Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 package of shredded phyllo dough (künefe dough)
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup of chopped dates
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of caramel sauce
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch round baking dish
- Pastry brush
- Saucepan
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns golden brown.
3. Remove the caramel sauce from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and heavy cream. Set aside.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded phyllo dough with the melted butter. Mix well.
5. Spread half of the dough mixture evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
6. Sprinkle the chopped dates over the dough.
7. Cover the dates with the remaining dough mixture, pressing down gently.
8. Bake the künefe for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
9. Remove the künefe from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
10. Pour the caramel sauce over the künefe, spreading it evenly.
11. Serve the caramel künefe warm, garnished with additional caramel sauce and chopped dates.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 580
Fat: 35g
Carbohydrates: 64g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 260mg
Sugar: 46g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can substitute the chopped dates with chopped figs, raisins, or apricots.
- You can use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making your own.
Variations:
- You can add chopped nuts, such as pistachios or almonds, to the dough mixture for added texture and flavor.
- You can add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese between the dough and the dates for a savory twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brush the baking dish with butter before adding the dough mixture to prevent sticking.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the künefe into slices.
- Serve the künefe warm for the best texture and flavor.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftover künefe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the künefe, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warm.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the caramel künefe on a decorative platter and garnish it with chopped dates and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Garnishes:
Chopped dates and additional caramel sauce.
Pairings:
Serve the caramel künefe with a cup of Turkish coffee or tea for a traditional dessert experience.
Suggested side dishes:
This dessert is best served on its own.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the caramel sauce is too thick, add a splash of heavy cream to thin it out.
- If the künefe is too dry, brush it with additional melted butter before adding the caramel sauce.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to use clean hands and utensils when handling the dough and other ingredients to prevent contamination.
Food history:
Künefe is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with shredded phyllo dough and cheese. This variation with dates and caramel sauce is a modern twist on the classic recipe.
Flavor profiles:
This dessert is sweet, buttery, and rich with caramel and date flavors.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the caramel künefe warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Turkish
Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Caramelized, Syrupy, Rich