dessert made with crispy shredded pastry, melted cheese, and sugar syrup.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 500g kunafa dough (shredded pastry)
  • 250g akkawi cheese (or mozzarella)
  • 200g unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tsp rose water
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp crushed pistachios (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Soak the cheese in water for 30 minutes to reduce saltiness, then drain and shred.
  3. Mix kunafa dough with melted butter until fully coated.
  4. Press half the dough into a greased baking dish to form the base.
  5. Spread the shredded cheese evenly over the dough.
  6. Cover with the remaining dough and press gently.
  7. Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
  8. While baking, make sugar syrup by boiling water, sugar, lemon juice, and rose water for 10 minutes. Let it cool.
  9. Pour the cooled syrup over the hot kunafa immediately after baking.
  10. Garnish with crushed pistachios and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use fresh kunafa dough for best texture.
  • Adjust sugar syrup sweetness to your taste.
  • Let kunafa rest for 10 minutes after adding syrup.
  • Serve immediately for gooey cheese texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (150g)
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 35g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: kunafa, middle eastern dessert, cheese pastry, arabic sweets, sugar syrup pastry