M'hanncha

M’hanncha or snake cake is a traditional dessert in which warqa pastry is filled with a delicious almond paste, then shaped into a snake-like form. Although there are numerous recipes for the almond paste, it is typically prepared with almonds, sugar, cinnamon, mastic powder, butter, and orange flower water. M’hanncha can be shaped into small coils, but at social gatherings and festive occasions, it is made in a large version, so the guests can enjoy it by breaking off smaller portions from the end of the coil. When baked, the pastry is often dusted with powdered sugar or brushed with warm honey. It is recommended to garnish the snake cake with sliced or ground almonds and pair it with a cup of sweet mint tea.