Authentic Turkish Knafeh Recipe: Künefe Recipe

Introduction to Turkish Knafeh Recipe

Turkish Knafeh, known locally as ‘Künefe’ is a beloved dessert celebrated for its golden crispy layers, gooey cheese filling, and fragrant sugar syrup. This iconic dish combines simple ingredients with rich flavors, creating an irresistible treat that perfectly represents Turkish culinary heritage.
In this blog, I will guide you through an authentic Turkish Knafeh Recipe, complete with detailed instructions, essential tips, and serving suggestions.
For more food recipes visit my site Foodies Guy.

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What is Turkish Knafeh?

Turkish Knafeh, or Künefe, is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made from shredded phyllo dough (Kadayif), layered with stretchy cheese, and soaked in a sugar-based syrup infused with lemon juice and aromatic essences like rosewater or orange blossom water.

In Turkey, Künefe is often enjoyed as a warm dessert, served straight from the oven with a generous topping of crushed pistachios.

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Why You’ll Love This Turkish Knafeh Recipe

• Authentic Taste
  • Enjoy the rich and traditional tastes of Turkey with each bite.
• Perfect Texture
  • A crispy golden crust combined with a gooey cheese center creates the perfect balance.
• Simple Ingredients
  • Uses basic ingredients easily available in most kitchens.
• Ideal for Special Occasions
  • Perfect for celebrations, family gatherings, or as a sweet ending to any meal.
• Customizable
  • Add your favorite nuts or adjust the sweetness to your preference.

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Ingredients for Turkish Knafeh Recipe

Ingredient	Quantity
Kadayif Pastry (shredded phyllo dough)	500g
Unsalted Butter (melted)	1 cup
Mozzarella Cheese (or Künefe Cheese)	400g
Granulated Sugar	1 cup
Water	1 cup
Lemon Juice	1 tsp
Rosewater	1 tbsp
Orange Blossom Water	1 tbsp
Crushed Pistachios	1/4 cup

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Preparation and Cook Time in this Turkish Knafeh Recipe

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

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Instructions of Turkish Knafeh Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Syrup

1. Mix sugar, water, and lemon juice together in a saucepan.
2. Heat the mixture to the point of boiling, then, at that point, decrease heat intensity and stew for 5 minutes.
3. Add rosewater and orange blossom water.
4. Remove from heat and allow it to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling

1. Shred the mozzarella or Künefe cheese.
2. If using salted cheese, soak it in water for 30 minutes to reduce saltiness.
3. Drain well before use.

Step 3: Prepare the Kadayif Dough

1. Chop the shredded phyllo dough into smaller pieces.
2. Mix thoroughly with melted butter until evenly coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Knafeh

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Grease a round baking tray with butter.
3. Spread portion of the Kadayif mixture equally at the lower part of the plate.
4. Add the shredded cheese as an even layer.
5. Top with the remaining Kadayif dough, pressing lightly.

Step 5: Bake the Knafeh

1. Bake until golden brown and crispy on top, typically for 30-35 minutes.
2. Remove it from the oven and immediately pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot Knafeh.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle crushed pistachios generously on top.
2. Let it sit for 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Your Turkish Knafeh recipe is completed and Turkish Knafeh is now waiting for you to eat it 😊.

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The Unique History of Turkish Knafeh (Künefe)

Künefe, a Turkish version of Knafeh, has a long history that dates back to the Ottoman Empire. It originated in the Middle East and became a popular dessert in Turkey, especially in regions like Hatay and Gaziantep. Once enjoyed in royal kitchens and during festive celebrations, it has now become a beloved treat across the country. Each region adds its own twist, making Turkish Knafeh a delicious symbol of cultural tradition and heritage.

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Tips for the Perfect Turkish Knafeh Recipe

• Use fresh Kadayif dough for the best results.
• Pour syrup over hot Knafeh to ensure even absorption.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the gooey cheese texture.
• Adjust sweetness by modifying syrup quantity.

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Variations of Turkish Knafeh

Main variants of Turkish Künefe are:

• Creamy Knafeh
  • Add a layer of cream (Kaymak) along with the cheese for extra richness.
• Chocolate Knafeh
  • Include a chocolate layer between the cheese and the shredded pastry layers.
• Nutty Delight
  • Mix chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds into the cheese filling.

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What to Serve with Turkish Knafeh

• Turkish Tea: The bitterness of tea balances the sweetness.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Offers a refreshing, creamy complement.
• Strong Turkish Coffee: Complements the dessert beautifully.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Please avoid doing these mistakes to get Perfect Turkish Knafeh.

• Using overly salty cheese without soaking.
• Pouring syrup over a cold Knafeh.
• Overcooking, which can dry out the dessert.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

• Leftovers can be stored in refrigerator for up to three days if placed in an airtight container.
• To maintain the crispy texture, reheat in oven.

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Health Benefits (In Moderation)

If you eat this turkish cuisine in moderate manner it is beneficial for health in these ways.

• Cheese provides calcium and protein.
• Kadayif dough offers energy-rich carbohydrates.
• Pistachios are packed with antioxidants and healthy fats.

Here are variations of knafeh you should try:
Authentic Palestinian Knafeh Recipe: A Sweet Tradition
Authentic Lebanese Knafeh Recipe

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Conclusion

Turkish Knafeh is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. From its golden, crispy crust to its luscious, cheesy core, every bite transports you to the vibrant streets of Turkey. Whether you’re making it for a festive occasion or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this Turkish Knafeh Recipe is sure to leave a lasting impression.

So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and bring a taste of Turkey into your home!

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FAQs for this Turkish Knafeh Recipe

References

tarasmulticulturaltable.com/kunefe-turkish-cheese-pastry/