If youβre 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 thatβs 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 pastryβcommonly used in Ekmek Kataifi ou Kunafaβwith rich ice cream and a fragrant syrup made from mastiha (or mastic gum), a prized resin harvested from the Greek island of Chios.
Itβs the kind of dessert that unites ΨΩΩΩΨ§Ψͺ ΨΉΨ±Ψ¨ΩΨ© (Arabic sweets) with gourmet European flairβbeautifully balancing textures, temperatures, and flavors.
Why Youβll Love This Dessert
Unique textures: Crunchy, creamy, and syrupy all in one bite.
Exotic flavor: Mastiha adds a subtle pine-vanilla note you canβt 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 recipesβfrom Turkey to Lebanon, Syria, and Greeceβshare common roots. Kataifi pastry, a shredded dough similar to phyllo, is a staple in many Arabic dessert e 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 wayβmaking it the ultimate dessert for summer.

Ingredients Youβll 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 xΓcara de Γ‘gua
- 1 tsp mastiha crystals (ground to a powder with a pinch of sugar)
- 1 colher de chΓ‘ de suco de limΓ£o
- 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
- Preheat oven to 180Β°C (350Β°F).
- Gently pull apart the kataifi pastry strands to separate them fully.
- Mix the pastry with manteiga derretida, sugar, and cinnamon if using.
- Press half of the mixture into a lined 20cm springform pan or baking dish to create a base.
- Bake for 25β30 minutes until golden and crisp. Let it cool completely.
- Optionally, repeat to make a top layer if you want a sandwich-style finish.
Step 2: Make the Mastiha Syrup
- In a saucepan, combine aΓ§ΓΊcar, watere suco de limΓ£o. Bring to a boil.
- Lower heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Adicione o ground mastiha powder and simmer another 2 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and stir in rose water if using.
- 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
- Place the cooled kataifi base on a serving plate or use it directly in the pan.
- Spread slightly softened vanilla ice cream over the kataifi layer.
- Optionally, sprinkle chopped pistachios between layers for added crunch.
- Add a second kataifi layer on top (if desired), gently pressing down.
- Drizzle generously with mastiha syrup.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours to set.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Before serving, let the dessert rest at room temperature for 5β10 minutes for easier slicing.
- Garnish with extra mastiha syrup, pistachios, rose petals, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
mint tea or Arabic coffee to complement the aromatic flavors.

VariaΓ§Γ΅es para Tentar
- 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, itβs often used in tsoureki (sweet bread) and pudding-like desserts.
Nutritional Info (Per Slice, Est.)
Component | Approximate Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 280β350 kcal |
ProteΓna | 4β6g |
Fats | 15β20g |
Sugars | 25β30g |
Fibra | 1β2g |
Note: Values may vary depending on the type of ice cream and nuts used.

)
- 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: ~15β25 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!
Chefβs Note: Why It Works
This dessert takes elements of Arabic dessert heritageβlike syrup-soaked kataifi from Ekmek Kataifiβand 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
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Recipe Name | Kataifi Ice Cream with Mastiha Syrup |
Cuisine | Middle Eastern & Greek Fusion |
Keywords Targeted | Ekmek Kataifi, Kataifi Pastry, Dessert For Summer, Creative Dessert Recipes, ΨΩΩΩΨ§Ψͺ ΨΉΨ±Ψ¨ΩΨ©, Arabic Dessert, East Recipes, Eid Food, Middle East Recipes |
Prep Time | 30 minutos |
Freeze Time | 4+ hours |
Servings | 8β10 slices |
Pensamentos Finais
If youβre 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. Itβs luxurious, fragrant, texturally exciting, and a beautiful way to celebrate the flavors of the East with a modern twist.