Arabic Kunafa
A hands-on, sensory-rich Arabic Kunafa with crisp golden strands, molten cheese center, and lightly perfumed syrup—perfect for adventurous home cooks.
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Skillet or shallow pan (non-stick or heavy-bottomed) – for cooking the Kunafa
- 1 Heat-resistant spatula for pressing and flipping the Kunafa
- 1 Pastry brush to brush melted butter onto the dough
- 1 Cutting board & knife to slice or grate the cheese
- 1 Small saucepan to boil sugar, water, and lemon juice
- 1 Stirring spoon to mix syrup ingredients
- 1 Measuring cups & spoons to measure sugar, water, lemon juice, orange blossom
- 1 Serving plate for flipping and presenting the Kunafa
- 1 Spatula or cake lifter to help flip the Kunafa safely
- 1 Small bowl for crushed pistachios (optional)
- 1 Knife Knife
Ingredients
- 500 gm kataifi (shredded Kunafa dough) – finely pulled apart
- 200 gm unsalted butter – melted, browned slightly for nutty aroma
- 400 gm Nabulsi or mozzarella cheese – grated or thinly sliced
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp orange blossom water
- Pinch of fine salt
Instructions
- Preheat pan over medium heat.
- Separate Kunafa dough strands gently; brush with melted butter.
- Layer half of the dough in the pan; press lightly.
- Spread cheese evenly over the layer.
- Cover with remaining dough; brush top with butter.
- Flip carefully onto a serving plate; bottom should be crisp and golden.
- Prepare syrup: boil water + sugar + lemon juice 5 minutes; add orange blossom water off heat.
- Pour syrup evenly over Kunafa while warm.
- Serve immediately; enjoy molten cheese threads and crunchy dough.
- Optional tweaks: Sprinkle crushed pistachios or drizzle extra syrup for added sweetness.
Video
Notes
🍽 Nutrition Snapshot — Arabic Kunafa (per serving)
Servings: 8Approx. Calories: ≈600–625 kcal each
Macronutrients (per serving)
| Nutrient | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | ≈64 g |
| Protein | ≈19 g |
| Fat | ≈30 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~17 g |
| Sugar | ≈38–45 g (from syrup) |
| Fiber | ~1 g |
• Use firm cheese that melts well.
• Toasted butter adds depth to the dough.
• Orange blossom water is essential; rose water optional. This video explores a similar experimental cooking process — not the same recipe, but perfect inspiration for creative cooks.