Greek Kadaifi (Traditional Syrup Dessert)

Kadaifi is a classic Greek syrup dessert made with shredded phyllo, a fragrant nut filling, and warm citrus syrup. Crispy outside, juicy inside, and delicately spiced, it’s a timeless sweet that pairs beautifully with coffee.

(If you want an easier version, check my old recipe Kadaif, oriental pastry)

Ingredients (for a medium baking dish, approximately 14 pieces)

For the kadaifi

• 400 g kadaifi (shredded phyllo), at room temperature
• 250 g walnuts, finely chopped
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves 
• 3–4 tbsp breadcrumbs (finely crushed)
• 200 g butter, melted
• 1 tbsp of brandy

For the syrup

• 400 g sugar
• 400 ml water
• Peel of ½ lemon
• 1–2 tbsp lemon juice
• Optional: small piece of cinnamon stick

Preparation

1. Gently separate and fluff the kadaifi strands with your fingers so they are loose and airy.
2. In a bowl, mix the walnuts, sugar, cinnamon, ground cloves, brandy and breadcrumbs. 
3. Take a small handful of kadaifi, spread it slightly, add a spoonful of filling, and roll gently into a loose cylinder (do not press tightly).
4. Arrange the rolls seam-side down in a buttered baking dish (about 30 × 20 cm).
5. Brush generously with melted butter.
6. Bake at 170–180°C for 45–50 minutes, until evenly golden and crisp.

Syrup

1. Boil the sugar, water, lemon peel, and cinnamon for 5 minutes.
2. Remove from heat, discard the peel, and add the lemon juice.
3. Pour hot syrup over the hot kadaifi immediately after baking.

Tips

• Kadaifi must be at room temperature before shaping
• Keep the rolls loose so the syrup absorbs evenly
• Let the dessert rest for at least 2 hours before serving

✨ Fragrant, crisp, and deeply comforting — a true Greek classic.