Nut-Free Knafeh

Delight in the irresistible flavors of Nut-Free Knafeh, a decadent Middle Eastern dessert made with delicate shredded kataifi (phyllo) dough, buttery crisp layers, and a luscious cheese filling. Perfect for those with nut allergies, this recipe swaps traditional nut toppings for a smooth blend of ricotta and mozzarella cheese, ensuring a creamy, indulgent bite every time. The golden kataifi layers are soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup infused with rose water and orange blossom water, adding a touch of aromatic sweetness. Easy to prepare in just over an hour, this impressive dessert is a show-stopper for gatherings or special occasions, offering all the joy of traditional knafeh without the nuts. Serve it warm for the ultimate indulgence!

Nutriscore Rating: 50/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 500 grams Shredded Kataifi (Phyllo) Dough
• 200 grams Unsalted Butter
• 300 grams Ricotta Cheese
• 200 grams Mozzarella Cheese
• 250 grams Granulated Sugar
• 240 ml Water
• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
• 1 teaspoon Orange Blossom Water
• 1 teaspoon Rose Water

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2

Begin by preparing the sugar syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 250 grams of sugar and 240 ml of water.

Step 3

Stir the sugar until it dissolves completely, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4

Once boiling, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of orange blossom water and 1 teaspoon of rose water. Allow the syrup to cool completely.

Step 6

Melt 200 grams of unsalted butter and set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, gently separate and fluff 500 grams of shredded kataifi dough with your fingers.

Step 8

Pour the melted butter over the kataifi dough and mix thoroughly until the dough is well-coated with butter.

Step 9

Grease a 30 cm (12-inch) round baking dish or a similarly sized rectangular baking dish.

Step 10

Spread half of the buttered kataifi dough evenly at the bottom of the prepared dish, pressing it down gently.

Step 11

In another bowl, combine 300 grams of ricotta cheese and 200 grams of grated mozzarella cheese until well blended.

Step 12

Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the kataifi base in the baking dish.

Step 13

Top the cheese layer with the remaining kataifi dough, pressing it lightly to compact it.

Step 14

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 15

Once baked, remove the knafeh from the oven and immediately pour the cooled sugar syrup evenly over the top.

Step 16

Serve warm, slicing into pieces as desired, and enjoy the sumptuous nut-free Knafeh.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1718.4 grams (1718.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5190

Total Fat 268.70g	344%
Saturated Fat 148.50g	743%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.50g
Cholesterol 757mg	252%
Sodium 3236mg	141%
Total Carbohydrate 628.10g	228%
Dietary Fiber 10.00g	36%
Total Sugars 264.70g
Protein 122.80g	246%

Vitamin D 32IU	160%
Calcium 2726mg	210%
Iron 9mg	48%
Potassium 843mg	18%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.6%

Protein: 9.1%

Carbs: 46.3%