The first bite of authentic knafeh is like a warm hug from your favorite aunt—and let me tell you, that aunt makes the best desserts. Picture golden strands of kataifi pastry drizzled with melted butter, enveloping a creamy layer of cheese that’s just waiting to stretch and pull apart with each bite. The sweet, aromatic syrup made from sugar and rose water pours over the top, making this dish irresistible and utterly delightful. It’s the kind of dessert that brings everyone together, evoking laughter and shared stories around the table.

Jump to:
- Ingredients for Authentic Knafeh Recipe
- How to Make Authentic Knafeh Recipe
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs :
- What is the key ingredient for an Authentic Knafeh Recipe?
- How do you serve Knafeh?
- Can I make Knafeh in advance?
- What are some variations of Knafeh?
- Conclusion for Authentic Knafeh Recipe :
- 📖 Recipe Card
Growing up, I remember my family gathering for special occasions where the aroma of freshly baked knafeh filled the air. My grandmother would be in the kitchen, her hands skillfully layering ingredients while sharing tales of her youth. Just thinking about those moments makes me want to whip up this authentic knafeh recipe right now! Whether it’s a festive celebration or simply an afternoon treat, this dish promises an explosion of flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This authentic knafeh recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare, perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
- The layers of crispy pastry and gooey cheese create a mouthwatering flavor profile that leaves you wanting more.
- Its vibrant golden color and rich syrup make it a showstopper at any gathering.
- Enjoy it warm or chilled; it’s versatile enough for breakfast, dessert, or a midnight snack!
Ingredients for Authentic Knafeh Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Kataifi Pastry: This shredded pastry is essential for achieving that crispy texture. Look for it in Mediterranean or Middle Eastern grocery stores.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter helps to crisp up the kataifi pastry beautifully. Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Mild and stretchy, mozzarella gives knafeh its characteristic cheesiness. Make sure it’s fresh for optimal melting.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetener is used to create the delectable syrup that soaks into the pastry.
Water: Combined with sugar to make a simple syrup; use filtered water if possible for a cleaner taste.
Rose Water: A splash adds floral notes and depth to the syrup—this ingredient is key in traditional recipes.
For the Garnish:
Pistachios: Chopped pistachios add crunch and color on top of your finished knafeh—don’t skip this!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Authentic Knafeh Recipe
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking dish—about 9×13 inches works perfectly—and generously grease it with nonstick cooking spray or some melted butter.
Step 2: Prepare Your Kataifi
Take your kataifi pastry out of its packaging and gently pull apart any clumps. Place it in a large bowl and pour about half a cup of melted butter over it. Mix well until all strands are coated evenly.
Step 3: Layer the Pastry
Spread half of your buttery kataifi mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Press down firmly but gently—this will be your base layer!
Step 4: Add Cheese
Tear your fresh mozzarella into small pieces and spread them evenly over the kataifi base. Make sure you cover every inch; we want cheesy goodness in every bite!
Step 5: Top with Remaining Kataifi
Cover your cheesy layer with the remaining kataifi mixture, pressing down gently again to ensure everything holds together nicely.
Step 6: Bake
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes until golden brown. While it’s baking, let’s whip up that syrup!
Step 7: Make Syrup
In a small pot, combine one cup sugar with half a cup water over medium heat. Stir until dissolved, then bring to a simmer for about five minutes before removing from heat. Add two teaspoons of rose water once cooled slightly.
Final Step: Serve
Once your knafeh is out of the oven and bubbly, drizzle that glorious syrup all over it while still hot! Let it rest briefly before garnishing with chopped pistachios. Transfer to plates and serve warm for an unforgettable experience!
You Must Know
- This authentic knafeh recipe is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience that tantalizes your taste buds.
- The crispy layers of dough filled with sweet cheese and drenched in syrup create a visually stunning dish.
- Perfect for celebrations or cozy evenings at home.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the syrup while the phyllo dough crisps up in the oven. Assemble the layers of cheese and pastry, then bake until golden. By multitasking, you’ll ensure your knafeh comes out perfectly warm and syrupy.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like ricotta or mozzarella for varied textures. Add a sprinkle of pistachios or walnuts on top for crunch, or infuse your syrup with orange blossom water for an aromatic twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover knafeh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven until warm and crisp again, ensuring that it retains its delightful texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure to let the syrup cool before drizzling it over the knafeh to prevent sogginess.
- For extra crunch, toast your nuts before adding them as a topping.
The first time I made this authentic knafeh recipe, my friends devoured it in minutes! Their smiles were priceless as they took their first bites—definitely a moment I won’t forget!
FAQs :
What is the key ingredient for an Authentic Knafeh Recipe?
The key ingredient for an Authentic Knafeh Recipe is the pastry known as kataifi. This thin, shredded dough creates a delightful texture that contrasts beautifully with the sweet cheese filling. The cheese used can be a blend of mozzarella and ricotta for a creamy consistency. Additionally, the syrup made from sugar and water adds sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of this traditional dessert.
How do you serve Knafeh?
To serve your Authentic Knafeh Recipe, cut it into squares or triangles after baking. Traditionally, it’s garnished with crushed pistachios or walnuts to add crunch and color. Serve it warm with a drizzle of sugar syrup on top for extra sweetness. Pairing it with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream can also elevate your dessert experience!
Can I make Knafeh in advance?
Yes, you can prepare components of your Authentic Knafeh Recipe in advance. You can assemble the dish and refrigerate it before baking. However, it’s best to bake it fresh for that perfect crispy texture. If you do bake it ahead of time, reheat in the oven briefly to regain its crispness before serving to ensure optimal taste.
What are some variations of Knafeh?
There are several delicious variations to explore beyond the classic version in your Authentic Knafeh Recipe. Some use different types of cheese like Nabulsi or Akkawi, while others incorporate nuts or flavored syrups like rose or orange blossom. You can also experiment with various toppings such as coconut flakes or chocolate drizzle to create unique takes on this beloved dessert.
Conclusion for Authentic Knafeh Recipe :
In summary, creating an Authentic Knafeh Recipe at home is not only rewarding but also allows you to enjoy this traditional dessert in its true form. By using kataifi pastry and a combination of cheeses, you achieve a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Remember to serve it warm with syrup and toppings that enhance its appeal. With these tips and techniques, your homemade Knafeh will impress family and friends alike!
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📖 Recipe Card
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Authentic Knafeh
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Authentic knafeh is a delicious Middle Eastern dessert that combines the crunch of golden kataifi pastry with a gooey cheese filling, all drizzled with fragrant rosewater syrup. Topped with crunchy pistachios, this dish is perfect for celebrations or cozy evenings at home. Each bite is an explosion of flavors that will warm your heart and delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 8 oz kataifi pastry
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into pieces
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- 2 tsp rose water
- ¼ cup chopped pistachios for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine kataifi pastry with melted butter, ensuring all strands are well coated.
- Spread half of the kataifi mixture in the baking dish and press down gently.
- Evenly distribute the torn mozzarella over the kataifi base.
- Top with the remaining kataifi mixture, pressing down lightly again.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
- While baking, prepare the syrup by simmering sugar and water in a pot until dissolved; remove from heat and stir in rose water.
- Drizzle syrup over hot knafeh once baked, let rest briefly, then garnish with pistachios before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (67g)
- Calories: 364
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg