Description
Enjoy the irresistible layers of crispy kunafa filled with creamy ricotta cheese, all drizzled with a sweet vanilla syrup. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a special indulgence at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package of kunafa (shredded phyllo dough) – about 400 grams
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups ricotta cheese or unsweetened cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup crushed pistachios (for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Once the mixture starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Allow the syrup to cool completely while you prepare the kunafa.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, take the package of kunafa and gently separate the strands with your fingers.
- Pour the melted butter over the kunafa and mix well until all the strands are coated evenly.
- In another bowl, mix the ricotta cheese (or cream cheese) with a pinch of ground cinnamon if youre using it.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with some of the melted butter.
- Take half of the buttered kunafa and spread it evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Press it down gently to create a solid base.
- Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the kunafa base.
- Take the remaining kunafa and spread it over the cheese layer, pressing it down gently.
- Drizzle any remaining melted butter over the top layer of kunafa.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent burning.
- Once baked, remove the kunafa from the oven and immediately pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot kunafa.
- Let the kunafa sit for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the syrup before serving.
- Sprinkle the crushed pistachios generously over the top.
- Cut the kunafa into squares or diamond shapes using a sharp knife.
- Serve warm, optionally with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Ensure the kunafa strands are well-coated with butter for the best texture.
- Adjust the sweetness of the syrup according to your preference.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of ground cinnamon to the kunafa layers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes