DessertPalestinianMedium

Palestinian Knafeh Nabulsiyeh with Sweet Cheese and Pistachios

Knafeh Nabulsiyeh is a traditional Palestinian dessert made with sweet cheese and shredded pastry, topped with pistachios and syrup. Takes 90 min.

Knafeh Nabulsiyeh is a classic Middle Eastern dessert that combines rich flavors with a satisfying crunch. The sweet cheese pairs perfectly with the syrup.

Why This Recipe Works

Layered Texture: The shredding of kataifi pastry creates a light, flaky texture that contrasts with the gooey sweet cheese.
Sweet and Aromatic: Rose water in the syrup adds a fragrant floral note that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Crispy Top: Baking until golden brown ensures a deliciously crispy top layer that holds the dish together.

Chef's Pro Tip: For an extra crispy topping, broil the knafeh for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.

Pinar - MsPinaQ

2026-09-03

Recipe by MsPinaQ

0(0 reviews)

Prep Time

30 min

Cook Time

60 min

Total Time

90 min

Servings

Handy tools while you cook

All tools

Cups → Grams Oven °C / °F Servings

Directions

1
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking dish with some melted butter.
2
Shred the kataifi pastry with your hands and mix it with melted butter until well coated.
3
Layer half of the buttered kataifi in the greased dish, pressing it down evenly.
4
Spread the sweet cheese evenly over the kataifi layer, then top with remaining kataifi.
5
Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
6
While baking, prepare the syrup by boiling sugar and water for 10 minutes, adding rose water.
7
Once baked, drizzle the syrup over the hot knafeh and let it soak for a few minutes.
8
Garnish with crushed pistachios and ground cinnamon before serving warm.