Turkish Cuisine
🍮 dessertRank #15medium

Künefe

Künefe is a traditional Turkish dessert made with shredded phyllo dough layered with a special soft cheese, baked until golden and crispy, then soaked in sweet sugar syrup. It is rich, warm, and often enjoyed as a celebratory or festive treat, especially in southeastern Turkey, reflecting the region's affinity for cheese-based sweets.

7 ingredients
sweetcreamynuttybutterycrispy
Turkish70%
Levantine30%

Ingredients

  • kataifi (shredded phyllo dough)
    300 grams
  • unsalted fresh cheese (such as Hatay cheese or mozzarella)
    250 grams
  • unsalted butter
    100 grams
  • granulated sugar
    2 cups
  • water
    2 cups
  • lemon juice
    1 tablespoon
  • pistachios (chopped, for garnish)
    2 tablespoons

Method

Steps not available

Originating from the Hatay region of Turkey, Künefe has roots in the Levantine culinary tradition and was popularized during the Ottoman era as a luxurious dessert combining local cheeses and pastry techniques.