Kunafa with Cream: A Heavenly Middle Eastern Dessert
Kunafa with Cream: A Creamy Middle Eastern Delight
Kunafa with cream is another beloved Eastern dessert, known for its distinctive creamy texture thanks to its rich cream filling. This dish originates from the Levant and is popular across the Arab world, especially during celebrations and holidays. It offers a perfect balance of sweet syrup and creamy indulgence, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients for Kunafa with Cream
1. Dough:
- Kunafa dough (either fine or coarse).
- Clarified butter or melted butter to soften the dough.
2. Filling:
- Homemade cream (made with milk and cornstarch).
- Or ready-made cream (such as canned cream).
3. Syrup:
- Sugar.
- Water.
- Lemon juice.
- Rose water or orange blossom water (optional).
How to Prepare Homemade Cream
- In a pot over low heat, mix 2 cups of milk with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Add a teaspoon of rose water (optional) and let it cool.
How to Prepare Kunafa with Cream
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Coat the kunafa dough well with melted butter or ghee so that it absorbs all the fat.
Step 2: Spread the Dough
- Spread half of the kunafa dough into a buttered baking dish, pressing it gently to form an even base.
Step 3: Add the Cream Filling
- Spread the prepared cream evenly over the kunafa dough layer, leaving a small margin at the edges to prevent the cream from spilling during baking.
Step 4: Add the Top Layer
- Spread the remaining kunafa dough over the cream layer, pressing gently to cover the filling completely.
Step 5: Baking
- Bake the kunafa in a preheated oven at 180-200°C (350-400°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until it turns golden brown.
Step 6: Add the Syrup
- Once the kunafa is out of the oven, pour warm syrup over it.
Step 7: Serve
- Cut the kunafa into pieces and serve hot. You can garnish it with crushed pistachios for a special touch.
Variations of Kunafa with Cream
- Soft Kunafa with Cream: Made with finely ground kunafa dough.
- Coarse Kunafa with Cream: Uses the natural string-like kunafa dough.
- Kunafa Stuffed with Cream and Fruits: Add a layer of fruits like bananas or strawberries along with the cream.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per 100g):
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Fat: 15-18g
- Carbohydrates: 35-45g
- Protein: 6-8g
Tips for Making Perfect Kunafa with Cream
- Ensure the cream is thick and smooth to avoid any leakage during baking.
- Be sure to cover the cream completely with dough to prevent the cream from drying out.
- Use warm syrup, not hot, to avoid making the kunafa too soggy.
Enjoy the creamy, decadent delight of Kunafa with Cream, a rich dessert that’s sure to captivate anyone with its texture and flavor!
