Traditional Turkish Kunefe with Melty Cheese & Syrup

When it comes to Turkish desserts, few can compete with the indulgence and richness of Kunefe. This iconic dessert, made with crispy shredded dough, gooey melted cheese, and drenched in sweet syrup, is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. If you’re looking to recreate this mouthwatering treat at home, you’re in the right place.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to make Traditional Turkish Kunefe with Melty Cheese & Syrup. From the ingredients to the preparation steps, we’ll walk you through every detail so you can make this dessert as delicious as it is authentic. By the end of this post, you’ll be able to create your own perfect kunefe, bursting with flavors and textures that will impress anyone lucky enough to try it.

What is Kunefe?

Kunefe is a beloved dessert in Turkish cuisine, originating from the Middle East and the Levant region. It is made from kataifi dough (shredded phyllo dough) that is layered with melted cheese, usually a soft, mild variety like mozzarella or kashkaval. After being baked until golden and crispy, it’s drenched in fragrant sugar syrup, often flavored with rose or orange blossom water. The result is a warm, gooey, crispy, and sweet dessert that’s utterly irresistible.

Kunefe is often served warm, making it the perfect dessert to enjoy after a big meal or for a special occasion.

Ingredients for Traditional Turkish Kunefe with Melty Cheese & Syrup

Kunefe might sound like a complicated dessert, but with the right ingredients, it’s actually very straightforward to make. Here’s what you’ll need:

• For the Kunefe:

  • 1 package of kataifi dough (about 250g)

  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (melted)

  • 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese or kashkaval cheese (or a mixture of both)

  • 1/4 cup of crushed pistachios (for garnish, optional)

• For the Syrup:

  • 1 cup of sugar

  • 1 cup of water

  • 1 teaspoon of lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon of rose water or orange blossom water (optional, for flavor)

These ingredients come together to create the ultimate blend of textures – crispy on the outside, melting cheese in the middle, and sweet syrup soaking through every layer.

How to Make Traditional Turkish Kunefe with Melty Cheese & Syrup

Step 1: Prepare the Syrup

Start by making the syrup, as it will need time to cool before being poured over the hot kunefe.

1. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water.

2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.

3. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and stir. If you’re using rose or orange blossom water, add it at this stage.

5. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Kataifi Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Take the kataifi dough (shredded phyllo dough) and gently separate it with your fingers so that the strands are loose and fluffy.

3. Melt the butter and pour it over the kataifi dough. Use your hands or a spoon to evenly coat the dough with the butter.

4. Once well-coated, place about half of the kataifi dough into the bottom of a round or oval baking dish, pressing it gently to form an even layer.

Step 3: Add the Cheese Layer

1. Evenly spread the shredded cheese (mozzarella or kashkaval) over the first layer of kataifi dough.

2. Press down gently to compact the cheese layer slightly.

Step 4: Top with Remaining Kataifi Dough

1. Layer the remaining kataifi dough over the cheese, making sure to cover it evenly.

2. Press down gently again to compact the dough and cheese layers together, ensuring it bakes evenly.

Step 5: Bake the Kunefe

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. You may need to check halfway through and gently press down on the dough to ensure an even bake.

2. Once the kunefe is golden and crispy, remove it from the oven.

Step 6: Add the Syrup

1. While the kunefe is still hot, pour the cooled syrup evenly over the entire dish. The hot kunefe will absorb the syrup, giving it a deliciously sweet flavor.

2. Allow the kunefe to rest for 5-10 minutes to soak up the syrup.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Once your kunefe is ready, sprinkle the top with crushed pistachios for added crunch and flavor.

2. Slice and serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and melty.

Tips for Perfecting Your Kunefe

• Use fresh kataifi dough: The quality of kataifi dough can significantly affect the final result. Fresh dough gives a better texture and crunch compared to older, dried dough.

• Don’t skimp on butter: The butter is essential for giving the kataifi dough that golden, crispy texture. Be sure to coat the dough evenly with the melted butter.

• Add nuts for extra crunch: Although pistachios are the traditional choice, you can also experiment with other nuts like walnuts or almonds for a different texture and flavor.

• Serve immediately: Kunefe is best served warm, while the cheese is gooey and the syrup is soaked in. Don’t let it sit too long before serving.

Why You’ll Love Traditional Turkish Kunefe with Melty Cheese & Syrup

Kunefe is the ultimate indulgence. Its rich, gooey cheese filling contrasts beautifully with the crisp kataifi dough, while the syrup adds a delightful sweetness that ties everything together. This dessert is perfect for sharing with family and friends, especially during holidays and special occasions.

The balance of flavors and textures in Traditional Turkish Kunefe with Melty Cheese & Syrup makes it a showstopper that’s sure to impress. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make once you have all the ingredients on hand, and it’s worth every bit of effort.