Kunafa (Turkish Künefe Dessert Recipe)

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Syrup
2. Melt the butter, then add it to the shredded kadayif. Mix thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until the strands are evenly coated.
3. Lightly grease the inside of the baking dish or individual oven-safe bowls with butter, making sure the base and sides are well coated.
4. Divide half of the buttered kadayif between the prepared dishes and press it firmly into an even layer across the bottom.
5. Arrange the melting cheese over the kadayif, keeping it mostly in the center so it stays enclosed between the pastry layers.
6. Cover the cheese completely with the remaining kadayif, then press the surface firmly so the dessert holds its shape while baking.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes, or until the kadayif is deeply golden and crisp.
8. Remove the kunafa from the oven and let it sit briefly. While the dessert is still hot, slowly pour the completely cooled syrup over the surface.
9. Finish with ground pistachios and serve the kunafa warm while the pastry is crisp and the cheese inside is still soft and stretchy.