Kadayif and Walnut Dessert with Lemon Syrup and Strawberry-Garnished Pistachios Recipe
Kadayif and Walnut Dessert is a traditional Middle Eastern sweet delicacy featuring crispy shredded phyllo dough layered with crunchy walnuts and soaked in a fragrant, sweet vanilla syrup. This vegan dessert is perfect for special occasions and pairs beautifully with fresh strawberries and crushed pistachios for garnish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
For the Kadayif and Walnut Layers
- 500g Kadayif Noodles
- 100g Vegan Butter, melted
- 150 ml Sunflower or vegetable oil
- 130g Walnuts, finely chopped
For the Syrup
- 450g Caster Sugar
- 500ml Water
- Juice of 1/2 Lemon
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
For Garnish
- 6 Strawberries, halved
- 30g Crushed Pistachios
Instructions
- Prepare the Syrup: Combine the caster sugar and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add the lemon juice and simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the syrup cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Kadayif Noodles: In a large bowl, separate and fluff the kadayif noodles using your fingers to ensure they are loose and not clumped together.
- Mix Butter and Oil: In a small bowl, combine the melted vegan butter with the sunflower or vegetable oil. Pour this mixture over the shredded kadayif noodles and toss thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly.
- Layer the Kadayif and Walnuts: Grease a baking dish with some vegan butter or oil. Spread half of the kadayif noodles evenly in the dish and press gently. Sprinkle the finely chopped walnuts evenly over this layer. Then add the remaining kadayif noodles on top and press down gently but firmly to compact the layers.
- Bake the Dessert: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the layered kadayif in the oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Add the Syrup: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and immediately pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot dessert. This will allow the syrup to soak into the kadayif layers, making it sweet and moist.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the dessert to cool completely to room temperature. Garnish with halved strawberries and crushed pistachios before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the syrup is cool before pouring it over the hot kadayif to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- You can substitute walnuts with pistachios or almonds based on preference.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to the walnut layer.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for best texture.
Keywords: Kadayif, Walnut Dessert, Vegan Dessert, Middle Eastern Sweets, Phyllo Noodle Dessert, Nutty Syrup Dessert