If you’re planning to make homemade desserts for Eid, use some phyllo sheets! Phyllo pastry is readily available in many grocery stores and unlike regular pastry dough, phyllo pastry is pre-made and ready to use after thawing. Phyllo pastry bakes into delicate, crispy layers that add an airy crunch to desserts which enhances their texture.
Also Read: A Beginner’s Guide To Phyllo Pastry
If you’ve never used phyllo sheets at home before, remember they are extremely thin and delicate, which can make it challenging to work with, especially for beginners. You may have to be mindful to prevent tearing or drying out. Phyllo pastry dries out quickly when exposed to air, so it's essential to keep it covered with a damp cloth or plastic wrap while working with it to prevent it from becoming brittle and difficult to use. But the good news is, it needs very little prep and you can easily grease it with butter! Let’s look at some Eid special desserts you can make with phyllo sheets.
Cardamom and Rosewater Phyllo Pudding
End your Eid feast on a high note with this aromatic and comforting phyllo pudding infused with cardamom and rosewater. Tear phyllo sheets into bite-sized pieces and layer them in a baking dish, sprinkling each layer with a mixture of sugar, cardamom, and a splash of rosewater. Pour a mixture of milk and cream over the phyllo layers, then bake until the pudding is set and golden brown. Serve warm with a drizzle of honey or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Kunafa
Kunafa, also known as kanafeh or knafeh, is a beloved Arabic dessert made with shredded phyllo dough, cheese, and syrup. For Eid, you can prepare a delightful variation of kunafa by layering shredded phyllo sheets with a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese or mozzarella. Bake until golden brown and crispy, then drizzle with a fragrant sugar syrup infused with rose water or orange blossom water. The contrast between the crunchy phyllo and the gooey cheese filling makes kunafa an irresistible treat.
Baklava
Baklava is a quintessential dessert in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cultures, and it's a perfect choice for Eid festivities. To make baklava, layer buttered phyllo sheets with a mixture of chopped nuts—such as pistachios, walnuts, or almonds—sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. After baking to golden perfection, drench the baklava in a sweet syrup flavoured with honey, lemon, and orange blossom water. The heavenly combination of crispiness, nuttiness, and sweetness is unmissable!
Chocolate Hazelnut Phyllo Rolls
Indulge your sweet tooth with these decadent chocolate hazelnut phyllo rolls that are sure to be a hit at any Eid celebration. Spread a layer of Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread over buttered phyllo sheets, then roll them into tight cylinders. Bake until golden brown and crispy, then dust with powdered sugar and cocoa powder for an extra touch of sweetness.
Nutty Phyllo Tart
This nutty phyllo tart is sure to impress your guests with its beautiful presentation and irresistible flavour. Start by layering buttered phyllo sheets in a tart pan, then spread a generous mixture of ground nuts—such as almonds, cashews, and hazelnuts—over the surface. Bake until the phyllo is golden brown and the nuts are toasted, then drizzle with a sweet syrup made from sugar, water, and a splash of rose water or orange blossom water. Serve slices of this decadent tart with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent Eid dessert experience.
Pistachio Baklava Cups
Put a creative twist on traditional baklava by making individual serving-sized cups filled with a pistachio and honey mixture. Cut phyllo sheets into squares and press them into muffin tins to form cups. Fill each cup with a mixture of finely chopped pistachios, honey, and a hint of cinnamon, then bake until the phyllo is golden and crispy. These bite-sized baklava cups are perfect for serving at Eid gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy the classic flavours of baklava in a convenient and elegant format.