{"id":8761,"date":"2014-06-30T15:04:10","date_gmt":"2014-06-30T15:04:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hadiaslebanesecuisine.com\/blog\/?p=8761"},"modified":"2026-10-23T20:31:13","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T20:31:13","slug":"znoud-el-sit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hadiaslebanesecuisine.com\/blog\/znoud-el-sit\/","title":{"rendered":"Znoud El Sit (Lebanese Cream-Filled Pastry Rolls)"},"content":{"rendered":"

These irresistible Znoud El Sit<\/strong> are a beloved Lebanese sweet, sold in neighborhood pastry shops throughout Beirut during the holy month of Ramadan. Their golden, crispy shells and luscious cream filling are simply irresistible, and the moment you catch their wonderful aroma, you will find it hard to resist! Although making Znoud El Sit at home involves a few steps, the delicious results are well worth the effort.<\/p>\n

One of my fondest childhood memories is spending time at my grandma\u2019s house. During Ramadan, Granny used to make the best Znoud El Sit, and every time I prepare these sweet rolls, I still picture her in her kitchen, wearing one of her pretty aprons and standing by the stove, frying them to golden perfection. I was absolutely obsessed with these treats as a child, and years later, nothing has changed! They remain one of those cherished Lebanese sweets that bring back the sweetest memories with every bite.<\/p>\n

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After a long day of fasting, Znoud El Sit<\/strong> are such a rewarding treat, and they are so addictive that it is almost impossible to stop at just one!<\/p>\n

Finely crafted for the perfect crunch, these traditional<\/strong> Lebanese sweet rolls are crispy on the outside and filled with thick, rich clotted cream.\u00a0 Fried to a beautiful golden brown, they are then dipped in sugar syrup infused with fragrant orange blossom water. The contrast between the crunchy pastry, creamy filling, and delicately scented syrup makes every bite a delight. I truly hope you give this recipe a try!<\/p>\n

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How to Make Ashta Cream Filling:<\/h2>\n

In a separate saucepan, combine the milk, cornstarch, and semolina. Place over medium heat, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture. Keep whisking until the mixture reaches a boil and thickens to a rich, custard-like consistency. Remove from the heat and pour the cream into a bowl. Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from developing, then leave to cool completely.<\/p>\n

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Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions:<\/h2>\n

Thaw the phyllo pastry roll before using it.<\/p>\n

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Gently remove the phyllo pastry roll from its plastic sleeve.<\/div>\n
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Using scissors, cut the phyllo sheets into three equal strips, each measuring 10 \u00d7 22 cm (approximately 4 \u00d7 8.5 inches). To prevent them from drying out, cover the strips with a clean kitchen towel.<\/div>\n
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Lay one phyllo strip vertically on the countertop, then place another strip horizontally over it to form a cross.<\/p>\n

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Place a tablespoon of ashta (clotted cream) in the center of the cross.<\/div>\n
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Fold the ends of the horizontal strip over the ashta filling.<\/div>\n
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Fold the ends of the vertical strip over the ashta, brush the edge with flour paste, and continue rolling to form a neat cylinder.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Assembled Lebanese Znoud El Sit rolls on a counter ready for frying.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"AssembledHeat the oil to the appropriate frying temperature. Working in batches, fry the Znoud El Sit rolls until crisp and golden brown. Remove them with a slotted spoon and dip them in the sugar syrup for a few seconds. Lift them out and arrange them on a serving dish.<\/div>\n
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Garnish with ground pistachios and orange blossom jam. If you have a sweet tooth, drizzle a little extra sugar syrup over the rolls just before serving.<\/p>\n

Now, it\u2019s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor!<\/p>\n

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Frequently Asked Questions About Znoud El Sit<\/h2>\n

Can I make the ashta filling and sugar syrup ahead of time?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Absolutely! To save time, prepare the ashta (cream filling) and sugar syrup a day ahead. Allow both to cool completely before refrigerating them in separate airtight containers until ready to use.<\/p>\n

Can I freeze Znoud El Sit before frying?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yes! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the assembled Znoud El Sit in a single layer, leaving space between the rolls so they do not stick together. Freeze for several hours, or until firm. Transfer the frozen rolls to a ziplock freezer bag and store them in the freezer. This method prevents the rolls from sticking together, allowing you to take out just as many as you need. Best of all, you can fry them directly from frozen without thawing first.<\/p>\n

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More Authentic Lebanese Syrup-Soaked Desserts to Try<\/h2>\n