Lebanese Homemade Kanafa Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• STEP 2.In a large bowl, combine the shredded phyllo dough and melted butter.
• STEP 3.Press half of the phyllo dough mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish to form the base.
• STEP 4.In another bowl, mix together the sweet cheese, sugar, and orange blossom water.
• STEP 5.Spread the sweet cheese mixture evenly over the phyllo dough base.
• STEP 6.Cover the sweet cheese mixture with the remaining phyllo dough mixture.
• STEP 7.Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
• STEP 8.While the kanafa is baking, prepare the sugar syrup by combining the sugar, water, rose water, and lemon juice in a saucepan.
• STEP 9.Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
• STEP 10.Remove the kanafa from the oven and pour the hot sugar syrup over it.
• STEP 11.Allow the kanafa to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!

Storage and Serving

• Kanafa is best served warm, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven before serving.
• Serve the kanafa with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a drizzle of additional sugar syrup, if desired.