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Cream Cheese Kunafa
Created by: Howcan Team
Ingredients
- 1 package of shredded phyllo dough
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of rose water
- 1 cup of cream cheese
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup of chopped pistachios or almonds for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded phyllo dough with the melted butter until well coated.
- In a separate saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, and rose water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to make a simple syrup. Set aside to cool.
- Press half of the buttered phyllo dough into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, creating an even layer.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the layer of phyllo dough in the baking dish.
- Cover the cream cheese layer with the remaining buttered phyllo dough, pressing down gently to create an even top layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the kunafa is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the kunafa from the oven and pour the cooled simple syrup evenly over the top, allowing it to soak in.
- Garnish with chopped pistachios or almonds.
- Allow the kunafa to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Kunafa, a beloved Middle Eastern dessert, has a rich history dating back to the 10th century. Originating in the Palestinian city of Nablus, this sweet treat has evolved over the centuries, with various regions adding their own unique twists. The traditional version features a crispy shredded phyllo dough crust filled with sweet cheese and soaked in sugar syrup. However, a modern twist includes a luscious cream cheese topping, adding a delightful creamy element to the dessert. Chefs in renowned Middle Eastern restaurants, such as Al Aqsa in Jerusalem and Feras Sweets in Amman, have perfected this delectable variation. The key to achieving the perfect kunafa with cream cheese topping lies in achieving the ideal balance of crispy, sweet, and creamy textures. Whether enjoyed in its traditional form or with a modern twist, kunafa continues to captivate dessert enthusiasts worldwide.
60 min
8
380 calories
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