Delicious Knafeh Recipe - Authentic Saudi Arabian Dessert

Authentic Saudi Arabian Dessert recipe — Knafeh. Imported from TheMealDB.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

4

servings

Medium

Difficulty

Delicious Knafeh Recipe - Authentic Saudi Arabian Dessert

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 cup fine semolina
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon rose water
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup crushed pistachios (for garnishing)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for flavoring)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

6 steps

  1. Prepare the Syrup

    In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Add rose water and set aside to cool.

    Make sure the syrup cools completely before using.
  2. Mix Semolina and Butter

    In a bowl, mix fine semolina with melted butter until well combined.

    Ensure the semolina absorbs the butter evenly.
  3. Layer the Cheese

    In a greased baking dish, spread half of the semolina mixture, followed by an even layer of mozzarella cheese, then top with the remaining semolina mixture.

    Press down firmly to compact the layers.
  4. Bake the Knafeh

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown on top.

    Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning.
  5. Add the Syrup

    Once baked, remove from the oven and immediately pour the cooled syrup over the hot Knafeh.

    Allow it to soak for at least 15 minutes before serving.
  6. Garnish and Serve

    Sprinkle crushed pistachios and ground cinnamon on top before serving warm.

    Serve with a side of yogurt for a delightful contrast.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Use quality mozzarella for the best texture. Let the Knafeh sit after baking to absorb syrup. Experiment with different nuts for garnishing.

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 international meal with these perfect pairings:

A cup of espresso or café au lait
🍦Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side
🍓Fresh berries or seasonal fruit

About This Dish

Delicious Knafeh Recipe - Authentic Saudi Arabian Dessert is a beloved dish from International cuisine.

International 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 medium difficulty and uses 10 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can experiment with other soft cheeses like ricotta for a different flavor.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories300kcal
Total Fat12gg
Sodium150mgmg
Total Carbohydrates45gg
Dietary Fiber1gg
Total Sugars20gg
Protein8gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CategoryDesserts