Kunafa with Cream – Eid Dessert Highlight is a rich, decadent treat that tantalizes your taste buds with layers of crispy pastry, creamy goodness, and a hint of sweetness. Imagine sinking your fork into this heavenly dessert as the warm, buttery strands melt in your mouth, sending you on a flavor journey straight to the heart of the Middle East. The aroma wafts through the air like a comforting hug, promising an unforgettable experience. For more inspiration, check out this explore cake recipes recipe.
Every Eid celebration at my grandma’s house was incomplete without her famous Kunafa with Cream. As kids, we would gather around the kitchen, eagerly waiting for that golden masterpiece to emerge from the oven. I fondly remember sneaking spoonfuls of the warm cream filling when no one was looking—what can I say? My love for dessert knows no bounds! This delightful dish is perfect for festive occasions or simply when you need a sweet pick-me-up on a Tuesday.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Kunafa with Cream recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it accessible even for novice bakers
- The fusion of flavors creates an irresistible treat that’s both comforting and indulgent
- Its vibrant presentation adds elegance to any celebration or gathering
- Versatile enough for any occasion, it can be served warm or chilled
Ingredients for Kunafa with Cream – Eid Dessert Highlight
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Kunafa Noodles: These fine strands provide the signature crispiness and texture that makes kunafa so delightful; you can find them in Middle Eastern grocery stores.
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Unsalted Butter: Melted butter will help create that irresistible crunch; use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
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Milk: Whole milk works best to create a rich and creamy filling; feel free to substitute with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cream filling and balances out the flavors beautifully.
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Semolina Flour: This ingredient thickens the cream filling and gives it that luxurious texture; make sure it’s finely ground.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile, making each bite even more aromatic.
For the Syrup:
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Sugar: Use granulated sugar to make a simple syrup that perfectly complements this dessert’s richness.
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Water: Combine with sugar to create syrup; this will keep your kunafa moist and add extra sweetness.
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Lemon Juice: A dash of lemon juice prevents crystallization in syrup while adding brightness to its flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Kunafa with Cream – Eid Dessert Highlight
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Ensure all your ingredients are ready to go. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round baking pan generously with ghee or butter.
Step 2: Prepare Kunafa Noodles
Take the kunafa noodles and gently shred them into smaller pieces. This will help ensure they bake evenly and become crispy.
Step 3: Mix Butter with Noodles
In a large bowl, combine the shredded kunafa noodles with melted butter. Use your hands to mix thoroughly until every strand is coated in buttery goodness.
Step 4: Create the Cream Filling
In another bowl, whisk together milk, sugar, semolina flour, and vanilla extract until smooth. Cook over medium heat while stirring continuously until thickened—about five minutes should do it!
Step 5: Assemble Your Kunafa
Layer half of the buttery kunafa mixture at the bottom of your greased baking pan. Spread the cream filling evenly over this layer before topping it off with the remaining kunafa noodles.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden Brown
Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top. While it’s baking, prepare your syrup by combining sugar and water in a saucepan; simmer until slightly thickened.
Once you remove your kunafa from the oven, pour warm syrup over it immediately for maximum absorption. Allow it to cool slightly before cutting into slices.
Serve warm or at room temperature with fresh fruit or whipped cream on top—now you’re ready for an unforgettable dessert experience!
You Must Know
- Kunafa with cream is not just a dessert; it’s an experience
- The delightful layers of pastry and velvety cream make it the star of any celebration, especially Eid
- With its rich flavors and stunning presentation, this dish will impress everyone at your table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by preparing the kunafa dough. Shred it finely and mix with melted butter for that crispy texture. While that crisps in the oven, whip up your creamy filling. Finally, assemble the layers and bake until golden perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the cream for ricotta or mascarpone for a unique twist. You can also sprinkle nuts like pistachios or walnuts between layers for added crunch and flavor variations. Don’t shy away from adding aromatic spices like cardamom!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover kunafa in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at low heat until warmed through, ensuring that the crust maintains its delightful crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh dough for an authentic texture; frozen dough may not provide the same crunch
- Make sure to balance your cream sweetness with a hint of salt for depth
- Always let it cool slightly before serving; it helps set the layers beautifully
The first time I made kunafa with cream for Eid, my family couldn’t stop raving about it! They even tried to bribe me with dessert requests for months afterward—it was a sweet victory indeed!
FAQs :
What is Kunafa with Cream?
Kunafa with cream, also known as Kunafa Nabulsieh, is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made from thin strands of pastry filled with a rich cream mixture. This delightful treat is often topped with syrup and crushed pistachios. It’s a popular dish during festive occasions like Eid, where families gather to enjoy sweet treats. The crispy texture of the pastry complements the smooth cream beautifully, making it a showstopper on any dessert table. For more inspiration, check out this more delicious desserts recipe.
How do I make the cream for Kunafa with Cream?
To prepare the creamy filling for Kunafa with cream, mix milk, sugar, cornstarch, and a hint of vanilla in a saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat while stirring continuously until it thickens into a custard-like consistency. Once ready, allow it to cool slightly before spreading it onto the cooked kunafa strands. This creamy filling is what elevates this dessert and makes it irresistible.
Can I prepare Kunafa with Cream in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Kunafa with cream in advance. Assemble the dessert but hold off on baking it until you’re ready to serve. You can keep the assembled kunafa in the refrigerator for several hours or even overnight. When you’re ready to enjoy this Eid dessert highlight, bake it to achieve that perfect golden crust before drizzling it with syrup and garnishing.
What are some tips for perfecting Kunafa with Cream?
To perfect Kunafa with cream, ensure your pastry strands are adequately buttered for crispiness and flavor. Use fresh ingredients for your cream filling to enhance taste. It’s crucial not to overbake the kunafa; just until golden brown will suffice. Lastly, let the syrup soak into the pastry after baking for an ideal texture and sweetness balance.
Conclusion for Kunafa with Cream – Eid Dessert Highlight :
Kunafa with cream is an exquisite dessert that truly shines during Eid celebrations. Its combination of crispy pastry and luscious creamy filling makes it a beloved choice among many. With simple preparation steps and helpful tips, you can create this delightful treat at home. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this indulgent dessert will surely impress your family and friends during festive gatherings. Enjoy every bite of this special culinary tradition!
Kunafa with Cream – Eid Dessert Highlight
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Kunafa with Cream is a luxurious Middle Eastern dessert that combines crispy kunafa pastry with a rich, velvety cream filling. Perfect for festive occasions like Eid, this indulgent treat is drizzled with sweet syrup and garnished with crushed pistachios, making it a showstopper at any gathering. Experience the delightful layers and mouthwatering flavors that will leave your guests craving more.
Ingredients
- 200g kunafa noodles
- 100g unsalted butter (melted)
- 500ml whole milk
- 100g granulated sugar
- 50g semolina flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Syrup:
- 150g granulated sugar
- 100ml water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round baking pan with ghee or butter.
- Shred the kunafa noodles into smaller pieces and mix them with melted butter until well coated.
- In a saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, semolina flour, and vanilla over medium heat until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Layer half of the kunafa mixture in the baking pan, spread the cream filling evenly on top, then add the remaining kunafa noodles.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Meanwhile, prepare the syrup by simmering sugar and water until slightly thickened; stir in lemon juice.
- Pour warm syrup over the kunafa immediately after baking and let it cool slightly before slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (125g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, consider layering crushed nuts between the kunafa and cream. - Swap cream for ricotta or mascarpone for a different twist on this classic dessert. - Store leftover kunafa in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.