By Akshara
August 26, 2026
Enjoying rich desserts does not always mean consuming excess calories. This low calorie kunafa swaps heavy sugar syrups and full fat cheese for lighter alternatives while maintaining that signature crunch. Baking the shredded phyllo dough with just a brush of butter achieves a beautiful golden crust without deep frying or heavy greasing. A filling of low fat ricotta or mozzarella provides the perfect gooey centre. Sweetened with a light honey or stevia syrup, this baked treat satisfies cravings perfectly.
200g kataifi (shredded phyllo dough), thawed  1 tablespoon melted butter  1 cup low fat ricotta cheese  1/2 cup low fat mozzarella cheese, shredded  3 tablespoons honey or sugar free sweetener  1/4 cup warm water  1 teaspoon rose water  2 tablespoons crushed pistachios for garnish
Break the kataifi dough into smaller strands in a large bowl and toss them gently with the melted butter until every strand is lightly and evenly coated.
Press half of the buttered dough firmly into the bottom of a small baking dish to form a solid and even crust.
Spread a thick layer of the mixed ricotta and mozzarella cheeses over the base, leaving a small border around the edges, then cover completely with the remaining dough.
Bake at 190 degrees Celsius for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown, then pour a mixture of warm water, honey, and rose water over the top while it is still hot and garnish with crushed pistachios.