Kunafa Recipe – A Crispy, Cheesy Dessert for Eid

Ingredients
Sugar Syrup:
- Water - 1/2 cup
- Sugar - 1/2 cup
- Lemon Juice - 1 tsp
Kunafa Base:
- Kataifi Shredded Dough - 3 cups
- Nabulsiya Cheese - 1 cup (shredded)
PRO TIP - You can use mozzarella cheese as substitute
- Unsalted Butter - 12 Tbsp (softened)
- Red Food Color
- Pistachio - garnish (chopped)
Kunafa (Knafeh) is a delicious Middle Eastern dessert made with crispy kataifi dough, a rich and gooey cheese filling, and a fragrant sugar syrup drizzle. This festive treat is especially popular during Eid celebrations, bringing together layers of texture and flavor in every bite. The crispy golden strands of kataifi dough are soaked in butter, wrapped around a creamy cheese filling, and cooked until perfectly golden. A drizzle of homemade sugar syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness, while a garnish of pistachios gives it a nutty crunch.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Knafeh. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Knafeh calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
Instructions
How to Make Kunafa Sugar Syrup:
1) In a saucepan, add 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar.
2) Set the stove to low heat and cook the mixture until all of the sugar has dissolved and syrup is translucent.
3) Bring the sugar to a boil for 1 minute, and then turn off the stove.
4) Add 1 tsp lemon juice, mix, and then set aside.
How to Make Homemade Kunafa:
5) Add 3 cups of Kataifi dough into a large bowl. Spread out the threads and cut them into small sections.
6) Add 10 tbsp of softened, unsalted butter to the dough and spread throughout the katafi dough threads.
7) In a small / medium sauce pan, spread 1 tbsp unsalted butter and a small amount of red food color (optional).
8) Add half of the Kataifi butter mixture to the sauce pan and press it gently into the bottom of the pan.
9) Add 1 cup shredded/crumbled nabulsiya cheese on top of the katafi in the middle.
10) Add the remaining half of the Kataifi dough spread evenly over the top and press gently.
11) Place the pan on the stove and cook on very low heat until the bottom and edges are golden brown & crispy - about 6-7 minutes.
PRO TIP: Continuously rotate the pan while cooking for an even color and cook on the bottom.
12) With the help of a plate, flip the kunafa as one piece and cook the other side until it is golden and crispy - about 5-6 minutes.
13) Drizzle the sugar syrup on top of the hot kunafa in the pan, allowing it to soak up the syrup.
14) Decorate with chopped SWAD pistachios and enjoy hot!
Eid Mubarak!
Kunafa (Knafeh) is a delicious Middle Eastern dessert made with crispy kataifi dough, a rich and gooey cheese filling, and a fragrant sugar syrup drizzle. This festive treat is especially popular during Eid celebrations, bringing together layers of texture and flavor in every bite. The crispy golden strands of kataifi dough are soaked in butter, wrapped around a creamy cheese filling, and cooked until perfectly golden. A drizzle of homemade sugar syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness, while a garnish of pistachios gives it a nutty crunch.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Knafeh. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Knafeh calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
Leave a review
We value your feedback. Let us know how did you like the recipe.
Recent Recipes

Homemade Chicken Bread Recipe – Ramadan Iftar Stuffed Chicken Bake
This delicious Chicken Bread recipe is a must-try for Ramadan! Made with soft, fluffy dough and a creamy, savory chicken filling, this braided bread is packed with flavor. With a golden, crispy crust topped with sesame seeds, it's perfect for Iftar or any special gathering. Follow our step-by-step guide to make this impressive yet easy-to-bake stuffed bread that everyone will love. Serve warm with your favorite dips or enjoy it on its own. A comforting and satisfying dish to share with family and friends during Ramadan!
This homemade Chicken Bread is a deliciously soft and golden-baked bread stuffed with a creamy, savory chicken filling. Perfect for Ramadan, this bakery-style bread is made with a rich, fluffy dough that is braided over a flavorful mixture of shredded chicken, bell peppers, olives, and spices.
The creamy texture comes from a lightly thickened white sauce, making every bite indulgent yet satisfying. Topped with sesame seeds for a delightful crunch, this stuffed bread is a showstopper at any Iftar table, served warm with your favorite dips or on its own.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Chicken Bread. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Indian Chicken Bake calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.

Doodh Dulari Recipe – A Colorful & Creamy Dessert for Holi
Celebrate the vibrant festival of Holi with Doodh Dulari, a rich and creamy Pakistani dessert that’s as colorful as the occasion itself! Made with sweetened milk, soft vermicelli, custard, fruity jello cubes, and a mix of nuts, this festivecolorful treatrecipe is topped with mini gulab jamuns for an indulgent finish. Serve it warm or chilled for a delightful dessert that adds a burst of flavor and color to your Holi celebrations!
Doodh Dulari is a rich and festive dessert that brings a burst of color and flavor to any celebration, especially Holi! This creamy milk-based treat combines soft vermicelli, custard, fruity jello cubes, and crunchy nuts, all blended together for a unique and indulgent experience.
To make it even more special, it’s topped with mini gulab jamuns, adding a touch of sweetness and texture. Whether served warm or chilled, Doodh Dulari is the perfect way to enjoy a traditional yet visually stunning dessert during the festival of colors.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Doodh Dulari. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Doodh Dulari calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.

Authentic Chicken Shami Kebabs - Ramadan Iftar Recipe
Looking for a delicious Ramadan recipe? Try our authentic Chicken Shami Kebabs! Made with spiced chicken, chana dal, and fresh herbs, these golden-brown patties are the perfect Iftar recipe. Serve hot with mint chutney and lemon wedges for a mouthwatering treat!
Looking for a delicious and authentic recipe to elevate your Ramadan Iftar spread? These Chicken Shami Kebabs are a must-try! Made with tender chicken, protein-packed chana dal, and a blend of aromatic spices, these flavorful patties are shallow-fried to golden perfection.
Each bite delivers a burst of traditional flavors balanced with the freshness of cilantro and mint. Whether you're hosting a family gathering or simply craving a savory treat, these kebabs are sure to impress.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Shami Kebab. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Chicken Shami Kebab calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.