How to Make Traditional Knafeh at Home

This Middle Eastern dessert, with its perfect balance of textures and flavors, might seem intimidating to make at home, but I’m here to tell you that with some patience and the right guidance, you can create this magical dessert in your own kitchen.

Knafeh (also spelled kunafa, kanafeh, or künefe) has been gracing Middle Eastern tables for centuries, bringing families together and marking special occasions with its golden-orange hue and distinctive taste.

Whether you’re familiar with this dessert from your local Middle Eastern restaurant or you’re just discovering it now, this comprehensive guide will walk you through creating authentic knafeh that rivals any you’d find in the streets of Nablus, its Palestinian city of origin.

What Makes Knafeh Special?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s understand what makes this dessert unique. Knafeh is distinguished by its layers of shredded phyllo dough (called kataifi), filled with a special cheese mixture, and soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup.

The top layer gets a beautiful orange-golden color from butter and a light sprinkle of ground pistachios. When served hot, the cheese pulls into irresistible strings, creating that Instagram-worthy moment everyone loves.

Essential Ingredients and Tools

For the Knafeh Base:

• 1 pound kataifi dough (shredded phyllo), thawed
• 1½ cups ghee or clarified butter, melted
• Orange food coloring (optional but traditional)
• 2-3 drops rose water (optional)

For the Cheese Filling:

• 1 pound akkawi cheese (or a mixture of mozzarella and fresh ricotta)
• ½ pound fresh mozzarella
• 2 tablespoons semolina flour
• 1 teaspoon orange blossom water

For the Sugar Syrup:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
• 1 small cinnamon stick (optional)

For Garnish:

• ½ cup ground pistachios
• Edible dried rose petals (optional)

Tools Needed:

• 14-inch round baking pan or traditional knafeh pan
• Food processor or sharp knife
• Heavy-bottom saucepan
• Kitchen scale
• Pastry brush

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Sugar Syrup (Make This First)

• Put the water and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the cinnamon stick if using it
• Stir until sugar dissolves completely
• Once mixture begins to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes
• Add lemon juice and orange blossom water
• Let it cool completely while preparing the rest of the dessert
• Remove cinnamon stick before using.

 Preparing the Cheese Filling

• If using akkawi cheese, soak it in cold water for 1-2 hours, changing the water several times to remove excess salt
• Drain and dry the cheese thoroughly
• Grate or crumble all cheese into a large bowl
• Mix in the semolina flour and orange blossom water
• Set aside at room temperature

Preparing the Kataifi Dough

• Remove kataifi dough from package and let thaw completely if frozen
• Using your hands or a food processor, chop the dough into ½-inch pieces
• In a large bowl, gently separate and fluff the strands
• Mix melted ghee with orange food coloring if using
• Gradually pour the melted ghee over the dough, using your hands to ensure even coating
• The dough should be well-coated but not dripping with ghee

Assembling and Baking the Knafeh

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
• Generously butter your baking pan
• Press about two-thirds of the kataifi mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan, creating an even layer
• Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the dough layer
• Cover with remaining kataifi, pressing gently
• Bake for 45-55 minutes, until the top is golden orange and crispy
• Remove from oven and immediately pour half of the cool syrup evenly over the hot knafeh
• Let it rest for 5 minutes

Serving

• Place a large round serving plate over the pan
• Carefully flip the pan to invert the knafeh onto the plate
• Pour remaining syrup as desired
• Sprinkle generously with ground pistachios
• Garnish with dried rose petals if using
• Serve immediately while cheese is still hot and stretchy

Tips for Perfect Knafeh

• Temperature Is Important: Before beginning, make sure all ingredients are room temperature.

• Cheese Selection: If you can’t find akkawi cheese, the mozzarella-ricotta mixture works beautifully
• Syrup Consistency: The syrup should be completely cool when poured over hot knafeh
• Dough Texture: Don’t overprocess the kataifi dough; you want short strands, not paste
• Even Cooking: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for uniform golden color
• Storage: While best served fresh, knafeh can be reheated in a 300°F oven for 15 minutes

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If Your Knafeh Is Too Dry:

• Add more syrup while it’s hot
• Ensure you used enough ghee in the dough
• Check that your oven temperature isn’t too high

If the Cheese Isn’t Melting Properly:

• Make sure cheese is at room temperature before baking
• Check that cheese pieces aren’t too large
• Consider extending baking time by 5-10 minutes

If the Bottom Isn’t Crispy:

• Press the bottom layer more firmly
• Ensure the pan is well-buttered
• Consider pre-heating the pan before adding the mixture

Cultural Notes and Serving Suggestions

Traditionally, knafeh is enjoyed as a breakfast dish or dessert, often paired with strong Arabic coffee or tea. In many Middle Eastern countries, it’s a celebration dish, present at weddings, holidays, and special gatherings. Some regions serve it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of tahini for added depth.

The beauty of knafeh lies not just in its taste, but in the way it brings people together. In the Middle East, the best knafeh is often found in small, family-run shops where the recipe has been passed down through generations.

By making it at home, you’re not just creating a dessert, you’re participating in a rich culinary tradition that spans centuries. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or simply want to try your hand at Middle Eastern baking, remember that practice makes perfect.

Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t picture-perfect – focus on the flavors and textures and adjust the recipe to your taste. The joy of cooking lies in the journey as much as the destination.

Now that you have all the tools and knowledge needed, it’s time to embark on your knafeh-making adventure. Share your creations with loved ones, experiment with different cheese combinations, and most importantly, enjoy the process of creating this beloved Middle Eastern dessert in your own kitchen.