Dairy-Free Knafeh

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Dairy-Free Knafeh, a plant-based twist on the beloved Middle Eastern dessert. This recipe swaps out traditional dairy ingredients for coconut oil or vegan butter, delivering the same golden, crispy layers of kataifi (shredded phyllo dough) paired with an aromatic pistachio and almond filling spiced with cinnamon and cardamom. A luscious syrup infused with rosewater, orange blossom water, and a hint of lemon juice ties the whole dish together, offering a fragrant sweetness in every bite. Perfect for vegans and anyone seeking a unique dessert option, this dairy-free knafeh showcases bold flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, making it an awe-inspiring centerpiece for any gathering. Prep it in just 30 minutes, bake to golden perfection, and serve warm for a dessert experience that transcends tradition.

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 450 grams Kataifi (shredded phyllo dough)
• 150 grams Coconut oil or vegan butter
• 150 grams Shelled pistachios, crushed
• 50 grams Almond flour
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon Cardamom
• 200 grams Sugar for syrup
• 240 milliliters Water for syrup
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Rosewater
• 1 tablespoon Orange blossom water

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a round 30 cm (12-inch) baking pan with a bit of coconut oil or vegan butter.

Step 2

In a large bowl, gently pull apart the strands of kataifi pastry to loosen them up.

Step 3

Melt the coconut oil or vegan butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Pour it over the kataifi strands and mix thoroughly, ensuring all the strands are well coated.

Step 4

In a separate bowl, mix the crushed pistachios, almond flour, cinnamon, and cardamom together.

Step 5

Spread half of the buttered kataifi onto the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Press down lightly to create an even layer.

Step 6

Spread the nut mixture evenly over the kataifi layer, then cover with the remaining kataifi, pressing gently to even it out.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 8

While the knafeh is baking, prepare the syrup. Combine sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 9

Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice, rosewater, and orange blossom water.

Step 10

Once the knafeh is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the prepared syrup over it, ensuring even distribution. Allow the knafeh to soak up the syrup for about 10 minutes before serving.

Step 11

Cut into slices and serve warm. Enjoy your dairy-free knafeh!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1303.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4545.1

Total Fat 267.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 142.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1370.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 507.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.2g	0%
Total Sugars 146.3g
Protein 79.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 404.5mg	0%
Iron 13.6mg	0%
Potassium 1961.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.6%

Protein: 6.7%

Carbs: 42.7%