Knefe Recipe

By
Saad Fayed
Saad Fayed
A restaurateur and food writer, Saad Fayed has published hundreds of recipes and articles about Middle Eastern cuisine.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 07/23/19
ricotta cheese
(Giulio Origlia/Getty Images)
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 40 mins
Total: 55 mins
Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
672 Calories
33g Fat
85g Carbs
11g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6 to 8
Amount per serving
Calories 672
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 33g 42%
Saturated Fat 19g 94%
Cholesterol 109mg 36%
Sodium 337mg 15%
Total Carbohydrate 85g 31%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Protein 11g
Calcium 148mg 11%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Knefe is a traditional Lebanese dessert made with phyllo and cheese. This traditional Lebanese breakfast can be served for dessert. You can find it in many Lebanese restaurants as a dessert.

Ingredients

  • 1 (16 ounce) package of shredded phyllo (or 16 ounces of regular phyllo, if you cannot find shredded)
  • 1 (15 ounce) container of ricotta cheese (whole milk)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 1/2 stick of sweet butter (melted)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • For the Syrup:
  • 1 cups water
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 tablespoons orange blossom water

Steps to Make It

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Shred phyllo into large mixing bowl. Add butter to keep phyllo from sticking. Divide phyllo into two.

  2. In a separate mixing bowl, combine ricotta, egg, sugar and lemon juice. Mix well. Set aside.

  3. Grease a 9x12 baking dish and place a layer of phyllo dough on the bottom. Add your ricotta mixture on top of the dough. Add remaining phyllo and sprinkle with butter.

  4. Bake for 40 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool for about 45 minutes. While the knefe is cooking you can make your simple syrup if you have not done so already.

  5. To make simple syrup, combine water and sugar in a pot and allow to simmer over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil. Allow to boil for 1 minute, then reduce heat to low and add orange blossom water. Allow syrup to cool completely.

  6. Once knefe has cooled, flip the dish over and release it from the pan. Be sure to go around the edges with a butter knife to make it easier. Also, make sure the knefe is completely cooled. Drizzle with simple syrup and serve immediately.

You may want to garnish your knefe to add a little color and flavor. Try using ground pistachios, walnuts, or even pine nuts for an attractive presentation.