Kanefe Recipe
Kanefe is a sweet Middle Eastern dessert made with shredded phyllo dough layered with rich cheeses and often flavored with rosewater. This version features a combination of ricotta and mascarpone cheeses, creating a creamy texture that contrasts with the crispy phyllo and is often served warm with a drizzle of syrup over it. Here's how to prepare it at home.
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Ingredients
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Pastry
Filling
Syrup
Serving
Method
Pastry Preparation
- 1
Prepare the Pastry
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan. In a large bowl, place the shredded phyllo dough and pour the melted butter over it. Mix well until all the dough is coated with butter.
- 2
Bake the Pastry
Spread half of the buttered phyllo dough evenly in a greased baking dish, pressing it down firmly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Filling Preparation
- 3
Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and rosewater. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- 4
Add the Filling
Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the baked phyllo dough in the baking dish.
Final Assembly
- 5
Top with Pastry
Cover the filling with the remaining buttered phyllo dough, pressing down gently to ensure it holds together.
- 6
Bake Again
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the top is crisp and golden brown.
Syrup Preparation
- 7
Serving
- 8
Serve Kanefe
Once the Kanefe is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the warm syrup over it, ensuring it is well soaked. Let it sit for a few minutes. Cut into squares and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.