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Kunafa Cheesecake

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Kunafa Cheesecake is a delightful fusion dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the crunchy, buttery layers of shredded phyllo dough (kataifi/kunafa). Sweetened with sugar syrup and flavored with rose or orange blossom water, it is a Middle Eastern-inspired treat perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 300 g kataifi (kunafa) pastry
  • 150 g unsalted butter, melted
  • 500 g cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup rose water or orange blossom water (optional)
  • 1/2 cup pistachios, crushed (for garnish)
  • 1 cup sugar (for syrup)
  • 1/2 cup water (for syrup)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice (for syrup)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease and line a springform cheesecake pan.
  2. In a bowl, mix kataifi pastry with melted butter until well coated. Spread half of the pastry evenly into the bottom of the pan and press down gently.
  3. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until golden. Set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in heavy cream and cornstarch until combined.
  5. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the baked kunafa crust. Top with the remaining buttered kataifi, pressing gently.
  6. Bake for 45–55 minutes or until the cheesecake is set and the top is golden.
  7. Meanwhile, prepare the syrup: boil sugar and water together, add lemon juice, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in rose or orange blossom water.
  8. Once the cheesecake has cooled slightly, drizzle syrup generously over the top.
  9. Garnish with crushed pistachios before serving. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

Notes

  • Ensure the kataifi pastry is fully coated in butter to achieve the perfect crunch.
  • You can substitute rose/orange blossom water with vanilla for a milder flavor.
  • Best served chilled for clean slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: Kunafa cheesecake, Middle Eastern dessert, kataifi pastry cheesecake, fusion cheesecake, pistachio cheesecake

Find it online: https://recipesfoodeasy.com/kunafa-cheesecake/