Saleh’s Plate · By Saleh Alkhalifa

Saudi Kinafeh Sweet Cream Cheese Dessert

Cook Saudi Kinafeh Sweet Cream Cheese Dessert with Saleh’s Plate.

Ingredients

Kunafa Dough

  • 10 oz (280g) kataifi (shredded phyllo dough)
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted

Filling

  • ½ cup (120g) cream cheese
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (225g) sweetened ricotta cheese or akkawi cheese

Sugar Syrup

  • 1 cup (200g) sugar
  • ½ cup (120ml) water
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp orange blossom or rose water (optional)

Garnish

  • ¼ cup crushed pistachios

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and orange blossom/rose water. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Using your hands, break apart the kataifi dough into small strands. Toss with melted butter until fully coated.
  3. Spread half the buttered kataifi dough into a greased baking pan, pressing it down firmly. Mix ricotta, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla, then spread evenly over the dough. Cover with the remaining kataifi dough, pressing gently.
  4. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
  5. Pour the cooled sugar syrup over the hot Kunafa. Garnish with crushed pistachios and serve warm.