Mini Kunafa Recipe: A Delightful Middle Eastern Treat

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s crispy, creamy, and irresistibly sweet, Mini Kunafa is the perfect choice! These bite-sized delights combine crunchy kataifi pastry, luscious semolina pudding, and gooey melted cheese, all drenched in fragrant sugar syrup. Perfect for festive occasions or a sweet treat with coffee, this recipe is easy to make and absolutely delicious!

1. The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Kunafa 🔥

The key to achieving that golden, crispy texture lies in evenly coating the shredded kunafa pastry with melted butter. This ensures a crunchy bite while keeping the layers light and airy. Pressing the pastry firmly in the mold also helps create a beautiful, well-structured mini kunafa that holds its shape perfectly!

2. A Dessert with a Rich Middle Eastern Heritage 🌍

Kunafa is a beloved dessert across the Middle East, with origins tracing back centuries. Traditionally made with a combination of cheese, nuts, and aromatic syrups, this dish is especially popular during Ramadan and festive celebrations. These mini versions make it easier to enjoy the authentic flavors in a single, delicious bite!

Ingredients

For the Kunafa Crust:

• 500 g kunafa (kataifi/kadaifi pastry), frozen (thaw slightly before using)

• 1 cup butter, melted

For the Semolina Pudding:

• 1 ½ cups milk

• ¾ cup heavy cream

• 3 tbsp sugar

• 3 tbsp semolina

• 1 tsp cornstarch

• 1 tsp water

• 1 tsp rosewater

For the Cheese Filling:

• 400 g mozzarella cheese, shredded

For the Sugar Syrup:

• 2 ½ cups granulated sugar

• 1 ¼ cup water

• Squeeze of fresh lemon juice

• 1 tbsp rosewater

• 1 tbsp orange blossom water

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Syrup

1. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine sugar, water, and lemon juice. Stir briefly, then allow it to come to a boil.

2. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes until the syrup thickens.

3. Remove from heat, stir in rosewater and orange blossom water, then set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Semolina Pudding

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Add semolina, sugar, milk, and heavy cream, stirring continuously.

3. Dissolve cornstarch in water, then mix it into the pudding.

4. Stir in rosewater and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Mini Kunafa

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a muffin tin or your preferred mold with butter.

2. Shred the kunafa pastry and place it in a bowl. Mix it with melted butter until evenly coated.

3. Fill each muffin tin halfway with the buttery kunafa, pressing it down slightly.

1. Add 2 tablespoons of semolina pudding and a heaped tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center.

2. Top with more kunafa, pressing firmly to enclose the filling.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

2. Once out of the oven, immediately pour the cooled sugar syrup over each mini kunafa.

3. Let them soak for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy Your Mini Kunafa!

Serve warm and enjoy the delightful combination of crispy layers, creamy filling, and sweet floral syrup. These mini kunafas are perfect for Ramadan, Eid, or any special occasion when you want to impress your guests with a classic Middle Eastern dessert!