Crispy layers of golden phyllo pastry wrapped around a cooling, milky ashta filling create the base for these Nutella and Lotus Znoud Elset. By incorporating ribbons of chocolate hazelnut spread or spiced Lotus butter into the center, each bite balances a light crunch with a decadent, molten interior. A quick dip in warm simple syrup ties the textures together, finished with a scatter of crushed pistachios for a necessary nutty contrast.
These finger-sized rolls are prepared by folding sheets into a precise cross, ensuring the cream remains tucked inside while the exterior fries to a shatteringly crisp finish in clarified butter. The method relies on careful layering to achieve that characteristic flakiness without the pastry absorbing too much ghee, keeping the end result light enough to serve alongside afternoon tea or as a centerpiece for a dessert spread.
Serving these warm allows the cream and spreads to soften, offering a contrast to the cooled, syrup-drenched shell. Whether opting for the classic cream-only version or the modern twist with hazelnut or cookie butter, this dish serves as a satisfying project for those who appreciate the technique behind traditional Levantine sweets.
Read Full StoryIf you enjoy the crispy contrast of phyllo dough paired with rich fillings, you might want to start with our classic traditional Znoud Elset recipe to master the folding technique. For those who can't get enough of the hazelnut-chocolate combination, our homemade Nutella bread is a simple, satisfying way to bring those same flavors into your everyday baking routine.
Key Ingredients
- Phyllo pastry: Forms the thin, crispy outer layers that hold the creamy filling.
- Clotted cream: Provides a rich, smooth base for the center of each pastry roll.
- Hazelnut cocoa spread: Added to the cream filling for a decadent chocolate twist.
- Clarified butter: Used to fry the rolls until they achieve a perfect golden crunch.
- Simple syrup: Used to coat the crispy pastries for a traditional sweet finish.
- Pistachios: Sprinkled over the finished pastries for a classic nutty garnish.
More Decadent Hazelnut and Phyllo Treats
- Znoud El Sit with bread offers a clever, time-saving alternative for when you want that signature crunch without the hassle of thin pastry sheets.
- For a visually striking dessert, our Nutella snowflake pastry uses fragrant orange zest to brighten up the rich hazelnut spread.
- If you need a quick snack that keeps the indulgence going, try making Nutella popcorn for an easy way to satisfy a sweet craving while relaxing.
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