This Pistachio Kunafa Ice Cream Cake is a luxurious blend of traditional Middle Eastern kunafa and creamy ice cream, with a modern twist. Combining the crunchy texture of caramelized pistachios and crispy kunafa with the smooth, floral-scented eshta ice cream, this dessert brings together the best of both worlds. Ideal for special occasions or indulgent treats, this dessert is a refreshing yet decadent take on the classic flavors of the region. Each bite offers a symphony of flavors and textures, from the fragrant rose and orange blossom waters to the rich pistachio butter.
Ingredients:
For the Caramelized Pistachios:
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) water
- 1/2 cup (57g) pistachios, shelled
- A pinch of ground cinnamon
For the Scented Eshta Ice Cream:
- 1 cup (227g) fresh eshta (Arabic clotted cream)*
- 1 (397g) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon orange blossom water (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon rose water (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups (473ml) heavy whipping cream, very cold
- 1/3 cup (85g) pistachio butter*
For the Pistachio Kunafa Topping:
- 125g kunafa (Kadaif/kataifi) dough, frozen or fresh
- 1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon (62g) unsalted butter, melted
- 5 tablespoons (72g) powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup (70g) pistachios, finely ground
- 3 tablespoons pistachios, sliced or chopped
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Caramelized Pistachios
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer.
- Add the shelled pistachios and a pinch of ground cinnamon. Stir continuously until the sugar turns golden brown and coats the pistachios evenly.
- Pour the caramelized pistachios onto a parchment-lined tray to cool. Once hardened, roughly chop them and set aside.
2. Make the Scented Eshta Ice Cream
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the fresh eshta, sweetened condensed milk, orange blossom water, and rose water, whisking until the mixture is smooth and aromatic.
- Adjust the floral waters to your preference.
- In a separate chilled bowl, beat the cold heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the eshta mixture, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
- Once combined, fold in the pistachio butter to add a rich nutty flavor to the ice cream base.
- Pour the mixture into a loaf pan or a cake tin and smooth out the top. Freeze for a minimum of 6 hours, or until the ice cream has fully set and is firm.
3. Prepare the Pistachio Kunafa Topping
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). If using frozen kunafa dough, allow it to thaw for about 15 minutes, then shred it into fine strands with your hands.
- In a large bowl, toss the shredded kunafa with the melted butter, powdered sugar, and finely ground pistachios until the strands are evenly coated.
- Spread the kunafa mixture on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and crispy.
4. Assemble the Ice Cream Cake
- When the ice cream is completely firm, take it out of the freezer.
- Spread the cooled, crispy kunafa topping over the top of the ice cream, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
- Garnish with the caramelized pistachios and additional sliced or chopped pistachios for added crunch and color.
- Return the assembled cake to the freezer for another 1-2 hours to firm up.
5. Serve the Cake
- Before serving, allow the cake to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to slice.
- Serve with an extra drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for added sweetness, if desired.
Conclusion:
The Pistachio Kunafa Ice Cream Cake is a delightful fusion of creamy and crunchy textures, elevated by the floral and nutty flavors of the Middle East. Each bite offers a perfect balance of the soft, cool eshta ice cream, the rich taste of pistachio butter, and the crisp kunafa topping. This cake is a refreshing and indulgent dessert that pairs well with any special occasion or as a luxurious treat on a warm day. With its vibrant flavors and stunning presentation, this cake is sure to impress guests and satisfy your sweet cravings!