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Easy kunafa with cheese recipe topped with pistachios, crispy golden layers, and gooey filling

Easy Kunafa with Cheese (Crispy Homemade Knafeh Recipe)

5 from 1 vote
This easy kunafa with cheese recipe features crispy golden layers of shredded pastry filled with gooey melted cheese and soaked in sweet syrup. Learn how to make authentic homemade knafeh with simple ingredients for a delicious Middle Eastern dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 9 people
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 590
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Sugar Syrup
  • 2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tsp rose water - or orange blossom water ( optional)
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
Kunafa
  • 1 package kataifi - thawed ( about 15 oz)
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter - melted
Cheese Filling
  • 3/4 lb mozzarella cheese - shredded
  • 1 lb ricotta cheese
Garnish
  • Crushed pistachios - or mixed nuts

Method
 

Prepare the Sugar Syrup
  1. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Add lemon juice and rose water. Stir.
  4. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Butter the kunafa dough
  1. Place the shredded kataifi dough in a large bowl and gently separate the strands.
  2. Pour melted butter over the dough and mix until evenly coated.
Prepare the Cheese Filling
  1. In a bowl, mix mozzarella and ricotta until well combined.
Layer Dough and Cheese
  1. Grease a 9-inch round baking pan.
  2. Press half of the buttered Kunafa evenly into the pan to form the base.
  3. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about ½ inch around the edges.
  4. Top with the remaining Kunafa dough and press gently.
Bake until golden
  1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  2. Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Pour Syrup and Serve
  1. Remove the kunafa from the oven and immediately pour the cool sugar syrup evenly over the hot kunafa.
  2. Sprinkle with crushed pistachios.
  3. Let it rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve warm.