Turkish Kunefe

• 12 oz kadaifi nest
• 16 oz unsalted butter, melted
• 16 oz white cheese, crumbled (like mozzarella)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp rose water (optional)
• 1/2 cup crushed pistachios

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. 2 Separate kadaifi strands gently into the prepared dish, covering the bottom evenly.
3. 3 Dot the kadaifi with crumbled cheese.
4. 4 Cover with another layer of kadaifi, gently pressing down.
5. 5 Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully pour 1/2 cup melted butter over the top and bake for another 10 minutes until golden.
6. 6 Meanwhile, make the syrup: combine sugar, water, honey, lemon juice, and rose water in a saucepan. Simmer until slightly thickened.
7. 7 Remove kunefe from oven, immediately pour remaining melted butter over it, then slowly drizzle with hot syrup.
8. 8 Let it rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with crushed pistachios.

Nutrition

Tips

• Use a light hand when separating kadaifi to avoid tearing.
• For a vegan version, substitute vegan cheese and syrup.
• Ensure the cheese is room temperature for even melting.

Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Pair with a strong Turkish coffee for contrast.

FAQ