07/02/2026
💛✨ Authentic Middle Eastern Knafeh (Sweet Cheese Pastry) ✨💛
Golden, crispy, buttery kataifi wrapped around gooey melted cheese and drenched in fragrant rose and orange blossom syrup... 🤤 Knafeh is one of the Middle East's most beloved desserts, and it's much easier to make than you think! Every bite is cheesy, crunchy, sweet, and absolutely irresistible. 🌹🧀🥜
🛒 Ingredients
🌹 For the Scented Syrup:
🍚 1 cup sugar (200 grams)
💧 ¾ cup water (180 ml)
🍋 1 teaspoon lemon juice (5 ml)
🌹 1 teaspoon rosewater (5 ml)
🍊 1 teaspoon orange blossom water (5 ml)
🧀 For the Knafeh:
🧀 1 lb cheese mixture (Akkawi and fresh mozzarella – 450 grams total) (See Notes)
🥮 1 lb kataifi (1 package/454 grams) (See Notes)
🧈 8 ounces unsalted butter (2 sticks/12 tablespoons/225 grams)
👩🍳 Instructions
🌹 Prepare the Syrup
1️⃣ In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water.
2️⃣ Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
3️⃣ Once the sugar has completely dissolved, remove from the heat.
4️⃣ Stir in the lemon juice, rosewater, and orange blossom water.
5️⃣ Set aside and allow the syrup to cool completely.
🧀 Soak the Cheese
1️⃣ Cut the cheese into small pieces and place them in a large bowl.
2️⃣ Cover with cold water and soak for 15 minutes.
3️⃣ Drain, refill with fresh cold water, and soak for another 15 minutes.
4️⃣ Repeat this process 3–4 times until the cheese is no longer salty.
5️⃣ Drain well and place the cheese in a paper towel-lined bowl.
🥮 Prepare the Kataifi
1️⃣ Thaw the kataifi on a cutting board.
2️⃣ Cut it into large chunks using a knife.
3️⃣ Transfer the chunks to a food processor and pulse until the kataifi becomes a fine crumble.
🧈 Butter the Kataifi
1️⃣ Melt the butter in a small saucepan.
2️⃣ Place the shredded kataifi into a large mixing bowl.
3️⃣ Pour the melted butter over the kataifi.
4️⃣ Using your hands, gently rub the butter into the kataifi until every strand is evenly coated.
🍽️ Assemble the Knafeh
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Butter the bottom and sides of your baking dish.
3️⃣ Spread half of the buttered kataifi into the pan and press it down firmly to create a compact, even layer.
4️⃣ Add the cheese filling, leaving about ½ inch around the edges.
5️⃣ Cover with the remaining kataifi, making sure to fill the edges as well.
6️⃣ Press gently to form an even top layer.
🔥 Bake & Serve
1️⃣ Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until beautifully golden brown.
2️⃣ Let the knafeh cool for 10 minutes.
3️⃣ Carefully invert it onto a serving platter.
4️⃣ Pour half of the cooled syrup evenly over the knafeh, reserving the remaining syrup for guests to add as desired.
5️⃣ Garnish with crushed or ground pistachios. 💚
🌹 For an extra elegant touch, garnish with edible rose petals if you'd like!
💡 Ingredient Notes
🥮 Kataifi: Shredded filo dough usually sold in compact logs in the freezer section of Middle Eastern grocery stores.
🧀 Cheese: A combination of Akkawi cheese and fresh mozzarella creates the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Akkawi should be soaked to remove excess salt before using.
🌹 Rosewater & Orange Blossom Water: These signature flavors give authentic knafeh its unmistakable aroma. You'll find them at Middle Eastern markets or online.
🥜 Pistachios: Ground or crushed pistachios add the perfect finishing touch and a beautiful pop of color. Ground almonds also work if preferred.
📸 Tip: If you're making knafeh for the first time, following step-by-step photos can be incredibly helpful!
✨ Crispy... buttery... cheesy... syrupy... this classic Middle Eastern dessert is guaranteed to impress every time!
