Kunafa (Knafeh) is a famous Middle Eastern dessert made with crispy kataifi dough, melted cheese, and fragrant sugar syrup. The outside becomes golden and crunchy while the inside stays soft and cheesy. Finished with crushed pistachios and rose-scented syrup, this dessert is rich, aromatic, and absolutely irresistible.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Kunafa
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200 g kataifi dough (kunafa shredded pastry)
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100 g unsalted butter, melted
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200 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
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2 tbsp sugar
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2 tbsp crushed pistachios (for topping)
For the Sugar Syrup
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1 cup sugar
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½ cup water
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1 tsp lemon juice
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½ tsp rose water (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a round baking dish with melted butter.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Place the kataifi dough in a bowl and gently separate the strands. Mix it evenly with the melted butter.
Step 3: Create the Base
Spread half of the buttered kataifi dough in the baking dish and press it down gently to form a base.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Spread the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough layer.
Step 5: Top Layer
Cover the cheese with the remaining kataifi dough and press lightly.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes until the top becomes golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Make the Syrup
While the kunafa bakes, combine sugar and water in a saucepan and boil for 5 minutes.
Add lemon juice and rose water, then remove from heat and allow it to cool.
Step 8: Add Syrup
Pour the sugar syrup evenly over the hot kunafa.
Step 9: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle crushed pistachios on top, slice, and serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Kunafa
✔ Use low-moisture mozzarella for the best cheese stretch.
✔ Always pour cool syrup over hot kunafa for perfect texture.
✔ Serve immediately for the best crispy and gooey combination.
