1 piece (medium) of Cheese Kunefe (120 g) has 384 calories. That works out to 320 calories per 100 g. It contains 57.6 g of carbs, 7.8 g of protein, 13.2 g of fat and 1.4 g of fiber. Its 0.4 µg of B12 covers 15% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 65 (high), so it raises blood sugar quickly.

What is Cheese Kunefe?

Cheese kunefe is a syrup-soaked dessert associated with Hatay in southern Türkiye and the wider Levant. Fine strands of kadayif pastry are layered around unsalted cheese, cooked until crisp and golden, then drenched in syrup. Chopped pistachios are a familiar topping.

It is served hot, while the cheese is still soft and stretchy and the pastry has its crunch. In Türkiye and across the region, it is commonly enjoyed after a meal, often with coffee; elsewhere, it makes a rich dessert to share. It is mainly a source of carbohydrates and energy, with comparatively modest protein. Sharing a portion or asking for less syrup can make it a less-sweet finish.

Cheese Kunefe Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

320

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

48g

· 17% DV

Protein

6.5g

· 13% DV

Fat

11g

· 14% DV

Fiber

1.2g

· 4% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 61% · Protein 8% · Fat 31%

Cheese Kunefe Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B12

0.3µg · 13% DV

0.13mg · 10% DV

Vitamin A

80µg · 9% DV

Biotin

2.5µg · 8% DV

Minerals

Phosphorus

90mg · 13% DV

Calcium

120mg · 12% DV

Zinc

1mg · 9% DV

Sodium

180mg · 8% DV

How Nutritious Is Cheese Kunefe?

Nutrient density

Low

22/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Low

24/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Cheese Kunefe Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

High

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

High

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Cheese Kunefe

To burn the 320 calories in 100 g:

🚶

79min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

33min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

44min

Cycling

🏊

37min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is Cheese Kunefe Processed?

NOVA 3

Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Cheese Kunefe Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten yes

Dairy yes

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Cheese Kunefe Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

✓ Suitable

Gluten-Free

— Not suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Cheese Kunefe Fat Profile

SATURATED

5.8g

MONOUNSATURATED

2.8g

POLYUNSATURATED

1.3g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 30:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (30:1).

Compare Cheese Kunefe

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Cheese Kunefe vs Caramel sauceSame calories per 100 g

→🧀🍮vs🍫

Cheese Kunefe vs Dark chocolate220 kcal fewer per 100 g

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Cheese Kunefe vs HöşmerimSame calories per 100 g

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Cheese Kunefe vs Chocolate sauce110 kcal more per 100 g

→

Foods Similar to Cheese Kunefe

🍯

Caramel sauce

320 kcal

🍫

Dark chocolate

540 kcal

🍮

Höşmerim

320 kcal

🍫

Chocolate sauce

210 kcal

🍬

Fruit Leather

320 kcal

🍬

Pistachio Turkish Delight

370 kcal

🍮

Kazandibi

145 kcal

🍫

Milk Chocolate

535 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheese Kunefe

What cheese is used in cheese kunefe?

Cheese kunefe is traditionally made with a mild, unsalted cheese that melts and stretches. Turkish versions often use a regional künefe cheese; unsalted mozzarella can work at home, though the flavor and texture may differ.

How do you make cheese kunefe?

Cheese kunefe is made by layering buttered shredded phyllo pastry, usually kadayıf, around melting cheese, then cooking it until crisp and golden. Syrup is poured over the hot pastry before it is served.

Where does cheese kunefe come from?

Cheese kunefe is associated with the Levant and is especially famous in southern Turkey, including Hatay. The regional versions share the combination of crisp shredded pastry, melted cheese, syrup, and often pistachios.

Is cheese kunefe served hot or cold?

Cheese kunefe is served hot, while the cheese is still soft and stretchy. As it cools, the cheese firms up and the crisp pastry can lose its texture, so it is best eaten soon after preparation.

What is the difference between cheese kunefe and baklava?

Cheese kunefe uses shredded pastry and a layer of melting cheese, while baklava is made with thin pastry sheets layered with nuts. Both are commonly sweetened with syrup, but their textures and fillings are quite different.

Why is the cheese in my cheese kunefe not stretching?

Cheese in kunefe may not stretch if it has not melted fully or if it is a cheese that does not melt smoothly. Use a mild, unsalted melting cheese and serve the dessert while it is piping hot.

Can you make cheese kunefe at home without a special pan?

Yes, you can make cheese kunefe in a heavy skillet if you do not have a traditional shallow kunefe pan. Cook it over moderate heat so the pastry browns evenly before the cheese inside burns.

What is served with cheese kunefe?

Cheese kunefe is usually served on its own while hot, often topped with chopped pistachios. Turkish cafés may also offer tea alongside it; the dessert is rich and sweet, so a small serving is common.

How do you reheat leftover cheese kunefe?

Reheat leftover cheese kunefe in a skillet or oven to bring back some of the pastry’s crispness and soften the cheese. A microwave works quickly but tends to leave the shredded pastry soft.

Can you freeze cheese kunefe?

Yes, cheese kunefe can be frozen, although its pastry may be less crisp after thawing. Wrap individual portions airtight, thaw them in the refrigerator, then reheat in an oven or skillet before serving.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026