Vanilla Flavored Kunafa Recipe
Description
Vanilla Flavored Kunafa is a delightful dessert that beautifully blends the traditional flavors of Mediterranean cuisine with a smooth vanilla cream filling. This dessert is especially popular during the holy fasting month of Ramadan, where it is often served to break the fast. Made from a noodle-like pastry known as Kunafa, this dessert is enriched with the warmth of butter, the sweetness of sugar syrup, and the delicate essence of vanilla. The recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, ensuring that you get a flavorful, indulgent treat with minimal effort. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just to enjoy a sweet, creamy treat, Vanilla Flavored Kunafa will captivate your taste buds with its irresistible texture and richness.
Cuisine
Mediterranean
Course
Dessert
Diet
Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kunafa pastry | 200 grams |
| Butter (Salted), melted | 100 grams |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| For Cream | |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Corn flour (dissolved in 2 tbsp milk) | 1 tablespoon |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| For Sugar Syrup | |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
Preparation Time
30 minutes
Cooking Time
20 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Sugar Syrup:
Begin by preparing the sugar syrup for your Vanilla Flavored Kunafa. In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of sugar with 1/2 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved. Once the syrup is ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool. -
Make the Cream Filling:
In a separate pan, pour 1 cup of milk and add 1 tablespoon of sugar. Bring the milk to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Once it reaches a boil, add the cornstarch mixture (made by dissolving 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of milk) to the boiling milk. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens to a custard-like consistency. Once thickened, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to infuse the cream with its sweet fragrance. Set the cream aside to cool. -
Prepare the Kunafa Pastry:
Gently separate the Kunafa pastry into small strands and place it in a large bowl. Pour 100 grams of melted salted butter over the strands and toss them to ensure that the pastry is evenly coated with the butter. This will help the pastry crisp up during baking. -
Assemble the Kunafa:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a round baking dish or tray with a bit of melted butter. Layer the buttered Kunafa pastry into the baking dish, pressing it down gently with the back of a spoon. Once the base is formed, spread the cooled vanilla cream evenly over the Kunafa. Add another layer of buttered Kunafa pastry on top to seal the cream inside. -
Bake the Kunafa:
Place the assembled Kunafa in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy. The pastry should be crisped up and slightly browned at the edges. -
Add the Sugar Syrup:
Once the Kunafa is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the cooled sugar syrup over the hot pastry. The syrup will soak into the pastry, infusing it with sweetness and moisture. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Allow the Kunafa to cool slightly before serving. Slice it into pieces and serve warm, garnished with crushed pistachios or other toppings if desired.
Tips and Variations
- Nutty Touch: For an added texture and flavor, you can sprinkle chopped pistachios, almonds, or walnuts on top of the Kunafa before baking or after it is baked.
- Make Ahead: Kunafa can be assembled and refrigerated overnight. When ready to serve, bake it as directed and add the syrup once it comes out of the oven.
- Flavor Variations: While this recipe features vanilla cream, you can experiment with other flavorings such as rose water, orange blossom water, or even chocolate.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Total Fat | 19 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 12 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 38 grams |
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Sugars | 26 grams |
| Protein | 4 grams |
| Sodium | 220 mg |
| Calcium | 120 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Conclusion
This Vanilla Flavored Kunafa is the epitome of sweet indulgence, with layers of buttery pastry, luscious cream, and a syrupy finish that will melt in your mouth. It’s a wonderful dessert for any occasion, especially during Ramadan when its sweet, comforting flavors can provide a much-needed treat after fasting. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate this delicious Mediterranean dessert in your own kitchen and enjoy a taste of the Middle East with every bite.
