If you’re looking for a sweet and decadent dessert that will impress your guests, look no further than this kunafa recipe with cream cheese. This Middle Eastern dessert combines crispy layers of kunafa pastry with a rich and creamy filling made with cream cheese, mozzarella, and paneer. The dessert is finished off with a sweet and fragrant sugar syrup and a sprinkle of pistachios for a crunchy texture.
To make this kunafa recipe, you will need a few key ingredients. You’ll need kunafa pastry, butter, and yellow or orange. The cream cheese filling requires milk, nestle cream, sugar, cornflour, rose essence, mozzarella cheese, and paneer. Finally, you’ll need sugar, water, lemon juice, rose essence, and chopped pistachios to make the sugar syrup. With these ingredients, you’ll be ready to create a dessert that will wow your guests.
What is Kunafa?
Kunafa is a popular Middle Eastern dessert that is made with shredded phyllo dough, cheese, and sweet syrup. It is a delicious and unique dessert that has become a favorite for many people worldwide. In this section, I will provide you with some information about the history of Kunafa and the different variations of this dessert.
History of Kunafa
Kunafa has a long history that dates back to the Ottoman Empire. It is believed that the dessert was first created in the city of Nablus, located in modern-day Israel. Over time, kunafa became popular throughout the Middle East and is now enjoyed by people all over the world.
Kunafa Variations
There are many different variations of kunafa, each with its unique flavor and texture. One popular variation is kunafa with cream cheese, which is made by adding a layer of cream cheese to the traditional recipe. This gives the dessert a creamy and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet syrup.
Another variation is kunafa with nuts, which is made by adding chopped nuts, such as pistachios or almonds, to the filling. This adds a crunchy texture and a delicious nutty flavor to the dessert.
Kunafa can also be made with different types of cheese, such as ricotta or mozzarella, depending on personal preference. Additionally, some people like to add a layer of fruit, such as sliced strawberries or bananas, to the filling for a refreshing and fruity twist.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of kunafa
- 1 stick of butter
- 1 teaspoon of yellow/orange food color
For the cream cheese filling:
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 cup of Nestle cream
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1/4 cup of cornflour
- 2 tablespoons of rose essence
- 2 cups of mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup of grated paneer cheese
For the sugar syrup:
- 1 1/2 cups of sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of rose essence
- 1/3 cup of chopped pistachios
How to Make the Kunafa Recipe with Cream Cheese?
- First, you need to prepare the filling. In a pan, mix milk, cream, sugar, rose essence, and cornflour. Bring the mixture to heat and stir it until it is combined and forms a smooth paste.
- After bringing it off the heat and letting it cool a bit, add in mozzarella and paneer cheese, and mix well.
- Next, take the kunafa mix it with color, butter, and coat all the strings of kunafa with it.
- Then, brush butter on the baking tin and put the kunafa, leaving some for the top, covering all over the tin and pressing it down with a spoon or cup.
- After that, put the cream cheese filling and lastly some kunafa with some butter pieces over it and bake it at 180° for 20 minutes.
- Make the sugar syrup by boiling water with lime juice, sugar, and rose essence until it thickens a bit.
- Once the kunafa is baked nicely with a slightly golden brown crust, take it out. Pour sugar syrup all over it after flipping it onto a serving plate. Finally, decorate it with pistachios.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot: Kunafa with cream cheese is best served hot. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then drizzle some syrup on top and serve immediately. The contrast between the hot, crispy pastry and the creamy, melted cheese is simply divine.
- Add toppings: You can also add some toppings to your kunafa to make it even more delicious. Some popular options include chopped nuts, fresh fruit, or a dollop of whipped cream. Get creative and try different combinations to find your favorite.
- Pair with tea or coffee: Kunafa with cream cheese makes for a perfect dessert to serve with a cup of tea or coffee. The sweetness of the pastry and the richness of the cheese pair perfectly with the bitterness of the coffee or tea.
- Serve as a party dessert: Kunafa with cream cheese is a great dessert to serve at a party or gathering. Cut it into small squares and serve it on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking. Your guests will love it!
- Experiment with flavors: While the classic kunafa with cream cheese is delicious on its own, you can also experiment with different flavors. Try adding some cinnamon or cardamom to the syrup for a warm, spicy flavor. Or add some rosewater or orange blossom water for a fragrant, floral taste.
Storing and Reheating Tips
It is best to keep your kunafa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help to keep the kunafa fresh for up to 3 days. However, it is important to note that the texture of the kunafa may change slightly after being refrigerated.
If you want to reheat your kunafa, it is best to do so in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the kunafa on a baking sheet. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out and bake for 10-15 minutes or until it is heated through.
Another option is to reheat the kunafa in the microwave. However, this method may result in a softer texture and may not be ideal for everyone. If you choose to reheat your kunafa in the microwave, be sure to cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the wrong type of cheese: It’s important to use the right type of cheese when making kunafa. Cream cheese is the best option as it has a smooth texture and a mild flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the syrup.
- Not brushing the phyllo dough with enough butter: The phyllo dough needs to be brushed with butter to create a crispy and flaky texture. Make sure to brush each layer with enough butter to ensure that it cooks evenly and doesn’t become soggy.
- Not letting the kunafa cool before adding the syrup: It’s important to let the kunafa cool for a few minutes before adding the syrup. If the kunafa is too hot, the syrup will be absorbed too quickly and the dessert will become soggy. Letting it cool for a few minutes will ensure that the syrup is absorbed evenly and the kunafa stays crispy.
- Overbaking the kunafa: Overbaking the kunafa can result in a dry and tough texture. It’s important to keep an eye on the kunafa while it’s baking and take it out of the oven as soon as it turns golden brown.
Conclusion
I hope this kunafa recipe with cream cheese has inspired you to try making this delicious dessert at home. It’s a unique and flavorful dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
By using cream cheese in the filling, you get a creamy and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet and crunchy shredded phyllo dough. The syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the tanginess of the cream cheese.
Remember to be patient when working with the phyllo dough, as it can be delicate and may tear easily. But don’t worry, even if it doesn’t turn out perfectly, it will still taste delicious.
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s a little different from the usual cakes and cookies, give this kunafa recipe a try. It’s a fun and unique dessert that’s sure to be a hit with everyone.
By the way, this kunafa is a great dessert after having mujadara with beef.
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