Knafeh
Discover this authentic Saudi Knafeh recipe — a satisfying weeknight dish that's a culinary masterpiece for the ambitious cook. Made with knafeh, unsalted butter, yellow food colouring and 9 more fresh ingredients, this recipe guides you through 12 detailed steps to create a truly memorable meal. Ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this saudi classic is sure to impress.
15
Prep Time (min)
30
Cook Time (min)
4
servings
400
Calories/serving
Expert
Difficulty
Ingredients
- 400 g Knafeh
- 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1 pinch Yellow Food Colouring
- 1 cup Mozzarella
- 1 cup Cream Cheese
- 1 cup Milk
- 4 tablespoons Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Corn Flour
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 cup Water
- 1 tsp Rose water
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
Instructions
12 steps · ~93 minutes total
Step 1
Take kanfhe in a bowl and roughly cut them. Pour melted butter, yellow food color and mix well with your hands.
3 minutesKeep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.Step 2
In a separate bowl mix milk, cream cheese, sugar, cornstarch well.
3 minutesStep 3
Turn on the flame and boil the liquid, when it gets thick turn off the flame let it cool down a little bit.
10 minutesUse a large pot to prevent boiling over. Add salt to the water for extra flavor.Step 4
Add mozzarella in it and mix it well.
3 minutesStep 5
Now make a base with half of the kanfhe in a dish, gently press it to level the dough well.
3 minutesThe dough is ready when it springs back slightly when poked.Step 6
Pour the cheese mixture on the top and level it with a spoon.
3 minutesStep 7
Cover it with the other half of the kanfhe.
3 minutesStep 8
Put the dish in a preheated oven at 200 degree for about 20-25 minutes.
25 minutesAlways preheat your oven fully before baking for even cooking.Step 9
It's ready when kunafa is golden and crunchy in the surface.
3 minutesStep 10
Boil water in a pan and dissolve sugar in it for 4–5 minutes. OR cook it until slightly thicken and keep on stirring. Add lemon juice with rose water, mix well.
10 minutesUse a large pot to prevent boiling over. Add salt to the water for extra flavor.Step 11
Evenly pour the syrup over the kunafa as soon as it comes out of the oven.
25 minutesAlways preheat your oven fully before baking for even cooking.Step 12
Your kunafa is ready to serve.
2 minutesWarm your serving plates in the oven briefly for a restaurant-quality touch.
💡 Tips & Tricks
🔄 Variations
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Up to 5 days in an airtight container
Freezer
Up to 3 months — thaw overnight in fridge
Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
What to Serve With
Complete your saudi meal with these perfect pairings:
About This Dish
Knafeh is a beloved dish from Saudi cuisine, originating in Saudi Arabia. With a total preparation time of about 45 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Saudi cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.
This recipe is rated expert difficulty and uses 12 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Knafeh is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with thin noodle-like pastry soaked in sweet syrup and layered with cheese or cream, often topped with pistachios.
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Nutrition Facts
4 serving(s) per recipe
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
