Gold Leaf-Wrapped Kadaifi with Infused Syrup Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade Gold Leaf-Wrapped Kadaifi with perfectly infused aromatic syrup. This easy Middle Eastern pastry recipe balances crispy strands of kadaifi with sweet honey-citrus syrup and fragrant nuts, finished with an elegant gold leaf application for a show-stopping dessert.

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Prep Time:

45 mins

Cook Time:

35 mins

Serves:

12 pieces

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">250g kadaifi pastry (shredded filo dough), thawed if frozen</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g unsalted butter, melted</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g pistachios, roughly chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g walnuts, roughly chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g blanched almonds, roughly chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp ground cinnamon</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp ground cardamom</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 tbsp honey</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 sheets edible gold leaf</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the syrup:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">250g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200ml water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">80ml honey</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 cinnamon sticks</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 cardamom pods, lightly crushed</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 strip orange peel</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 strip lemon peel</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp orange blossom water (or rose water)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">20cm x 30cm baking dish</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Food processor</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry brush</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Fine-tipped artist's brush (for gold leaf application)</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Small sharp scissors</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Fine mesh strainer</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 180°C. Take the kadaifi pastry out of its packaging and gently pull apart the strands with your fingers to loosen them. This allows for better butter absorption and creates a lighter texture. Cover with a slightly damp cloth to prevent drying out while you prepare the filling.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a food processor, pulse the pistachios, walnuts, and almonds until coarsely chopped (don't over-process into a powder - you want texture). Transfer to a mixing bowl and stir in the cinnamon, cardamom, and honey until well combined. The honey helps bind the nut mixture while adding sweetness and moisture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Brush your baking dish generously with melted butter to prevent sticking. Take a handful of kadaifi strands (approximately 20g) and lay them flat. Brush liberally with melted butter - this is crucial for achieving that perfect golden crispness. The fat content in butter creates flaky layers as it evaporates during baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Place about 1 tablespoon of the nut mixture in the center of the kadaifi strands. Gently fold the strands over the filling, creating a small parcel. Trim any excess strands with scissors and tuck the ends underneath. The kadaifi should completely encase the filling. Repeat with remaining ingredients, placing parcels side by side in the baking dish.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Brush the tops and sides of each parcel generously with remaining melted butter. This ensures even browning and creates that distinctive crisp texture. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the kadaifi is deep golden brown and crisp. The pastry should make a crackling sound when touched with a utensil.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>While the kadaifi is baking, prepare the syrup. Combine sugar, water, honey, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, and citrus peels in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. A properly reduced syrup will coat the back of a spoon but still flow easily. Remove from heat and stir in the orange blossom water. Strain through a fine mesh sieve and let cool to room temperature.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>When the kadaifi comes out of the oven, immediately pour two-thirds of the cooled syrup evenly over the hot pastries. The temperature difference creates the perfect absorption - hot pastry, cool syrup. You'll hear a satisfying sizzle as the syrup hits the hot kadaifi. Let stand for 5 minutes, then pour remaining syrup over the parcels. Allow to cool completely, giving the pastry time to absorb the syrup fully.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Once cooled to room temperature, apply the edible gold leaf. Use a fine-tipped, slightly moistened artist's brush to carefully lift small pieces of gold leaf and transfer to the top of each kadaifi parcel. The gold will adhere naturally to the slightly sticky surface. Don't worry about perfect coverage - the rustic, random application creates a more elegant effect. Serve at room temperature for the perfect balance of crisp exterior and moist filling.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Gold Leaf-Wrapped Kadaifi with Infused Syrup Recipe?

This elegant dessert requires kadaifi pastry, butter, mixed nuts (pistachios, walnuts, almonds), spices (cinnamon, cardamom), honey, edible gold leaf, and a fragrant syrup made with sugar, water, honey, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, citrus peels and orange blossom water.

How to cook Gold Leaf-Wrapped Kadaifi with Infused Syrup Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Gold Leaf-Wrapped Kadaifi with Infused Syrup by preparing the nut filling, wrapping it in buttered kadaifi strands, baking until golden brown, then soaking in aromatic syrup. The magic happens when you pour cool syrup over hot pastry, creating the perfect absorption. Finish with delicate edible gold leaf for a luxurious touch.

Can I make kadaifi pastry desserts ahead of time for a dinner party?

Yes! Kadaifi desserts actually improve with time as the syrup fully penetrates the pastry. Make it 1-2 days ahead, but apply the gold leaf just before serving to maintain its lustre. Store at room temperature covered loosely with foil, never refrigerate as this toughens the pastry.

What's the best substitute for kadaifi pastry if I can't find it locally?

If kadaifi (shredded filo) is unavailable, very thinly sliced filo pastry sheets can work as an alternative. Cut them into thin strips with a sharp knife or scissors. While the texture won't be identical, it still creates a delicious layered effect when baked and soaked in syrup.

Why is my Middle Eastern syrup-soaked pastry soggy instead of maintaining its crisp texture?

The key to crisp-yet-moist kadaifi is temperature contrast - always pour room temperature syrup over hot pastry, never the reverse. Also, ensure proper butter coverage before baking, don't oversoak with syrup, and cool completely before covering to prevent condensation.

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