1 piece (medium) of Kadayıf Dessert (80 g) has 264 calories. That works out to 330 calories per 100 g. It contains 48 g of carbs, 3.6 g of protein, 8 g of fat and 1.8 g of fiber. Its 0.1 mg of Copper covers 13% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 75 (high), so it raises blood sugar quickly.

What is Kadayıf Dessert?

Kadayıf Dessert is a traditional Turkish sweet made from fine, thread-like pastry, baked or toasted until golden and then soaked in syrup. This version is layered with chopped walnuts; recipes and fillings vary across Turkey, and some versions are shaped differently or include other ingredients. The syrup softens the strands while the browned edges retain a little texture.

It is usually served in modest squares after a meal or brought out for guests and festive occasions, often with Turkish tea or coffee. Its syrup makes it a carbohydrate-rich, energy-dense dessert, with some fat from the walnuts. For a lighter serving, have a smaller piece and pair it with unsweetened tea or coffee.

Kadayıf Dessert Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

330

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

60g

· 22% DV

Protein

4.5g

· 9% DV

Fat

10g

· 13% DV

Fiber

2.2g

· 8% DV

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

Calories come from: Carbs 69% · Protein 5% · Fat 26%

Kadayıf Dessert Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

0.07mg · 6% DV

0.3mg · 6% DV

Biotin

1.5µg · 5% DV

0.05mg · 4% DV

Minerals

Zinc

1mg · 9% DV

Phosphorus

55mg · 8% DV

Iron

1mg · 6% DV

Selenium

3µg · 5% DV

How Nutritious Is Kadayıf Dessert?

Nutrient density

Low

20/ 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

25/ 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.

Kadayıf Dessert 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 Kadayıf Dessert

To burn the 330 calories in 100 g:

🚶

82min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

34min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

45min

Cycling

🏊

38min

Swimming

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

Is Kadayıf Dessert 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 Kadayıf Dessert Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten yes

Dairy free

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts yes

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Kadayıf Dessert 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

Kadayıf Dessert Fat Profile

SATURATED

2.7g

MONOUNSATURATED

3.3g

POLYUNSATURATED

2.3g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 44:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (44:1).

Compare Kadayıf Dessert

🍮vs🍬

Kadayıf Dessert vs Rose Turkish delightSame calories per 100 g

→🍮vs🍯

Kadayıf Dessert vs Caramel sauce10 kcal more per 100 g

→🍮vs🍫

Kadayıf Dessert vs Dark chocolate210 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍮vs🍮

Kadayıf Dessert vs Höşmerim10 kcal more per 100 g

→

Foods Similar to Kadayıf Dessert

🍬

Rose Turkish delight

330 kcal

🍯

Caramel sauce

320 kcal

🍫

Dark chocolate

540 kcal

🍮

Höşmerim

320 kcal

🍫

Chocolate sauce

210 kcal

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Fruit Leather

320 kcal

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Pistachio Turkish Delight

370 kcal

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Kazandibi

145 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Kadayıf Dessert

What is kadayıf dessert made of?

Kadayıf dessert is made with fine strands of shredded wheat-flour pastry, usually layered with butter and chopped walnuts or pistachios, baked until golden, then soaked in sugar syrup. Recipes vary by region and style.

Is kadayıf dessert the same as kunafa?

No. Kadayıf dessert commonly refers to syrup-soaked shredded pastry filled with nuts, while kunafa, also made with shredded pastry, typically has a soft cheese filling. Names and recipes can vary across the Middle East.

How do you keep kadayıf dessert crispy?

For crisp kadayıf dessert, coat the pastry strands evenly with melted butter, spread and press them firmly in the pan, and bake until deeply golden. Add cooled syrup to the hot pastry rather than using both hot.

How should you store kadayıf dessert?

Store kadayıf dessert covered in a cool, dry place, away from steam and humidity. Refrigeration can make the pastry firm and less crisp, so it is best enjoyed fresh; cover leftovers promptly to protect the nuts and syrup.

Can you freeze kadayıf dessert?

Yes, kadayıf dessert can be frozen, although the pastry may soften after thawing. For the best texture, freeze it before adding syrup, then thaw it covered and warm it in the oven before serving.

Which nuts are used in kadayıf dessert?

Walnuts and pistachios are the most common fillings for kadayıf dessert. Walnuts give it a rich, familiar flavor, while pistachios are popular in many Turkish versions; some recipes combine the two.

Is kadayıf dessert made with the same pastry as kataifi?

Usually, yes: both use thin, threadlike strands of wheat-based pastry. Kataifi often names the pastry itself, while kadayıf dessert refers to a finished Turkish sweet made with the strands, syrup, and commonly nuts.

How is kadayıf dessert served?

Kadayıf dessert is usually served in small pieces at room temperature or slightly warm, often with Turkish coffee or tea. A spoonful of clotted cream or a scoop of plain ice cream can complement its syrupy sweetness.

Why is my kadayıf dessert soggy?

Kadayıf dessert often turns soggy when the pastry is underbaked, the syrup is too plentiful, or both are added hot. Bake the strands until evenly golden and use cooled syrup on the hot pastry, allowing excess to drain.

Can you make kadayıf dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare kadayıf dessert ahead, but its pastry is crispest soon after baking and syruping. For a better make-ahead result, bake the pastry and prepare the syrup separately, then combine them closer to serving time.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026