Cardamom Kunafa Cheesecake by Shimi’s Kitchen

We collaborated with Shimi’s Kitchen to create a rich and aromatic Cardamom Kunafa Cheesecake that brings together creamy cheesecake, crispy kunafa, and the warm, lingering aroma of Emperor Akbar Cardamom. A buttery biscuit base, golden kunafa layered with pistachio paste, a smooth cheesecake filling infused with Emperor Akbar cardamom, and a Nutella topping finished with pistachio swirls come together in a dessert that feels indulgent yet effortless. With Emperor Akbar Cardamom added at the right moment, the cheesecake takes on an aromatic depth that lifts every bite and turns a regular dessert into a quiet moment of luxury. Whether served at a festive gathering or enjoyed as a weekend indulgence, this is the kind of recipe that makes cardamom feel both familiar and elevated.

Ingredients

For the Biscuit Base

• Crushed biscuits

• Melted butter

For the Pistachio Kunafa Layer

• Kunafa pastry

• Butter

• Pistachio paste

For the Cheesecake Filling

• Cream cheese

• Condensed milk

• Fresh cream

• Emperor Akbar cardamom powder

• Vanilla essence

For the Topping

• Melted Nutella

• Pistachio paste for garnishing

Method

Prepare the biscuit base by crushing the biscuits into fine crumbs, mixing them with melted butter, and pressing the mixture firmly into the base of a cake tin. Set aside.

Prepare the pistachio kunafa layer by heating butter in a pan, adding the kunafa pastry, and roasting until it turns beautifully golden brown and crispy. Add the pistachio paste and mix well. Spread this mixture evenly over the biscuit base.

Make the cheesecake filling by adding cream cheese, condensed milk, fresh cream, Emperor Akbar cardamom powder, and vanilla essence to a bowl. Mix everything until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the cheesecake by pouring the cheesecake mixture over the pistachio kunafa layer and spreading it evenly.

Add the Nutella topping by melting Nutella and pouring it over the cheesecake layer, spreading it gently.

Garnish and chill by using pistachio paste to create beautiful lines on top for decoration. Refrigerate for 3–4 hours, or until the cheesecake is firm enough to slice.

The result is a creamy, aromatic dessert where the richness of cheesecake meets the timeless aroma of Emperor Akbar Cardamom in every bite.