Künefe (Sweet Cheese Pastry)
Künefe is a delightful Turkish dessert that features layers of crispy pastry filled with warm, gooey cheese and topped with a sweet syrup. This indulgent treat is perfect for gatherings, bringing people together with its irresistible blend of textures and flavors. Whether enjoyed warm with a scoop of ice cream or shared among friends at a celebration, Künefe promises to create memorable moments over dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz Künefe noodles (shredded pastry)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 6 oz mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 4 oz unsalted white cheese (crumbled)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a round baking dish with melted butter.
- Layer half of the Künefe noodles evenly in the pan and gently press down.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and white cheese evenly on top.
- Cover with remaining noodles and drizzle more melted butter over the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- While baking, combine sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat; boil until slightly thickened (about 10 minutes).
- Pour hot syrup over baked Künefe immediately; let soak for a few minutes before garnishing with pistachios.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 100g)
- Calories: 355
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg