As-salamu alaykum my friends! Chef James here from Tiramisucake.com, and today I’m bringing you one of my absolute favorite Middle Eastern-inspired treats: mango kunafa cups a modern, refreshing twist on classic kunafa, but simplified into cute, individual portions that busy families absolutely love.

The first time I tasted mango kunafa in a cup format was during a Ramadan gathering in Dearborn. One of the aunties called it “a hug in a cup”… and she was right. Crunchy, buttery kunafa layers wrapping around cold, creamy filling and juicy mango there’s nothing quite like it.

If you’re looking for more Ramadan inspiration, check out our dessert pillar guide:
👉 15 Halal Dessert Ideas for Ramadan Loved by American Families

And if you love fruity halal desserts, you’ll also enjoy:

• halal strawberry shortcake
• coconut basbousa recipe

These mango kunafa cups are everything American families crave during spring and summer fresh, cold, creamy, crunchy, and incredibly easy to assemble. Whether you make them for Eid, Iftar, or Sunday brunch, this dessert never fails.

As always, food safety is important, especially with dairy-based fillings. I follow the USDA guidelines for handling cream cheese and whipped cream to ensure your dessert stays fresh and safe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crunchy + Creamy Perfection the contrast of toasted kunafa pastry and cold cream filling makes these mango kunafa cups unforgettable.
• Perfect for Ramadan & Gatherings individual cups make serving clean and easy.
• Customizable swap mango for peach, apricot, or berries.
• Make-Ahead Friendly prep the components ahead; assemble before serving.
• Kid-approved sweet, fruity, and fun to eat.
• Beginner-friendly no syrup boiling or complicated folding.

Which flavor do you want to try next mango, strawberry, or classic cheese kunafa? Tell Chef James!

Ingredients Needed

Here are the key ingredients for authentic and delicious mango kunafa cups, with notes from Chef James:

Kunafa Pastry Layer

• 250g kunafa pastry dough look for shredded kataifi dough in Middle Eastern shops or the freezer aisle. If unavailable, shredded phyllo dough works as a substitute.
• 1 cup melted butter gives the kunafa its golden, crispy texture. You can use plant-based butter for a lighter version.

Cream Filling

• 2 cups full-fat cream cheese gives structure and tang; low-fat versions may become runny.
• 1 cup whipped cream folded in for an airy, mousse-like texture. Coconut cream works for a dairy-free alternative.
• ¼ cup brown sugar adds subtle caramel notes.
• ⅓ cup icing sugar ensures smoothness; don’t replace with granulated sugar.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract ties the flavors together.

Garnish

• 2 ripe mangoes, diced fresh mango is the star. Choose soft, fragrant varieties like Ataulfo or Alphonso.
• ⅓ cup pistachio slivers adds color and crunch.

Want another Arabic sweet bite? Try our halal tiramisu recipe for your next gathering.

How to Make Mango Kunafa Cups (Step-by-Step)

1. Prepare the Kunafa Base

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Loosen the kunafa dough strands in a large bowl using your fingers. Pour melted butter over them and combine gently. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake 15–20 minutes until light golden.

Chef James Tip:
Break the kunafa into tiny flakes after baking this makes layering in cups easier and crunchier.

2. Make the Cream Filling

Beat cream cheese, vanilla, and brown sugar until smooth. Add sifted icing sugar, then fold in whipped cream until fluffy. Chill for at least 30 minutes.

3. Prepare the Mango

Dice ripe mango into small cubes. If using canned mango, drain very well to avoid soggy layers.

4. Assemble the Cups

Layer in this order:

1. Toasted kunafa
2. Cream filling
3. Mango cubes
4. Repeat layers
5. Finish with pistachios

Try serving them with date coconut energy balls for a perfect dessert platter.

Recipe Tips & Variations

✔ Make it Dairy-Free

Use coconut cream + vegan cream cheese. The flavor becomes beautifully tropical, especially with mango.

✔ Add a Tangy Twist

Mix passionfruit pulp into the mango layer.

✔ Add Crunch

Fold crushed pistachios into the cream filling.

Chef James Suggestion:

Add a thin drizzle of honey between layers to enhance sweetness without overwhelming the mango.

Storage & Reheating

• Store assembled mango kunafa cups in the fridge up to 2–3 days.
• Store kunafa crumbs separately in an airtight container up to 1 week.
• If the kunafa becomes soft, crisp it again in the oven for 3–5 minutes at 180°C.
• Do not freeze fully assembled cups the cream filling may separate.

For more Ramadan-friendly treats, try:
milk cake recipe for ramadan

FAQs

What to Serve With Mango Kunafa Cups

These bright, summery mango kunafa cups pair wonderfully with other Middle Eastern–inspired treats:

• milk cake recipe for ramadan — cold, milky, and perfect after Iftar.
• coconut basbousa recipe — moist semolina cake with a tropical twist.
• date coconut energy balls — a nutritious snack pairing for dessert boards.

And for big gatherings, explore our dessert pillar:
👉 15 Halal Dessert Ideas for Ramadan Loved by American Families

It ties all your festive desserts together beautifully.

More Recipes You’ll Love

Continue your dessert journey with more Tiramisucake.com favorites:

• lotus biscoff halal dessert
• baklava ice cream sandwich
• pistachio cheesecake halal
• stuffed dates platter

Each recipe brings a different flavor profile but matches perfectly with these mango kunafa cups.

Print

Conclusion

And that’s it — your mango kunafa cups are ready to become the star of your next gathering. Whether you serve them during Ramadan, Eid, or a warm summer evening, their mix of crisp pastry, silky cream, and juicy mango always delights.

For more festive ideas, explore our pillar guide:
👉 15 Halal Dessert Ideas for Ramadan Loved by American Families

Always remember: follow USDA food safety recommendations when using dairy, and for pastry-handling techniques, Serious Eats offers excellent practical insights.

If you make this recipe, drop a comment — Chef James loves seeing your creations!