Description
Traditional Turkish Kunefe made with buttery shredded Kadayıf dough, filled with melted unsalted cheese and soaked in lemon syrup. Finished with crushed pistachios.
Ingredients
1 lb Kadayıf (shredded phyllo dough)
10 oz unsalted Turkish cheese or mozzarella
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups water
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp grape molasses
Ground pistachios (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the syrup: Combine sugar, water, and lemon juice. Boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Let it cool.
2. Grease the pan: Mix butter and grape molasses, and grease the pan generously.
3. Toss Kadayıf with melted butter until fully coated.
4. Press half the Kadayıf into the greased pan evenly.
5. Spread the cheese on top, leaving a ½ inch border around edges.
6. Add the remaining Kadayıf and press gently but firmly.
7. Cook over medium-low heat until golden. Flip and cook the other side.
8. Immediately pour the cooled syrup over the hot Kunefe.
9. Garnish with pistachios and serve hot.
Notes
Serve immediately while hot for perfect cheese texture.
Use Hatay or Dil Peyniri cheese if available. Mozzarella also works well.
Optional: Top with kaymak or vanilla ice cream.
Prepare in one large pan or multiple small ones.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 65mg