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Decadent Palestinian Knafeh with Creamy Cheese Filling

Yields8 ServingsPrep Time30 minsCook Time45 minsTotal Time1 hr 15 mins

Indulge in layers of crispy pastry soaked in fragrant syrup and filled with luscious cheese, a beloved dessert from Palestine. Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

A beautifully presented plate of golden-brown knafeh topped with crushed pistachios and drizzled with syrup.

For the Knafeh Base
 500 g kataifi dough
 150 g unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling
 400 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
 200 g ricotta cheese
For the Syrup
 300 g sugar
 240 ml water
 1 tbsp rose water
For Garnish
 50 g crushed pistachios
Prepare the Syrup
1

In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in rose water. Allow cooling.

Prepare the Knafeh Base
2

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large bowl, take the kataifi dough and break it apart. Mix in the melted butter until evenly coated.

Assemble the Knafeh
3

Grease a round baking dish with some melted butter. Spread half of the kataifi mixture at the bottom of the dish, pressing down firmly. Layer the cheese filling evenly over the base, then cover with the remaining kataifi, pressing gently on top.

Bake the Knafeh
4

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy.

Finish and Serve
5

Once baked, immediately pour the cooled syrup evenly over the knafeh, ensuring every part is soaked. Allow resting for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with crushed pistachios before serving.

Notes

Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Nutrition Facts

0 servings

Serving size

One slice (approximately 150 g)


Amount per serving
Calories390
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 20g26%

Saturated Fat 12g60%
Trans Fat 0g
Monounsaturated Fat 6g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Cholesterol 60mg20%
Sodium 200mg9%
Total Carbohydrate 45g17%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Total Sugars 25g
Includes 25g Added Sugars50%
Protein 8g

Vitamin A 500mcg56%
Vitamin C 0mg0%
Calcium 300mg24%
Iron 1mg6%
Potassium 150mg4%
Vitamin D 0mcg0%
Vitamin E 1mg7%
Vitamin K 0mcg0%
Thiamin 0.1mg9%
Riboflavin 0.3mg24%
Niacin 0.4mg3%
Vitamin B6 0.1mg6%
Folate 10mcg3%
Vitamin B12 0.1mg5%
Biotin 0mcg0%
Pantothenic Acid 0.5mg10%
Phosphorus 250mg20%
Iodine 0mcg0%
Magnesium 15mg4%
Zinc 1mg10%
Selenium 5mcg10%
Copper 0.1mg12%
Manganese 0.3mg14%
Chromium 0mcg0%
Molybdenum 0mcg0%
Chloride 50mg3%

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.