Go Back
–+ servings

Healthier Knafeh Recipe

This healthier Knafeh recipe is my take on one of the most popular desserts in the Middle East. It’s much lighter than the traditional recipe with less sugar and fat. It’s also easier to make and happens to be vegan & dairy-free!
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine middle eastern
Servings 2
Calories 315 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

For the pastry

  • 40g Kataifi pastry*
  • 1 tbsp butter

For the cream filling

  • 235ml milk of choice I used oat milk
  • 2 tbsp cornflour
  • 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
  • Zest of 1/2 orange
  • 1 tsp rose water
  • 1 tbsp pistachios
  • 1/2 tbsp caster sugar optional

For the syrup

  • 60ml water
  • 1 tbsp caster sugar
  • 1/2 tsp rose water

Instructions
 

  • Start off by making the simple syrup - pour the syrup ingredients into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and allow to simmer for a few minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool down completely.
  • Cut the Kataifi pastry into fine pieces. Melt 1 tbsp of butter in a frying pan, then add the pastry. Cook on a medium heat stirring continuously until it becomes golden brown in colour.
  • To make the cream filling, pour the milk into a pan and add the cornflour. Mix until the cornflour has dissolved (off the heat). Turn the heat on medium and add the rose water, orange zest and cardamom. You can also add an optional 1/2 tbsp of sugar for a sweeter knafeh.
  • Continue cooking while stirring until the mixture starts to thicken. Remove from the heat.
  • Cover the bottom of a ramekin with 1/2 the pastry mixture, then pour the cream mixture on top. Top with the remaining pastry and sprinkle on the pistachios.
  • Bake in a 180C/160C fan/350F oven for 10 minutes. Or you can use an air-fryer.
  • Pour over the cooled syrup before serving and enjoy! You can decorate with a few edible rose petals if desired.

Notes

* You can find Kataifi pastry from your local ethnic/Asian/Middle Eastern food shops or online.
** If using frozen Kataifi pastry, cut off the amount you need (40g) and allow to defrost at room temperature for a couple of hours before using. 
*** You can use maple syrup instead if you don't feel like making the syrup.

Nutrition

Calories: 315kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 3gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 119mgPotassium: 235mgFiber: 1gSugar: 16g
Keyword cardamom, dairy-free dessert, healthier dessert, middle eastern, middle eastern recipes, pistachio recipes, vegan, vegan dessert
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!