Recipe

Cukarini - Albanian Sweet Pastry

Heavenly Delights: Indulge in the Irresistible Albanian Sweet Pastry

4.2 out of 5

Cukarini is a delectable traditional Albanian sweet pastry that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Albania. This mouthwatering dessert is a true delight for your taste buds, combining the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.

Dessert› Cookie› Cukarini

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Balkan cuisine› Albanian cuisine

Preparation time

30 minutes

Cooking time

40-45 minutes

Total time

1 hour and 15 minutes

Yields

8 servings

Preparation difficulty

Medium

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Nut-free (if walnuts are substituted), Dairy-free (if butter is substituted with a non-dairy alternative), Kosher, Halal

Allergens

Nuts (walnuts), Dairy (butter)

Not suitable for

Vegan (contains butter), Gluten-free (contains phyllo dough)

Ingredients

1 package of phyllo dough sheets (500g) 1 package of phyllo dough sheets (500g)
2 cups (200g) ground walnuts 2 cups (200g) ground walnuts
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, melted 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, melted
Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

Calories: 350 kcal / 1465 kJ
Fat: 22g (Saturated Fat: 8g)
Carbohydrates: 36g (Sugar: 20g)
Protein: 5g
Fiber: 2g
Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground walnuts, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and orange zest. Mix well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
3.
Brush a baking dish with melted butter.
4.
Place a sheet of phyllo dough in the baking dish and brush it with melted butter. Repeat this process, layering the phyllo sheets and brushing each layer with butter, until you have used half of the phyllo dough.
5.
Spread the walnut filling evenly over the layered phyllo dough.
6.
Continue layering the remaining phyllo sheets, brushing each layer with butter, until all the phyllo dough is used.
7.
Brush the top layer with melted butter.
8.
Using a sharp knife, cut the cukarini into diamond-shaped pieces.
9.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown.
10.
Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
11.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Phyllo dough — Ensure that the phyllo dough is thawed according to the package instructions before using it. Keep it covered with a damp cloth while working with it to prevent it from drying out.
Ground walnuts — For the best flavor and texture, it is recommended to use freshly ground walnuts. You can grind them in a food processor or use a mortar and pestle.

Tips & Tricks

To achieve a crispier pastry, brush each phyllo sheet with butter generously.
If you prefer a stronger citrus flavor, you can add a few drops of orange extract to the filling.
Serve the cukarini warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For a festive touch, sprinkle some crushed pistachios on top of the powdered sugar before serving.

Serving advice

Cukarini is best enjoyed as a dessert after a delicious Albanian meal. Serve it warm or at room temperature to fully appreciate its flavors and textures. You can also accompany it with a cup of hot tea or coffee to enhance the overall experience.

Presentation advice

When presenting cukarini, arrange the diamond-shaped pieces on a decorative platter. Dust them generously with powdered sugar to create an inviting and visually appealing dessert. Consider garnishing the platter with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for an extra touch of elegance.