Crispy Kunafa Balls Recipe: Easy Fried Cheese Dessert

Name: Crispy Kunafa Balls Recipe: Easy Fried Cheese Dessert
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 500 grams Shredded Kunafa Pastry; 1/2 cup Melted Butter or Ghee; 200 grams Sweet Cheese (Such as Akawi or Mozzarella, cut into small cubes); 3-4 cups Vegetable Oil (For deep frying); 2 cups Granulated Sugar (for syrup); 1 cup Water (for syrup); 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice (for syrup); 1/2 teaspoon Orange Blossom Water (optional, for syrup)

Learn how to make delightful and crispy Kunafa balls, a popular Middle Eastern dessert, with this simple recipe. Filled with sweet cheese and soaked in aromatic sugar syrup, these bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion. Follow our step-by-step guide to create these golden, irresistible delicacies at home.

#Dessert

#Kunafa

#Sweet

#Fried

#Cheese

#Easy

#Ramadan

#Eid

Golden Kunafa Balls Freshly Fried

Recipe Information

15m

Prep Time

18m

Cook Time

33m

Total Time

Servings

Easy

Middle Eastern

English

Nutrition (per serving)

450

Calories

12g

Protein

65g

Carbs

25g

Fat

Kunafa Balls Drizzled with Sweet Syrup

Ingredients

Shredded Kunafa Pastry
500 grams
Melted Butter or Ghee
1 cup

Sweet Cheese
(Such as Akawi or Mozzarella, cut into small cubes)
200 grams
Vegetable Oil
(For deep frying)
3 cups
Granulated Sugar (for syrup)
2 cups
Water (for syrup)
1 cup
Lemon Juice (for syrup)
1 teaspoon

Orange Blossom Water (optional, for syrup)
1 teaspoon

Servings: 6

💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!

Crispy Kunafa Balls Ready to Serve

Instructions

0/6 completed

1
Finely shred the Kunafa pastry, then pour melted butter or ghee over it. Mix well with your hands until all pastry strands are evenly coated.
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3m
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Finely shred the Kunafa pastry, then pour melted butter or ghee over it. Mix well with your hands until all pastry strands are evenly coated.
3m
Ensure the kunafa is finely shredded for easier handling and crispier results after frying. You can use a food processor for this.
2
Prepare the sweet cheese by cutting it into small, uniform cubes, approximately 1-inch (2.5 cm) in size.
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2m
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Prepare the sweet cheese by cutting it into small, uniform cubes, approximately 1-inch (2.5 cm) in size.
2m
If using Akawi cheese, soak it in fresh water for a few hours (changing water several times) to reduce saltiness, then drain thoroughly.

3
Take a small portion of the buttered kunafa pastry, flatten it in your palm, place one cheese cube in the center, and carefully form it into a tight ball, ensuring the cheese is completely enclosed and sealed.
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10m
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Take a small portion of the buttered kunafa pastry, flatten it in your palm, place one cheese cube in the center, and carefully form it into a tight ball, ensuring the cheese is completely enclosed and sealed.
10m
Press firmly to ensure the balls hold their shape and don't break apart during frying. Work efficiently to prevent the pastry from drying out.
4
To prepare the sugar syrup, combine sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat, stir in orange blossom water (if using), and let it cool completely.
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10m
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To prepare the sugar syrup, combine sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat, stir in orange blossom water (if using), and let it cool completely.
10m
The syrup must be cold when poured over the hot kunafa for the best crispiness and absorption.
5
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot over medium heat to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the kunafa balls in batches until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
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8m
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Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot over medium heat to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the kunafa balls in batches until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
8m
Do not overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy kunafa. Fry in small batches for optimal results.

6
While the kunafa balls are still hot, immediately pour the cooled sugar syrup over them. Ensure all balls are well-coated. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Kunafa balls!
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2m
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While the kunafa balls are still hot, immediately pour the cooled sugar syrup over them. Ensure all balls are well-coated. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Kunafa balls!
2m
Garnish with crushed pistachios for an authentic touch and added flavor and texture.