Homemade Kanafeh with Sweet Cheese Filling
Kanafeh is a popular Middle Eastern dessert made with shredded filo dough, sweet cheese filling, and syrup. This recipe for homemade kanafeh is easy to follow and results in a delicious, authentic dessert.
Kanafeh is a dessert that has been enjoyed in the Middle East for centuries. The first recorded recipe for kanafeh dates back to the 10th century, and the dessert has since become a popular Ramadan treat. Kanafeh is typically made with shredded filo dough, sweet cheese filling, and syrup. The filo dough is soaked in a sweet syrup, which gives the dessert its characteristic crispy texture. The sweet cheese filling is made with a mixture of ricotta cheese, cream cheese, and sugar. The syrup is made with a mixture of sugar, water, and lemon juice. Kanafeh is often garnished with chopped nuts or pistachios.
Homemade Kanafeh with Sweet Cheese Filling Homemade Kanafeh with Sweet Cheese Filling Homemade Kanafeh with Sweet Cheese Filling Homemade Kanafeh with Sweet Cheese Filling
Prep time: 30 | Cook time: 40 | Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • Fine semolina
  • Shredded filo dough
  • Unsalted butter, melted
  • Caster sugar
  • Sweet cheese filling
  • Orange blossom water
  • Pistachio nuts, chopped
  • Ground cinnamon
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan/gas 4).
  2. Grease a 23cm round springform pan.
  3. Combine the semolina and melted butter in a bowl and mix well.
  4. Press the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
  5. While the semolina base is baking, prepare the kanafeh filling. In a large bowl, combine the shredded filo dough, sweet cheese filling, and orange blossom water.
  6. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined.
  7. Spread the kanafeh filling over the baked semolina base and sprinkle with the chopped pistachio nuts and ground cinnamon.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the kanafeh is golden brown and the filling is set.
Why It Works
  • The semolina base provides a sturdy foundation for the kanafeh.
  • The shredded filo dough gives the kanafeh a crispy texture.
  • The sweet cheese filling is rich and creamy.
  • The orange blossom water adds a floral flavor to the kanafeh.
  • The chopped pistachio nuts and ground cinnamon add a touch of sweetness and crunch to the kanafeh.