Knafeh (Middle Eastern Pastry Dessert) Recipe

Knafeh (Middle Eastern Pastry Dessert) Recipe

Knafeh is an amazing thing to behold, and like no other dessert I know. Made far and wide right around the world, Knafeh is something you definitely want to try.

5 from 3 votes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Keyword: Cheese, Dessert, Pastry

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 35

Servings: servings

Calories: 521kcal

Ingredients

For the Sugar Syrup

1 cup Water
2 tbsp Rose Water
2 tbsp Orange Blossom Water
2 cups Sugar
1½ tsp Lemon Juice

For the Knafeh

½ lbs Shredded Phyllo Dough
1 lbs Akawi Cheese mozzarella is a good substitute
¼ cup Butter melted
¼ cup Pistachios crushed
1 tsp Orange/Red Food Coloring optional

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

For the Sugar Syrup

Add the water, rose water, orange blossom water, sugar, and lemon juice to a pot. Stir well.
Place over high heat and bring to a boil. Stir until the sugar has dissolved completely.
Remove from heat and allow to cool.

For the Knafeh

Preheat oven to 375ºF (190ºC).
Spread the phyllo dough apart using your fingers. Place dough in a large bowl.
Melt butter. Add coloring to the butter and mix.
Pour butter over the phyllo and mix with your hands tearing the phyllo. Saturate the topping in butter. (Use gloves to make sure you don't dye your fingers!)
Cover the bottom of the tray with the phyllo dough topping (minus a handful to place on top).
Drain the cheese and squeeze out as much water as you can. Press the cheese into the tray on top of the dough. Add the last handful and spread thinly over the top.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes (the cheese will have melted).
Remove from the oven and flip tray into a slightly larger tray/plate.
Pour sugar syrup over knafeh. Sprinkle with crushed pistachio nuts.
Serve immediately.

Video

Nutrition