Kadayif and Walnut Dessert with Strawberry and Pistachio Garnish Recipe
If you’ve ever found yourself craving something both crispy and sweet, the Kadayif and Walnut Dessert with Strawberry and Pistachio Garnish Recipe might just become your new favorite. This dessert has that perfect balance of crunchy kadayif noodles layered with rich, toasted walnuts, all soaked in a fragrant homemade syrup. It’s one of those treats that feels special enough for guests but easy enough to whip up any time you want a little indulgence.
What makes this Kadayif and Walnut Dessert with Strawberry and Pistachio Garnish Recipe truly stand out is its beautiful blend of textures and flavors, topped off with fresh strawberries and crunchy pistachios. I’ve served it at dinners to rave reviews and trust me, you’ll love how the fruity garnish freshens up the sweetness. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that lets you impress without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each component in this dessert plays a specific role to create that classic, irresistible flavor and texture. When shopping, look for fresh quality kadayif noodles and good walnuts as those two ingredients really carry the dish.
- Kadayif Noodles: These shredded dough strands create the signature crispy texture. Fresh, finely shredded ones work best for even toasting.
- Vegan Butter, Melted: Butter adds richness and helps the noodles brown beautifully – melted makes it easier to mix evenly.
- Sunflower or Vegetable Oil: Mixing oil with butter ensures the kadayif crisps up perfectly without burning.
- Walnuts, Finely Chopped: Toasted walnuts add crunch and deep flavor; chopping them finely helps distribute them evenly.
- Caster Sugar: For the syrup, caster sugar dissolves smoothly and sweetens the dessert just right.
- Water: To create the syrup that saturates the kadayif and nuts, keeping everything moist and flavorful.
- Lemon Juice: A splash brightens the syrup and balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm aroma to the syrup that elevates the dessert’s depth.
- Strawberries, Halved: Fresh berries on top add a pop of color and refreshing acidity.
- Crushed Pistachios: For garnish, they not only add vibrant green hues but also a lovely nutty crunch.
Variations
I like to play around with the nuts sometimes or tweak the garnish depending on what’s in season or my mood. It’s a flexible recipe, so feel free to make it your own and tailor it to your tastes.
- Nut Swap: I’ve swapped walnuts with pistachios or almonds, which brings a different but equally delicious flavor.
- Fruit Garnish: Using fresh raspberries or blueberries instead of strawberries gives a vibrant twist and works great if you want a different berry flavor.
- Syrup Flavors: Sometimes I add a cinnamon stick to the syrup while boiling for a cozy aroma.
- Vegan Option: Using all vegan butter and vegetable oil keeps this dessert plant-based without compromising on that rich taste.
How to Make Kadayif and Walnut Dessert with Strawberry and Pistachio Garnish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Kadayif Noodles
Start by gently loosening the kadayif noodles with your fingers to avoid clumping. This step is crucial because it helps the butter and oil coat each strand evenly for that signature crispiness. Take your time here; I find it easiest if the noodles are at room temperature.
Step 2: Mix in the Butter and Oil
Pour the melted vegan butter and sunflower oil over the loosened kadayif and toss thoroughly but gently. You want every noodle lightly coated but not drenched. This mixture will toast up crispy and golden in the oven, so even coverage makes a big difference.
Step 3: Layer with Walnuts
In a baking dish, spread half your kadayif mixture evenly. Sprinkle the finely chopped walnuts on top, distributing them evenly for crunchy bites all over. Cover with the remaining kadayif noodles and gently press down to compact slightly without squishing the texture.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the assembled kadayif for about 35-40 minutes or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye towards the end to prevent burning. When it smells toasty and looks crisp, it’s ready.
Step 5: Make the Syrup
While it’s baking, combine the caster sugar, water, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Bring to a boil then simmer gently for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. This syrup is what transforms the crispy noodles into a luscious dessert that’s moist but not soggy.
Step 6: Pour Syrup and Cool
Once your kadayif is out of the oven, immediately pour the hot syrup evenly over it. The timing here matters—pour while both syrup and pastry are hot to ensure the noodles soak up all the golden sweetness. Let it cool completely at room temperature, so the syrup sets nicely.
How to Serve Kadayif and Walnut Dessert with Strawberry and Pistachio Garnish Recipe
Garnishes
I love decorating this dessert with freshly halved strawberries and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios, which add a fresh burst of color and a textural contrast. The strawberries cut through the sweetness with a bit of tang, while the pistachios add a satisfying nutty crunch on top.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a dollop of vegan whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re not vegan. For me, a strong cup of Turkish coffee or black tea alongside really rounds out the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to cut the dessert into diamond shapes and garnish each piece with a tiny mint leaf alongside the strawberry and pistachio. Sometimes, placing the dessert on delicate plates with edible flower petals around adds a beautiful, elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend letting the dessert come back to room temperature before serving to regain some of that lovely crispness in the kadayif. Storing it airtight keeps it from drying out.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dessert successfully by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When thawing, leave it overnight in the fridge and then bring to room temperature before serving. Just note the topping garnishes are best added fresh after thawing.
Reheating
To refresh leftovers, I reheat small portions in a low oven (around 150°C/300°F) for about 10 minutes, uncovered. This helps the kadayif regain some crispness without drying out the syrup-soaked layers.
FAQs
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Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts in this Kadayif and Walnut Dessert with Strawberry and Pistachio Garnish Recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts give a traditional, rich flavor and texture, you can substitute with pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts depending on your preference. Just make sure to chop them finely and toast them slightly before layering to bring out their best flavor.
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How do I keep the kadayif noodles crispy after adding the syrup?
Pouring the syrup while both it and the kadayif are hot ensures it soaks in properly without making the noodles soggy. After soaking, letting the dessert cool completely at room temperature helps the syrup set just right to keep a balanced texture of moist yet crispy layers.
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Can I prepare the syrup ahead of time?
Yes, the syrup can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just warm it slightly before pouring over the hot kadayif to help it absorb well and maintain the dessert’s signature texture.
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Is there a vegan version of this dessert?
Definitely! Using vegan butter and plant-based oil instead of dairy butter keeps the dessert fully vegan. The flavors and textures remain just as delicious, and the syrup is naturally vegan.
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What’s the best way to reheat leftover Kadayif and Walnut Dessert?
Reheating in a low oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 10 minutes works best to bring back some crispness without drying the dessert. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the noodles soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Kadayif and Walnut Dessert with Strawberry and Pistachio Garnish Recipe has earned a special spot in my kitchen rotation because it’s just so satisfying and impressive without being complicated. Every time I prepare it, I’m reminded how wonderful it is to blend simplicity with rich flavors and textures. Honestly, once you try it, I think you’ll be making it again and again for family dinners, holiday celebrations, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up. Give it a shot—I promise you’ll love the way it feels like a little celebration in every bite.
Print
Kadayif and Walnut Dessert with Strawberry and Pistachio Garnish Recipe
- 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
Description
A traditional Middle Eastern dessert featuring crispy, golden kadayif noodles layered with finely chopped walnuts and drenched in a fragrant vanilla lemon syrup. This vegan-friendly sweet treat is garnished with fresh strawberries and crushed pistachios for added color and texture.
Ingredients
Kadayif and Filling
- 500g Kadayif Noodles
- 100g Vegan Butter, Melted
- 150ml Sunflower or Vegetable Oil
- 130g Walnuts, Finely Chopped
Syrup
- 450g Caster Sugar
- 500ml Water
- Juice of 1/2 Lemon
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
Garnish
- 6 Strawberries, Halved
- 30g Crushed Pistachios
Instructions
- Prepare the syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the caster sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add the lemon juice and reduce the heat to low. Simmer the syrup for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the kadayif noodles: Place the kadayif noodles into a large bowl and gently separate the strands with your fingers to avoid clumping. Pour over the melted vegan butter and sunflower oil, mixing thoroughly to ensure all the noodles are well coated.
- Assemble the dessert: Grease a large baking dish. Spread half of the buttered kadayif noodles evenly over the base. Sprinkle the finely chopped walnuts evenly on top. Cover with the remaining kadayif noodles, pressing down lightly to compact the layers.
- Bake the kadayif: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Add the syrup: Remove the baked kadayif from the oven and immediately pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot dessert, ensuring all areas are saturated. Allow it to absorb the syrup and cool to room temperature.
- Garnish and serve: Once cooled and syrup absorbed, garnish the dessert with halved strawberries and sprinkle the crushed pistachios over the top. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the syrup is cooled before pouring it over the hot kadayif to allow proper absorption without making the pastry soggy.
- Use vegan butter and oil to keep the dessert vegan-friendly.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pistachios or almonds if preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free kadayif noodles if available.
- This dessert is best served at room temperature to enjoy both the crunch and the syrupy texture.
Keywords: Kadayif, Walnut Dessert, Middle Eastern Sweet, Vegan Dessert, Syrup Soaked Pastry, Pistachio Garnish
