Ekmek kadayıfı

Ekmek kadayıfı is a delightful bread pudding that traces its roots back to Ottoman cuisine and remains a favorite in many regions formerly part of the Ottoman Empire. In Turkey, it is particularly celebrated as a specialty of Afyonkarahisar and is often paired with kaymak, a rich clotted cream. This dessert is a popular choice during Ramadan for iftar meals, providing a sweet conclusion to the day's fast.

Traditionally, ekmek kadayıfı was a clever way to repurpose stale bread. Today, it serves as a simpler alternative to more labor-intensive desserts like baklava. While you can buy ready-made ekmek kadayıfı, making it at home is quite straightforward. It involves hollowing out a piece of bread to create a bread bowl, which is then soaked in a sugar syrup known as şerbet. This allows the bread to soften and absorb the syrup. Before serving, the dessert is often topped with kaymak or even ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

There are also variations in how ekmek kadayıfı is prepared. Some recipes transform it into a cake-like dessert made with eggs, flour, sugar, and a creamy filling. This cake is layered with cream, drizzled with syrup, and garnished with pistachios and coconut before being chilled in the fridge.

If you’re in Istanbul and want to try ekmek kadayıfı, some popular spots include Saray Muhallebicisi, Konyalı, and Sütiş. This beloved dessert beautifully combines the sweetness of syrup, the softness of bread, and the richness of creamy toppings, making it a truly delightful treat.