This Kadayıf Pudding is a delightful fusion of textures, combining the richness of creamy pudding with the crispy, buttery layers of shredded kadayıf. A traditional Turkish dessert with a modern twist, it’s perfect for any special occasion or a satisfying sweet treat after a meal. Here’s how you can create this layered indulgence at home.

Prep These Ingredients

For the Pudding:

1 liter of milk
2 ½ tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons starch (cornstarch or wheat starch)
2 eggs
1 packet vanilla sugar
1 pack of cream (200 ml, 35% fat)

For the Kadayıf:

180 grams shredded kadayıf
110 grams butter
4 tablespoons sugar

Follow These Steps

1. Prepare the Pudding

Start by making the base of the dessert—the creamy pudding. In a cold pot, whisk together the milk, eggs, flour, and starch until smooth and free of lumps. Place the pot over medium heat and stir the mixture continuously as it heats. Tip: Use a whisk or spatula to avoid burning the mixture at the bottom. After about 10-12 minutes, the mixture will thicken into a pudding-like consistency. Once thickened, remove the pot from heat and stir in the vanilla sugar and cream. This will give the pudding its rich flavor and silky texture. Set the pudding aside to cool slightly while you prepare the kadayıf.

2. Prepare the Crispy Kadayıf

In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted, stir in the sugar until it dissolves. Then, add the shredded kadayıf to the pan. Cook the kadayıf, stirring frequently, until it turns a golden-brown color and becomes crisp. This process should take about 8-10 minutes. Important: Keep an eye on the kadayıf as it can burn quickly once it starts to brown. You want it to be crisp, not overly dark. The goal is to get that perfect balance of buttery sweetness and crunch.

3. Assemble the Dessert

Now it’s time to layer the pudding and kadayıf. You can choose to serve this dessert in individual cups for a more elegant presentation, or in a large serving dish for family-style enjoyment. Start by placing a layer of the crispy kadayıf at the bottom of each cup or the dish. Follow this with a generous layer of the prepared pudding. Finally, top with more crispy kadayıf to add a crunch with every bite. You can also garnish with chopped nuts, such as pistachios or walnuts, for extra flavor and texture.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Individual Servings: If you’re serving this dessert at a gathering, consider using small glass cups or ramekins. The layers of golden kadayıf and creamy pudding are visually appealing and make for a beautiful presentation.
Large Bowl: For a more casual family dessert, layer the pudding and kadayıf in a large bowl. It’s easy to scoop out portions and share.
Add Nuts: For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped pistachios or walnuts over the top layer of kadayıf. This adds a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the dessert perfectly.

Baking Tips for Success

Work with Cold Ingredients: When preparing the pudding, start with cold milk and eggs to ensure a smooth consistency. This will also help the flour and starch blend more easily.
Stir Constantly: While cooking both the pudding and kadayıf, continuous stirring is crucial. The pudding needs to be stirred constantly to prevent lumps, and the kadayıf should be stirred to prevent burning.
Crisp Up the Kadayıf: The key to the perfect Kadayıf Pudding is achieving the right level of crunch in the kadayıf. Make sure you cook it until it turns golden and crisp, but avoid over-browning it, as this can lead to bitterness.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Make Ahead: This dessert can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Prepare the pudding and kadayıf separately, and assemble just before serving to maintain the crisp texture of the kadayıf.
Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftover dessert, cover and store it in the fridge. Keep in mind that the kadayıf may lose its crunch after being refrigerated, but the dessert will still taste delicious.

Customizing Your Kadayıf Pudding

This classic dessert can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences:

Use Flavored Pudding: You can enhance the flavor of the pudding by adding orange zest, rose water, or cardamom to give it a unique twist.
Sweeten to Taste: If you prefer a sweeter dessert, feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in the kadayıf mixture or pudding according to your preference.
Add a Chocolate Twist: For a rich variation, drizzle melted chocolate over the final layer of kadayıf before serving. The combination of chocolate, pudding, and crispy kadayıf is simply irresistible!

Why There’s So Hype About This Kadayıf Pudding

This dessert is the perfect combination of textures—soft, creamy pudding paired with the crunch of buttery kadayıf. The layers of flavor are rich yet balanced, making it an elegant dessert that’s suitable for any occasion. Whether served in individual cups or a large bowl, Kadayıf Pudding is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Enjoy your homemade Kadayıf Pudding and savor every spoonful of this deliciously layered Turkish-inspired dessert!

Kadayif pudding Recipe

Kadayıf Pudding is a delightful Turkish dessert that combines crispy golden shredded kadayıf with a rich and creamy pudding. It’s perfect for a layered dessert in cups or bowls, offering both texture and flavor in every bite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Dessert

Cuisine Turkish

Servings 6 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

For the Pudding

1 liter milk
2 ½ tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons starch
2 eggs
1 packet vanilla sugar
200 ml cream 35% fat

For the Kadayıf

180 grams shredded kadayıf
110 grams butter
4 tablespoons sugar

Instructions

Pudding & Assembly

In a cold pot, mix the milk, eggs, flour, and starch. Place the mixture on the stove and stir constantly until it thickens into a pudding-like consistency. Remove from heat and add the vanilla sugar and cream, stirring well until smooth.
Melt the butter in a separate pan, then add the sugar and allow it to dissolve. Add the shredded kadayıf and lightly fry it until golden and crispy.
For serving, layer the dessert in individual cups or a large bowl. Start with a layer of crispy kadayıf at the bottom, followed by the pudding, and top with more kadayıf.

Notes

You can prepare the kadayıf ahead of time and store it in an airtight container to maintain its crispiness.
For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the kadayıf while frying.

Keyword Kadayıf pudding, Turkish dessert, kadayıf, creamy pudding, layered dessert