Description
Pistachio Kunafa Ice Cream Sandwiches are an indulgent frozen dessert featuring crispy golden kunafa pastry filled with creamy pistachio ice cream and a rich pistachio-kunafa filling. Finished with chopped pistachios and a drizzle of pistachio cream, these Middle Eastern-inspired treats are perfect for summer entertaining.
Ingredients
- For the Kunafa Layers:
- 12 oz kataifi (kunafa) pastry, thawed and finely shredded
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- For the Pistachio Filling:
- 1/2 cup pistachio cream spread
- 1 cup toasted shredded kataifi pastry
- For the Ice Cream Layer:
- 1 1/2 quarts premium pistachio ice cream, slightly softened
- For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted pistachios
- Extra pistachio cream, warmed for drizzling
- Dried rose petals (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toss the shredded kataifi pastry with the melted butter and granulated sugar until evenly coated.
- Spread the pastry onto two parchment-lined baking sheets, forming two even rectangles about 1/4 inch thick.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, turning once, until crisp and golden. Cool completely.
- Mix the pistachio cream with the toasted shredded kataifi pastry until evenly combined.
- Spread the pistachio-kunafa mixture over one cooled pastry rectangle.
- Spread the softened pistachio ice cream evenly over the pistachio filling.
- Top with the second crispy kunafa rectangle and gently press down.
- Wrap tightly and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight until firm.
- Cut into individual sandwich portions using a sharp knife.
- Dip or sprinkle the edges with chopped pistachios.
- Drizzle with warmed pistachio cream and garnish with dried rose petals if desired before serving.
Notes
- Allow the ice cream to soften just enough to spread easily without melting.
- Cool the baked kataifi completely before assembling to keep it crisp.
- Use high-quality pistachio cream for the richest flavor.
- Freeze overnight for the cleanest cuts.
- Wrap individual sandwiches and store in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern