Knefah Kazeb

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crunch meets creaminess: The crispy cornflake crust contrasts beautifully with the silky filling.
• Floral aroma from rose and orange blossom waters enhances the traditional flavors.
• Sweet syrup soak keeps the dessert moist and balanced.
• Elegant presentation topped with pistachios and rose petals for a festive look.

Ingredients

Cornflake Crust Variation Options

• 8 cups plain cornflake cereal (buttery and crunchy)
• OR 2 cups crushed nuts (pistachios or walnuts) mixed with 1/2 cup melted butter
• OR layers of phyllo dough brushed with butter for a flakier crust

Knefah Filling

• 4.5 cups whole milk
• 2.5 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup fine semolina
• 1 tbsp corn starch
• 1 lb shredded mozzarella cheese (or substitute part with ricotta for creaminess)
• 1 tbsp rose water
• 1 tbsp orange blossom water

Simple Syrup (Ater)

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 squeeze lemon juice
• 1 tbsp rose water

Toppings

• Crushed pistachios
• Rose petals (optional)
• Toasted coconut flakes (optional variation)

Directions

1. Prepare your crust:
   • Cornflake crust: Melt butter with sugar, crush cornflakes lightly, and mix until coated. Press into a greased pan.
   • Nut crust: Combine crushed nuts with melted butter and press into the pan.
   • Phyllo crust: Layer phyllo sheets with butter in between until desired thickness, pressing down gently.
2. Make the filling:
   In a large saucepan, combine milk, cream, sugar, semolina, and cornstarch. Stir over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat and mix in shredded cheese and floral waters until smooth.
3. Assemble and bake:
   Pour filling over your prepared crust. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes or until golden on top.
4. Make the syrup:
   Simmer sugar, water, and lemon juice until syrupy. Remove from heat and add rose water.
5. Soak and garnish:
   Pour warm syrup over hot knefah. Cool to room temperature. Garnish with pistachios, rose petals, or coconut flakes as desired.

Servings and Timing

• Serves 10–12.
• Prep: 20 minutes.
• Cook: 35 minutes.
• Total: About 1 hour.

Storage/Reheating

Store refrigerated up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warm.

Variation

• Cheese substitutes: Mix mozzarella with ricotta for a creamier filling or use akkawi cheese for a more authentic taste.
• Crust options: Try crushed pistachios or walnuts mixed with butter as a nutty crust alternative. Phyllo dough layers brushed with butter can create a flaky crust texture.
• Flavor twists: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or cardamom to the filling for warm, aromatic notes.
• Vegan version: Use plant-based milks and cream, vegan cheese alternatives, and coconut oil instead of butter.
• Adjust sweetness: Reduce sugar in the filling and syrup by 1/4 cup each to make the dessert less sweet.

FAQs

Can I substitute the cheese?

Yes! Mixing mozzarella with ricotta adds creaminess, and akkawi cheese is great if you want a traditional flavor.

What if I want a nutty crust instead of cornflakes?

Use crushed pistachios or walnuts mixed with melted butter to form a tasty crust alternative.

Can I add flavor variations?

Absolutely! Ground cinnamon or cardamom (about 1 teaspoon) can be stirred into the filling for extra warmth and depth.

Is there a vegan option?

Yes, try plant-based milk and cream substitutes, vegan cheeses, and use coconut oil or vegan butter in the crust.

How can I make it less sweet?

Reduce the sugar in both the filling and syrup by about 1/4 cup, adjusting to your taste preference.

How do I prevent the filling from burning while cooking?

Stir constantly over medium heat and avoid high heat to keep the mixture smooth and prevent lumps.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, the dessert tastes even better after resting a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.

Conclusion

This variation of Knefah Kazeb, featuring a crunchy cornflake or nut crust and a fragrant, creamy filling, elevates a beloved classic with exciting textures and flavors. Whether you stick to the traditional cornflake base or experiment with nuts or phyllo, it’s a stunning dessert that’s sure to impress family and guests alike. Enjoy every rich, aromatic bite!

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