Knafeh Recipe

After I had tried it for the first time, I understood why people had loved Knafeh Recipe for hundreds of years. The golden, crunchy pastry is soaked in sweet syrup and has a warm, gooey layer of creamy cheese. The first bite is like magic. The different textures, the light rose-scented syrup, and the subtle buttery richness all work together perfectly. This dessert is one of those that takes you to a different place right away. You can almost hear the busy streets of Jerusalem, the vendor calling out to people in the pastry shop, and the comforting sound of plates filled with warm, syrup-drenched slices.

Knafeh, which can also be spelled Kunafa or Kanafeh, comes from the Levant region, with strong ties to Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria. It spread to other parts of the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond. There is a different version for each area. Some people use stretchy cheese like Nabulsi or Akkawi, while others use semolina dough instead of kataifi pastry. But no matter how you change it, it always has that perfect mix of sweet and salty, warm and fragrant, and crisp and creamy. It is often served at weddings, Ramadan, or special family gatherings to show happiness and togetherness.

Making Knafeh at home sounds hard, but it’s easy if you follow the right steps. You only need a few simple things, like shredded kataifi dough, butter, cheese, and sugar syrup. Rose water or orange blossom gives the syrup its unmistakable floral flavor. The top turns a lovely golden when you bake it, but the inside stays soft and rich. Add syrup and crushed pistachios on top, and you’ll have a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

The experience is what this Knafeh recipe is all about. The smell of butter browning in the pan, pastry crisping in the oven, and the first slice showing a gooey, creamy center. In one bite, you get both comfort and celebration. And when you serve it, everyone will be quiet while they eat their first bite. It’s not just a dessert. It’s a story about sharing warmth, tradition, and sweetness with people you love.

• Origins of the Knafeh Recipe
• Variations of Knafeh Recipe
• Health Benefits of Knafeh Recipe
• Tips and Tricks for Perfect Knafeh
• Tips and Tricks for Perfect Knafeh
• Why Homemade Knafeh Recipe Is Worth It
• Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas
• Knafeh Recipe From OoohDelish!
• Share Your Twist on This Knafeh Recipe!
• FAQs: Knafeh Recipe

Origins of the Knafeh Recipe

The story of Knafeh starts hundreds of years ago in the ancient Levant, a place known for its mix of cultures, hospitality, and cooking. Historians say that Knafeh first came from the city of Nablus in Palestine, where it was made as a breakfast treat for kings and queens during Ramadan. It quickly became a favorite dessert in the Middle East, from Lebanon and Syria to Egypt and Jordan. The original recipe called for a special Nabulsi cheese layered with semolina dough, baked at a low temperature, and soaked in orange blossom syrup.

Knafeh changed over the years as it moved around. In Lebanon, you can find a creamier, softer version made with ashta cream. In Egypt, the dough is often toasted until it turns a deep caramel color and is filled with sweet cheese or nuts. Künefe is what it’s called in Turkey, and it’s served hot with stretchy cheese and a scoop of ice cream. Even though there are differences, one thing stays the same: it brings people together. Knafeh is a traditional dish that brings families together across generations, whether they eat it after dinner or share it at celebrations.

This dessert has become popular in modern kitchens worldwide in the last few years. Many people who love food make their knafeh at home using simple ingredients like shredded phyllo or kataifi dough, melted butter, and mozzarella cheese. The recipe is easy to follow, but it still has the same spirit that has defined Middle Eastern sweets for hundreds of years. Knafeh is like the comforting Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe or the Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipe. It makes you feel good, reminds you of home, and makes you happy to share something homemade and heartfelt.

Variations of Knafeh Recipe

This dessert is so interesting because every country and even every family has its own version of it. Cheese and semolina or kataifi dough are used to make the traditional Nabulsi-style Knafeh, which is baked until golden brown. But there are a lot of interesting ways to change things up.
Knafeh with Ashta Cream is a popular variation in which the cheese is replaced or mixed with a thick, smooth cream made from milk and cornstarch. This one is lighter, sweeter, and great for people who like a soft texture. Another popular dish is Knafeh bil Jibn, which is made with mozzarella and ricotta cheese to taste like traditional Nabulsi cheese. It has a soft, stretchy center and a crisp, buttery crust.
New versions of this dessert have made it even more fun. Some people mix in Nutella or pistachio cream for a unique taste, while others roll them up into bite-sized pieces that are great for parties. You could make it healthier by using coconut sugar in the syrup or baking it with less butter. If you like to try new things, serve it with your Coconut Mojito Recipe or with a light drink like the Blackberry Mojito Recipe for a refreshing mix of sweet and cool.

Health Benefits of Knafeh Recipe

Knafeh is a dessert, but if you make it with care, it can be more than just a treat. The cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, and the nuts, like pistachios, add healthy fats and antioxidants. The semolina or phyllo dough gives you energy from complex carbohydrates, so it’s a tasty treat in moderation.

If you use good ingredients, your Knafeh will taste better and be better for you. When you can, use unsalted butter, fresh mozzarella or ricotta cheese, and natural sweeteners. Using honey or coconut sugar instead of refined sugar lowers the glycemic load without losing sweetness. You can also bake it with very little butter, or you could use coconut oil and plant-based milk to make a non-dairy version.

Knafeh can be a great part of a healthy diet if you eat it sometimes and with lighter meals. Serve it after a healthy meal, like the Beef Steak with Mashed Potatoes, or a cool drink, like the Lemon Balm Recipe for Weight Loss. Like many classic desserts, its magic is in the balance: it’s rich enough to satisfy but small enough to enjoy.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Knafeh

1. Use quality cheese. Mozzarella or ricotta makes a great substitute for Nabulsi or Akkawi cheese. If the cheese is salty, soak it in water for 30 minutes before using.
2. Don’t overbake. Knafeh should be golden and crisp on top but still moist inside. Overbaking can dry out the cheese layer.
3. Use clarified butter or ghee. It gives a nutty aroma and prevents the pastry from burning.
4. Pour syrup over hot Knafeh. Always add warm syrup to the freshly baked dessert, never cold, to ensure proper absorption.
5. Cool slightly before serving. This allows the syrup to settle, keeping the layers intact.
6. Garnish creatively. Crushed pistachios, rose petals, or shredded coconut add color and texture.

If you want to impress guests, serve it with a refreshing drink like the Coconut Mojito Recipe or a comforting Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup before dessert for a full Oooh Delish experience.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Knafeh

1. Use quality cheese. Mozzarella or ricotta makes a great substitute for Nabulsi or Akkawi cheese. If the cheese is salty, soak it in water for 30 minutes before using.
2. Don’t overbake. Knafeh should be golden and crisp on top but still moist inside. Overbaking can dry out the cheese layer.
3. Use clarified butter or ghee. It gives a nutty aroma and prevents the pastry from burning.
4. Pour syrup over hot Knafeh. Always add warm syrup to the freshly baked dessert, never cold, to ensure proper absorption.
5. Cool slightly before serving. This allows the syrup to settle, keeping the layers intact.
6. Garnish creatively. Crushed pistachios, rose petals, or shredded coconut add color and texture.

If you want to impress guests, serve it with a refreshing drink like the Coconut Mojito Recipe or a comforting Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup before dessert for a full Oooh Delish experience.

Why Homemade Knafeh Recipe Is Worth It

It’s not just cooking when you make Knafeh Recipe at home; it’s an experience. The smell of butter melting, the pastry crisping, and the moment you drizzle the warm syrup all make for a special sensory experience. It’s a dessert that makes the whole process fun, not just the plate.

You can control every part of Knafeh by making it yourself. You can pick the cheese, change the sweetness, and choose how buttery or light you want. Knafeh made at home tastes better, fresher, and more balanced than any store-bought kind. You feel the same way when you make your own 3-Ingredient Biscuit Recipe as when you buy one from the store. It’s easy but very satisfying.

Most importantly, making it at home is a way to connect with a tradition passed down through the years. People gather around the kitchen to wait for that first slice because it is an act of love and patience. You’ll know that homemade always wins when seeing everyone’s face light up after the first bite.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas

Knafeh Recipe goes with a lot of different things. The rich pastry and cheese go great with cool, light drinks. Try serving it with the Blackberry Mojito Recipe or the Coconut Mojito Recipe from the tropics for a refreshing balance. The acidity of the fruit cuts through the sweetness just right.

To be more traditional, serve Knafeh with strong Arabic coffee or mint tea. The bitter coffee goes well with the sweet layers, making each bite taste better. A chilled glass of Beetroot and Carrot Juice is a modern choice that adds a bright color and healthy contrast to the dessert’s richness.

Knafeh is also a great way to end a Middle Eastern-inspired meal. Begin with a savory dish, such as Chicken Spiedini Recipe or Hot Honey Chicken Recipe. Then, serve Knafeh warm from the oven with crushed pistachios and a little extra syrup. This dessert always makes any occasion feel like a party, whether a holiday, a gathering, or a quiet night with the family.

Knafeh Recipe From OoohDelish!

Knafeh Recipe

This Knafeh Recipe brings the golden, syrup-soaked Middle Eastern dessert right to your kitchen. Made with buttery kataifi pastry, creamy cheese, and fragrant rose water syrup, this dessert is crisp on top, soft in the middle, and irresistibly sweet. It is perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, or when you want to treat yourself to a comforting, homemade indulgence.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 34 minutes mins

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 9 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Dessert

Cuisine Lebanese cuisine, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

Servings 8

Calories 410 kcal

Equipment

• 1 9-inch round baking pan traditional for knafeh
• 1 Saucepan to prepare syrup
• 1 Mixing Bowl (for combining ingredients)
• 1 Pastry brush to spread butter evenly
• 1 Cheese grater for mozzarella or Nabulsi cheese
• 1 Food processor optional, to shred kataifi dough

Ingredients

  

• For the Knafeh Base:
• 300 g kataifi dough shredded phyllo thawed
• 1 cup unsalted butter melted
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded or cubed
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese or ashta cream for creamier texture
• 2 tbsp sugar optional for sweetness
• For the Syrup:
• 1 cup sugar granulated
• 1/2 cup water filtered
• 1 tsp lemon juice prevents crystallization
• 1 tsp rose water or orange blossom water
• 1 tsp honey optional for flavor depth
• For Garnish:
• 2 tbsp pistachios crushed
• 1 tsp rose petals optional for decoration

Instructions

 

• Prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat gently until dissolved. Bring to a soft boil, then add lemon juice. Simmer for 8 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in rose water and honey. Set aside to cool.
• Prepare the dough. Shred the kataifi dough with your hands or a food processor until it is fluffy. Pour melted butter over the dough and mix gently until evenly coated.
• Assemble the knafeh. Brush the baking pan with melted butter. Spread half of the buttered dough evenly across the base, pressing it lightly. Add the mozzarella and ricotta mixture in the center, then cover with the remaining dough, pressing gently to seal.
• Bake until golden. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the Knafeh for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and crisp.
• Add syrup and garnish. Remove from oven and immediately pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot Knafeh. Let it rest for 10 minutes to absorb. Sprinkle crushed pistachios and rose petals on top.
• Serve warm. Slice and serve with a refreshing drink like the Coconut Mojito Recipe or a light dessert such as the Blackberry Mojito Recipe. Enjoy the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and sweet in every bite.

Notes

• If using Akkawi or Nabulsi cheese, soak it in cold water for 30 minutes to reduce saltiness.
• For a softer texture, add a layer of ashta cream between the dough and cheese.
• Always pour cool syrup over hot Knafeh for the best absorption.
• To reheat, warm slices in the oven for 10 minutes at 150°C. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust crispy.
• For a lighter dessert option, reduce butter or try baking it with clarified butter.
• Pair your Knafeh with the Lemon Balm Recipe for Weight Loss or Beetroot and Carrot Juice for a fresh, balanced meal finale.

Keyword arabic dessert, cheese pastry, kanafeh, kataifi dessert, knafeh recipe, kunafa dessert

Share Your Twist on This Knafeh Recipe!

Did you give your Knafeh Recipe a personal touch? Maybe you used ashta cream instead of cheese, added pistachio cream, or flavored the syrup with orange blossom instead of rose water. We love seeing how you bring tradition to life in your own kitchen.

📸 Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram or Facebook using #OoohDelishTwist. Your creation could inspire another home baker to fall in love with this Middle Eastern classic.

💌 Got a family secret that makes your knafeh unforgettable? Send it to contact@ooohdelish.com. Your version might be featured in our next Oooh Delish Homemade Dessert Collection.

FAQs: Knafeh Recipe