Turkish Pistachio Kunafa
Chef SenaKitchen Studio chef · October 23, 2026A classic Middle Eastern dessert made with shredded phyllo dough (kataifi), cheese, and syrup, often topped with nuts.
Calories are an AI estimate, for information only.
Ingredients · 8
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Main Ingredients
- Kataifi pastry250 g
- Unsalted buttermelted100 g
- Shredded Kaser cheese150 g
- Crushed pistachios50 g
For the Syrup
- Sugar1 cup
- Water¾ cup
- Lemon juice1 tsp
- Rosewateroptional1 tsp
Method · 8 steps
- 1
Prepare the syrup: Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and rosewater (if using). Let cool.
- 2
Prepare the kunafa: In a bowl, toss the kataifi pastry with melted butter until evenly coated. Break up any large clumps.
- 3
Line the bottom of a greased baking dish with half of the kataifi mixture. Press down gently.
- 4
Spread the shredded Kaser cheese evenly over the kataifi layer.
- 5
Top with the remaining kataifi mixture, pressing lightly.
- 6
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- 7
Immediately pour the cooled syrup over the hot kunafa. Sprinkle with crushed pistachios.
- 8
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
