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Kunefe

A classic dessert made of crispy shredded dough layered around warm melting cheese, finished with sweet sugar syrup.

40 minMediumServes 4450 cal/serving

TurkishDessertStovetopVegetarianHalal-friendlyEgg-FreeSoy-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-FreeNut-FreeLow-SodiumNightshade-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 lb kadayif dough, chopped
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 lb unsalted sweet cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then stir in 1 tsp lemon juice and simmer for 10 minutes until thickened. Set syrup aside to cool.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, toss 1/2 lb chopped kadayif dough with 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter until fully coated.

  3. 3

    Press half of the dough mixture into a heavy skillet.

  4. 4

    Spread 1/2 lb shredded unsalted sweet cheese evenly over top.

  5. 5

    Top with remaining dough and press firmly.

  6. 6

    Cook on medium-low heat for 8 minutes until golden.

  7. 7

    Invert onto a plate, slide back in, and cook other side for 8 minutes.

  8. 8

    Pour cooled syrup over hot pastry immediately.

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Questions

What is Kunefe?

A classic dessert made of crispy shredded dough layered around warm melting cheese, finished with sweet sugar syrup. This reference files it under Turkish dessert: made on the stovetop, rated medium and about 40 minutes start to finish.

Can I make Kunefe dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Kunefe is 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, 1/2 lb unsalted sweet cheese, shredded. Swap the butter for olive oil where it melts, or a plant-based block butter where it is creamed; the cheese for a plant-based melting cheese (expect a milder flavor). The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Is Kunefe vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and 1/2 lb unsalted sweet cheese, shredded. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan dessert collection.

How many calories are in Kunefe?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 450 calories, with 12 g protein, 52 g carbohydrate and 22 g fat, plus 2 g fiber and 320 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

Can I freeze Kunefe?

It is not a good candidate. Keep Kunefe covered in the refrigerator and eat it within three days. Chilled and set desserts lose their texture in the freezer.

Serve it with

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