Traditional Turkish Künefe

How To Make Traditional Turkish Künefe

1. Combine sugar and water in a pot and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Add lemon juice and simmer 1–2 minutes more.
4. Remove from heat and cool completely.
5. Mix softened butter and grape molasses.
6. Generously grease 4–6 individual pans or one large pan with half the mixture.
7. Roughly chop the kadayıf into 1-inch pieces.
8. Place in a bowl and pour melted butter over the top.
9. Toss well to coat.
10. Press a layer of kadayıf into the bottom and sides of the pan.
11. Add a layer of cheese, leaving a small border.
12. Cover with another layer of kadayıf and press firmly to seal.
13. Place the pan over medium-low heat and cook for about 6 minutes until the bottom is golden.
14. Flip the künefe onto a plate.
15. Re-grease the pan with the remaining molasses-butter mixture.
16. Return the pastry to the pan, golden side up.
17. Cook for another 4–5 minutes until the bottom is golden.
18. Remove from heat and immediately pour cooled syrup over the hot pastry.
19. Garnish with ground pistachios and serve hot so the cheese remains melted and stretchy.