Bavel-Style Knafeh

This version highlights the original's rich texture using grass-fed butter and organic honey instead of refined fats and sugars.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded organic phyllo (kataifi) dough
  • 4 tbsp grass-fed butter (melted)
  • 1/2 cup Akkawi cheese (soaked in water 1 hour to remove excess salt) or fresh whole-milk mozzarella, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup raw pistachios (finely chopped)
  • 3 tbsp organic honey
  • 1 tsp orange blossom water
  • 1 tbsp warm water (for the syrup)

Clean swaps

How we upgrade the restaurant version with better ingredients.

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Shop the clean pantry

Reorder the shelf-stable staples for this recipe.

What you'll need

  • Stand mixer — Hands-free creaming and whipping — the most time-saving machine in a baker's kitchen.
  • Kitchen scale — Baking by weight is more accurate than cups — 1 g = 1 g, always.
  • Silicone baking mat — No parchment waste, uniform browning, nothing sticks.

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a small baking dish with grass-fed butter.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the shredded kataifi dough with the melted butter until every strand is thoroughly coated.
  3. Press half of the buttered dough mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish in an even layer, pressing down firmly.
  4. Evenly distribute the crumbled cheese over the base layer.
  5. Spread the remaining buttered dough mixture over the top, leveling the surface and pressing gently.
  6. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is deep golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
  7. While the knafeh bakes, whisk the honey, orange blossom water, and warm water together; pour the syrup evenly over the knafeh as soon as it comes out of the oven.
  8. Sprinkle with the chopped pistachios and serve warm, while the cheese is still melty.

FAQ

Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?

Yes, use maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar natural sweetness.

What if I can't find Akkawi cheese?

Aged goat cheese is a suitable alternative with a similar tangy flavor.

Is coconut flour essential?

Yes, it provides a nutty flavor and binds the dessert. Substitute with almond flour if needed, but adjust quantities.

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