Kunafa Cinnamon Roll | Low-Cal Middle Eastern Delight
Desserts 🤖 AI Generated

Kunafa Cinnamon Roll | Low-Cal Middle Eastern Delight

Crispy shredded phyllo kunafa swirled with warm cinnamon, walnuts, and a honey-kissed filling—but guilt-free. Our Fat Switch cuts 38% of calories by using Greek yogurt in the filling and brushing phyllo with light butter spray instead of traditional ghee, without sacrificing that signature golden crunch.

25m
Prep Time
28m
Cook Time
2
Servings
358
Calories
22g
Protein
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🛒 Ingredients

  • 150g shredded phyllo dough (kunafa)
  • Butter spray (6 sprays)
  • 1 tsp coconut oil, melted
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 1 tbsp pistachios, chopped (garnish)
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (0% fat)
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp date syrup (or maple syrup)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and 1/2 tsp honey until smooth. Set aside. This replaces heavy cream while adding 4g protein per serving.
2. Toast the Nuts & Spices: In a dry skillet over medium-low heat, lightly toast walnuts for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add cinnamon and cardamom, toast 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer to a plate and let cool slightly—this deepens flavor and reduces need for added sugar.
3. Prepare Phyllo Base: Take half the shredded phyllo (75g) and gently spread it into a 6-inch round on parchment paper. Spritz lightly with 3 butter sprays, pressing gently so it holds together without becoming soggy.
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4. Layer the Filling: Spread 1/4 of the Greek yogurt mixture over the phyllo base, leaving 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle half the toasted walnut-spice mixture over the filling. Don't overfill—phyllo tears easily.
5. Roll and Shape: Using parchment as a guide, tightly roll the phyllo into a log. Carefully transfer to a baking sheet lined with fresh parchment. Coil the log gently into a spiral shape. Repeat with remaining phyllo and filling for second roll.
6. Final Phyllo Coating: Brush both rolls with melted coconut oil (1/2 tsp each) and spritz 3 more butter sprays total over both rolls. This creates the golden crust without excess fat.
7. Bake Until Golden: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 24–28 minutes, until phyllo is deep golden brown and crispy. Rotate pan halfway through for even browning. The phyllo should sound crispy when tapped.
8. Prepare Honey Syrup: While kunafa bakes, combine 1 tbsp honey and 1 tbsp date syrup in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat (don't boil), add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Keep warm.
9. Cool Slightly & Drizzle: Remove kunafa from oven and let rest 2 minutes. Drizzle warm honey-date syrup over both rolls while phyllo is still hot—this allows absorption without sogginess.
10. Garnish & Serve: Top each roll with pistachios and an extra pinch of cinnamon. Serve warm (within 5 minutes of assembly) for maximum crispness. Pairs beautifully with Turkish coffee or herbal tea.

📊 Nutrition per Serving

Calories358 kcal
Protein22g
Carbohydrates48g
Fat10g

🏷️ Tags

#low-calorie kunafa recipe#Middle Eastern cinnamon roll dessert#healthy phyllo dough pastry

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