Five Recipes to Make for Your Future Spouse for Iftar
They say the way to someone's heart is through their stomach, and what better way to fall in love than over a sweet treat?
Ramadan is a special time of year—a month of reflection, prayer, and community. And what better way to share the blessings of Iftar than by preparing a delicious homemade dessert for your future spouse? Whether you’re already engaged or still searching for that special someone, food is a beautiful way to show love and care.
At Vidnik, the Muslim marriage matchmaking app, we believe that finding your perfect partner should be as sweet and fulfilling as these desserts. Who knows? By next Ramadan, you could be preparing these treats for your spouse! But first, let’s dive into five of the best Iftar desserts from around the Muslim world, along with their cultural backgrounds.
Kunafa – A Crispy, Cheesy Delight
Kunafa puts cheesecake to shame when it comes to its cheese content, yet it remains one of the most beloved and iconic desserts in the Middle East. This indulgent pastry has been enjoyed for centuries, with its origins tracing back to the kitchens of the Ottoman and Arab empires. However, it became particularly famous in Nablus, Palestine, where it was perfected into the renowned version that continues to captivate taste buds today. Even now, Nablus is considered the ultimate destination for authentic Kunafa, with locals and tourists alike seeking out its rich, decadent flavours.
Kunafa is often served during special occasions, celebrations, and, most notably, during Ramadan. The dessert’s unique contrast between the crispy, golden layers of shredded or fine semolina pastry and the soft, gooey, melted cheese filling makes it utterly irresistible. It is drenched in a fragrant sugar syrup, often infused with rose water, adding a delightful floral sweetness that balances its rich, buttery flavour.
Ingredients:
- 250g kunafa (kataifi) dough
- 100g melted butter
- 200g sweet cheese (Akkawi or Mozzarella)
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 tbsp rose or orange blossom water
- ¼ cup crushed pistachios (for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Shred kunafa dough and mix with melted butter.
Press half the dough into a greased baking pan, add cheese, then cover with remaining dough.
Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden.
Meanwhile, boil sugar and water to make syrup. Add rose/orange blossom water and let cool.
Pour syrup over warm kunafa and garnish with pistachios. Serve immediately.
Qatayef – The Ultimate Ramadan Pancakes
Qatayef, a cherished staple of Ramadan, traces its origins back to the Abbasid Caliphate, making it a dessert rich in history and tradition. These delicate, stuffed pancakes are prepared in homes and bakeries across the Middle East.
Symbolising generosity and a spirit of togetherness, Qatayef is often shared with neighbours, friends, and loved ones, reinforcing the values of community that define Ramadan.
The pancakes themselves are made from a yeasted batter, giving them a soft yet slightly chewy texture. They are cooked only on one side, creating a porous surface that effortlessly soaks up syrup or honey. While there are countless variations, the two most popular fillings include a creamy, nutty mixture of walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon or a rich, velvety cheese filling. Some prefer their Qatayef deep-fried until golden and crispy, while others enjoy them soft and folded, drizzled with orange blossom or rosewater syrup for an added touch of floral sweetness.
Ingredients:
- For the Pancakes:
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup fine semolina
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- For the Filling:
- ½ cup crushed walnuts or pistachios
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- For the Syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- ½ tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp rose water
Instructions:
Mix pancake ingredients and let the batter rest for 30 minutes.
Heat a non-stick pan, pour small circles of batter, and cook only on one side.
Mix filling ingredients together.
Place a spoonful of filling in each pancake, fold in half, and seal the edges.
Deep-fry until golden, then dip in syrup. Serve warm.
Sheer Khurma – A Creamy Eid Favorite
Sheer Khurma, meaning "milk with dates," is a rich and indulgent dessert prepared especially for Eid celebrations. Rooted in South Asian Muslim culture, it holds a special place in festive traditions, symbolising love, hospitality, and togetherness. This creamy delicacy is made by slow-cooking vermicelli in sweetened milk, infused with fragrant spices such as cardamom and saffron. Dates, the star ingredient, lend a natural sweetness, while a generous handful of nuts—such as almonds, pistachios, and cashews—adds a delightful crunch. Some variations also include dried fruits like raisins, enhancing both flavour and texture.
On Eid morning, it is often the first dish served after prayers, welcoming guests with its comforting warmth and aromatic sweetness. Families take pride in perfecting their own versions, passing down recipes through generations.
Ingredients:
- 1 liter whole milk
- ½ cup vermicelli (broken)
- 3 tbsp ghee
- ¼ cup sugar
- 5-6 chopped dates
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, cashews)
- ½ tsp cardamom powder
- 1 tbsp rose water
Instructions:
Heat ghee in a pot and roast vermicelli until golden.
Add milk and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
Stir in sugar, dates, nuts, and cardamom powder.
Cook for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
Add rose water, mix well, and serve warm.
Basbousa – The Perfect Semolina Cake
Basbousa, also known as Hareeseh or Revani in different cultures, is a traditional semolina cake that has been cherished in the Middle East and North Africa for centuries. This beloved dessert is renowned for its moist, syrup-soaked texture and delicate balance of sweetness, making it a perfect indulgence after a day of fasting.
Basbousa holds a special place in Ramadan and Eid celebrations, frequently served during Iftar gatherings as a comforting and energy-boosting treat. Its soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture combined with its subtly spiced sweetness makes it an irresistible favourite across generations.
Made with a simple yet flavourful combination of semolina, yoghurt, butter, and sugar, Basbousa is baked until golden before being drenched in fragrant syrup, often infused with rosewater or orange blossom for an added layer of aroma. The cake is typically topped with almonds, pistachios, or coconut flakes, enhancing its nutty depth and giving it a delightful crunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup semolina
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup yogurt
- ½ cup melted butter
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ cup shredded coconut
- Almonds (for topping)
-
For the Syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- ½ tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp rose water
Instructions:
Mix semolina, sugar, yogurt, butter, baking soda, and coconut.
Pour into a greased pan, press down, and top with almonds.
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30-35 minutes until golden.
Boil syrup ingredients, then pour over hot basbousa.
Let soak and cool before serving.
Chocolate-Dipped Dates – A Quick & Healthy Treat
Dates have been an essential part of Islamic tradition for centuries, valued not only for their rich flavour but also for their nutritional benefits. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged breaking fast with dates, as they provide a natural source of energy, quickly replenishing the body after a long day of fasting. Packed with essential nutrients such as fibre, potassium, and antioxidants, dates are a wholesome and easily digestible way to restore strength and hydration during Ramadan.
While traditionally enjoyed on their own, dates have also evolved into a more indulgent treat with modern variations, including chocolate-coated dates. The combination of the natural caramel-like sweetness of dates with the smooth richness of chocolate creates a luxurious fusion of flavours and textures. Whether filled with almonds, walnuts, or pistachios before being dipped in dark, milk, or white chocolate, these decadent delights offer a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.
Ingredients:
- 10 Medjool dates
- ½ cup dark chocolate (melted)
- 10 almonds or walnuts
- 1 tsp sea salt (optional)
Instructions:
Slice open each date and remove the pit.
Stuff each date with an almond or walnut.
Dip half of each date in melted chocolate.
Sprinkle with sea salt (optional) and let set before serving.
Find Your Future Spouse on Vidnik and Share These Desserts Together
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