Kataifi Ice Cream with Mastiha Syrup: A Luxurious Summer Dessert Inspired by the Middle East 🇬🇷🌿🍨

If you’re searching for an exquisite dessert for summer, look no further than Kataifi Ice Cream with Mastiha Syrup. This East Mediterranean-inspired delicacy takes a twist on traditional Arabic dessert classics like Ekmek Kataifi, and fuses them with Greek innovation and luxurious ice cream indulgence. Crisp Kataifi pastry, velvety vanilla ice cream, and a floral, pine-scented mastiha syrup come together in this irresistible treat that’s perfect for Eid food, weekend gatherings, or impressing guests with your collection of creative dessert recipes.

🌍 What Is Kataifi Ice Cream with Mastiha Syrup?

This dessert is a modern fusion of traditional Middle East recipes and Greek dessert culture. It combines the shredded golden strands of kataifi pastry—commonly used in Ekmek Kataifi or Kunafa—with rich ice cream and a fragrant syrup made from mastiha (or mastic gum), a prized resin harvested from the Greek island of Chios.

It’s the kind of dessert that unites حلويات عربية (Arabic sweets) with gourmet European flair—beautifully balancing textures, temperatures, and flavors.

✨ Why You’ll Love This Dessert

• ✅ Unique textures: Crunchy, creamy, and syrupy all in one bite.
• ✅ Exotic flavor: Mastiha adds a subtle pine-vanilla note you can’t get anywhere else.
• ✅ Aesthetic appeal: A showstopper on any table.
• ✅ Perfect for summer: Light, cold, and refreshing.
• ✅ A nod to tradition: Honors classic Arabic desserts while staying innovative.

📜 The Origins: A Culinary Bridge Between East and West

Many of the most beloved East recipes—from Turkey to Lebanon, Syria, and Greece—share common roots. Kataifi pastry, a shredded dough similar to phyllo, is a staple in many Arabic dessert and Eid food dishes. One of the most popular examples is Ekmek Kataifi, a layered dessert made with syrup-soaked pastry, custard, and whipped cream.

This ice cream version honors the essence of Ekmek Kataifi but reimagines it in a more modern, refreshing way—making it the ultimate dessert for summer.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Kataifi Base:

• 250g Kataifi pastry (thawed if frozen)
• 120g unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
• 2 tbsp sugar

For the Ice Cream Layer:

• 1 liter vanilla or mastiha-flavored ice cream (store-bought or homemade)
• Crushed pistachios or almonds (optional, for layering or topping)

For the Mastiha Syrup:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tsp mastiha crystals (ground to a powder with a pinch of sugar)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp rose water or orange blossom water (optional for floral notes)

👨‍🍳 How to Make Kataifi Ice Cream with Mastiha Syrup

Step 1: Prepare the Kataifi Base

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Gently pull apart the kataifi pastry strands to separate them fully.
3. Mix the pastry with melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon if using.
4. Press half of the mixture into a lined 20cm springform pan or baking dish to create a base.
5. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and crisp. Let it cool completely.
6. Optionally, repeat to make a top layer if you want a sandwich-style finish.

📝 Tip: You can prepare this in advance and store it in an airtight container.

Step 2: Make the Mastiha Syrup

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil.
2. Lower heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Add the ground mastiha powder and simmer another 2 minutes.
4. Turn off the heat and stir in rose water if using.
5. Let it cool to room temperature.

🌿 Mastiha syrup is a hidden gem in many traditional Middle East recipes and adds complexity to any dessert.

Step 3: Assemble the Dessert

1. Place the cooled kataifi base on a serving plate or use it directly in the pan.
2. Spread slightly softened vanilla ice cream over the kataifi layer.
3. Optionally, sprinkle chopped pistachios between layers for added crunch.
4. Add a second kataifi layer on top (if desired), gently pressing down.
5. Drizzle generously with mastiha syrup.
6. Freeze for at least 4 hours to set.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

• Before serving, let the dessert rest at room temperature for 5–10 minutes for easier slicing.
• Garnish with extra mastiha syrup, pistachios, rose petals, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

🧊 Pro Tip: Serve with a side of mint tea or Arabic coffee to complement the aromatic flavors.

🥄 Variations to Try

• Mastiha Ice Cream: Swap vanilla ice cream with homemade mastiha-flavored ice cream for a deeper experience.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A thin layer of dark chocolate ganache can modernize the dish even more.
• Baklava Fusion: Add chopped walnuts, cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey in the center layer.

🎉 Perfect For Every Occasion

🍽️ Eid Food

This luxurious dessert adds a gourmet touch to your Eid table, offering something new yet nostalgic.

☀️ Dessert for Summer

Its cold, creamy layers make it a refreshing choice when temperatures rise.

🧁 Creative Dessert Recipes

If you love reimagining classics like Ekmek Kataifi or experimenting with East recipes, this one is a masterpiece.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Gatherings

Fun to prepare together and even more fun to eat!

💡 What is Mastiha, and Why Is It Special?

Mastiha (or mastic gum) is a natural resin harvested from the mastic trees of Chios, Greece. Used for centuries for its healing properties, it has a unique, slightly piney and aromatic taste that enhances both sweet and savory dishes.

In desserts, mastiha brings a perfume-like note that instantly elevates the dish beyond the ordinary. It pairs beautifully with ice cream, syrups, yogurts, and even breads.

🇬🇷 In Greek cuisine, it’s often used in tsoureki (sweet bread) and pudding-like desserts.

📈 Nutritional Info (Per Slice, Est.)

Note: Values may vary depending on the type of ice cream and nuts used.

🛍️ Where to Find Ingredients (Including Morocco 🇲🇦)

• Kataifi Pastry: Available at large supermarkets like Marjane, Carrefour, or specialty stores in Casablanca and Marrakech.
• Mastiha: Can be found in Greek/Middle Eastern stores or ordered online. In Morocco, try herbalist shops or online platforms.
• Nuts & Ice Cream: Locally sourced. Choose high-quality vanilla or try artisan ice cream brands for a richer texture.

💸 Estimated Cost per Serving in Morocco: ~15–25 MAD depending on the ice cream and nuts used.

📷 Serving Presentation Tips

• Use a serrated knife for clean slices.
• Serve on vintage plates or ceramic trays for a traditional look.
• Top with edible flowers or pomegranate seeds for a splash of color.

📸 Ideal for Instagram, Pinterest, and sharing your culinary skills with friends and family!

🧠 Chef’s Note: Why It Works

This dessert takes elements of Arabic dessert heritage—like syrup-soaked kataifi from Ekmek Kataifi—and modernizes them through the refreshing quality of ice cream and the sophisticated flavor of mastiha. It tells a story of migration, culture, and creativity.

Perfect for those who respect tradition but love invention.

🧾 Summary

🎯 Final Thoughts

If you’re exploring Middle East recipes or want to spice up your list of creative dessert recipes, this Kataifi Ice Cream with Mastiha Syrup is a must-try. It’s luxurious, fragrant, texturally exciting, and a beautiful way to celebrate the flavors of the East with a modern twist.