Kunafa with Nutella takes the traditional kunafa to the next level. If you’re not familiar with kunafa, it’s a pastry made with shredded phyllo dough, soaked in sweet syrup, and filled with cheese or cream. This version is a unique twist that you need to try.
To make this delicious dessert, you’ll need fresh kunafa, dessert cream, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, powdered chocolate, vanilla extract, starch, and of course, Nutella. The combination of the crispy kunafa, creamy filling, and rich Nutella is truly a match made in heaven.
If you’re looking for a dessert that will impress your guests or satisfy your sweet tooth, try this recipe. It’s easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
What Is Kunafa
Kunafa is a popular Middle Eastern dessert that is made with shredded phyllo dough, cheese, and sugar syrup. It is a sweet and savory dessert that many people around the world enjoy.
Origin of Kunafa
Kunafa has its roots in the Levant region, which includes countries such as Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. It is believed that kunafa has been a part of Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries and was originally made with goat cheese.
Over time, kunafa has evolved and is now made with a variety of cheeses, such as mozzarella and ricotta. It is also now commonly served with a variety of toppings, such as pistachios, honey, and Nutella.
Nutella: A Modern Twist
Nutella, a popular chocolate hazelnut spread, has become a modern twist on traditional kunafa. The combination of the sweet, creamy Nutella and the crispy, shredded phyllo dough creates a delicious and indulgent dessert that is loved by many.
To make this dessert, the shredded phyllo dough is layered with a mixture of Nutella and cheese and then baked until crispy and golden brown. The dessert is then drizzled with a sweet sugar syrup and served warm.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 kg of fresh Kunafa
- 1/2 kg of fresh cream
- 5 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- 1/4 kg of unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 3 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons of powdered chocolate (cocoa of any type)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon of starch
- 2 cans of Nutella
How to Make Kunafa with Nutella?
- Use your hands to cut the Kunafa into thin shreds. Kunafa is like angel hair noodles, but finer and used mainly in Ramadan to make desserts.
- Once you have the shreds, cook them in butter until they are golden brown and crunchy. It’s essential to keep stirring as Kunafa burns fast!
- Next, put the cream, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, cocoa, and butter in a pan and heat it on medium heat.
- Once the mixture is hot, add Nutella jars that you have softened up in hot water. Heat the mixture for a while and add some starch to thicken it. The result is a delicious pudding-like mixture.
- To assemble the dessert, start by placing a thick layer of Kunafa at the bottom of a pan and sprinkling some salt and cinnamon over it. Then, add the cooled Nutella mixture and top it with another layer of Kunafa. Repeat the layers, adding more Nutella and cinnamon/sugar until I’ve used all the ingredients. Chill the dessert in the fridge or freezer for an hour until it sets.
- Finally, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream on top. It’s a heavenly and devilish dessert that’s perfect for indulging in once in a while.
Serving Suggestions
Presentation Tips
- Cut the kunafa into small, bite-sized pieces for a more elegant presentation.
- Dust some powdered sugar or cocoa powder on top of the kunafa for added visual appeal.
- Serve the kunafa on a decorative platter or tray to make it look more appetizing.
Accompaniments
- Vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with this dessert. The coldness of the ice cream complements the warm, gooey texture of the kunafa.
- Fresh berries, such as strawberries or raspberries, add a nice pop of color and a fruity flavor to the dessert.
- A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce on top of it takes it to the next level of decadence.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your serving suggestions and try out different combinations. With these tips, you’re sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Storage and Reheating
As much as I love this kunafa, it cannot be eaten in one sitting. So, it’s essential to know how to store it correctly to keep it fresh and delicious for later.
Refrigeration
This kunafa can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it’s essential to cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Also, store it in an airtight container to avoid any odors from the fridge from seeping in.
Reheating Methods
When reheating it, it’s essential to use a gentle heat source to prevent it from becoming dry or overcooked. Here are a few methods that I recommend:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Put the kunafa in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until it’s warm enough.
- Microwave: Put the kunafa on a plate suitable for the microwave and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until heated through.
- Stovetop: Heat a non-stick pan over low heat. Place the kunafa in the pan and cover it with a lid. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Too Much Nutella: While Nutella is delicious, using too much of it can make the kunafa overly sweet and overpowering. I recommend using a moderate amount of Nutella, spreading it evenly over the kunafa, and not adding any additional sugar.
- Not Using Enough Butter: Butter is a crucial ingredient in kunafa, as it helps to crisp up the pastry and give it a rich, buttery flavor. Make sure to use enough butter when preparing the kunafa, and don’t skimp on it.
- Overbaking the Kunafa: Kunafa should be baked until it is golden brown on top and crispy on the bottom, but be careful not to overbake it. Overbaking can dry out the pastry and make it tough, so keep an eye on it and take it out of the oven as soon as it is done.
- Not Letting the Kunafa Cool: Kunafa is best served warm, but it needs to cool for a few minutes before serving. If you try to cut into it too soon, the Nutella will be runny and the pastry will fall apart. Let the kunafa cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
In my opinion, kunafa with Nutella is a match made in heaven. The crispy layers of kunafa paired with the creamy and rich Nutella create a unique and delightful flavor experience.
One of the best things about this dessert is its versatility. It can be served hot or cold, and you can add various toppings such as fresh fruits or nuts to enhance the flavor even further.
If you’re looking for a dessert that is easy to make but will impress your guests, this recipe is worth trying. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end bakery.
Overall, I highly recommend giving kunafa with Nutella a try. It’s a delicious and satisfying dessert that will leave you wanting more.
By the way, did you know that this kunafa can be a perfect dessert after having potato moussaka?
Get its recipe now (by clicking the image below):
