Qatayef Recipe

5 from 24 Ratings
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a plate of delicious golden stuffed qatayef pancakes fried to perfection, dunked in simple syrup, topped with crushed pistachios and dried roses, and ready to serve on your table
The perfect sweet for a Ramadan


What is Qatayef?



Did You Know?


freshly prepared qatayef without flavorings
Plain but delicious

Ingredients You Will Need


a top view of a plate of delicious golden stuffed Middle Eastern pancakes fried to perfection, dunked in simple syrup, topped with crushed pistachios and dried roses, and ready to serve on your table
Indulge in the fluffy perfection of qatayef pancakes.

Steps to Prep


Simple Syrup


a top view of a plate of delicious golden stuffed Middle Eastern qatayef pancakes fried to perfection, dunked in simple syrup, topped with crushed pistachios and dried roses
Enjoy the perfect crunch with qatayef topped with pistachios and roses.

Fried, Baked, or Plain?


Optional Add-Ins


Qatayef Variations


typical and simple plate of qatayef
Satisfy your sweet tooth.

Top Tips for Best Qatayef Recipe



a plate of golden stuffed qatayef pancakes fried to perfection, dunked in simple syrup, and topped with crushed pistachios and rose
Impress your loved ones

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What to do if the batter is too thick?

You must add a tablespoon of hot water and mix it well until it is stiff, then the batter must rest for about 15-30 minutes.

What are some common spices used in nut-filled qatayef?

You can use a variety of aromatic spices to enhance the flavor profile and add depth to the filling, like cinnamon, cardamom, allspice, and cloves.

Can the simple syrup be preserved in the fridge?

The syrup can be prepared in advance and kept on the counter to cool completely. transfer the cooled syrup to a clean, airtight container or bottle. After that, ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent air from entering, and then store the simple syrup in the fridge. Otherwise, the sugar will crystallize which will damage the sugar consistency.


Other Recipes You Must Try:

Halawat el Jibn (Sweet Cheese Rolls)

Aish El Saraya Dessert

Strawberry Tiramisu

The Best Awameh (Luqaimat) Recipe

Authentic Palestinian Knafeh

Layali Lubnan (Lebanese Nights Dessert)

Ten Minute Multi-Use Dough

Hilbeh | Fenugreek Cake

Sahlab Dessert Recipe


If you’ve tried this recipe, don’t forget to rate it and leave a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience. You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.


golden Qatayef fried to perfection stuffed with cheese filling and garnished with chopped pistachios and rose petals and served with simple syrup

Qatayef Recipe

Fatimah Alghweir
Crunchy, sweet, and so satisfying, Middle Eastern stuffed qatayef pancakes are a great fit to satisfy your sweet tooth after you break your fast.
5 from 24 Ratings
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Servings 6 people
Calories 139 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Qatayef Dough

  • cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup fine semolina
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon yeast
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon orange blossom water optional
  • 3 cups lukewarm water

For Topping

  • pistachios

For Serving

  • simple syrup

For the Cheese Filling

  • Ackawi or panela, or chicago/village cheese

Instructions
 

  • Sift all dry ingredients into a large bowl and whisk them well.
  • Pour them into a blender and add the lukewarm water.
  • Add a little bit of orange blossom water. This step is optional but it adds a nice flavor to the dough.
  • Blend for 2 minutes on high speed, then let it sit for half an hour covered.
  • Once rested, blend again for 30 seconds.
  • Preheat your skillet or griddle to medium-high and pour the qatayef batter into the desired size.
  • Wait for the surface to dry, then remove and place onto a clean towel. Do not flip the pancake.
  • Cover them with another kitchen towel to prevent them from drying out until ready for filling.
  • It’s time to stuff the qatayef with shredded or broken-apart cheese. Be sure not to overstuff them.
  • Stuff the qatayef with the shredded/broken apart cheese making sure to not overstuff.
  • Seal well by pinching the edges shut.
  • Fry over medium heat or bake brushed in oil until crispy, about 22-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Dunk them immediately in simple syrup.

Notes

  • The qatayef pancakes should not be overcooked, once the back of the batter starts to become gold and the top part dries out, it should be removed from the griddle immediately.
  • Before cooking them, the qatayef should be covered by a towel so that they don’t dry out.
  • If your qatayef isn’t the desired color, then raise the temperature on your pan or griddle little by little and pour again.
  • If the qatayef are extra stuffed with filling before frying/baking them, they will open up or rip.

Nutrition

Calories: 139kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 0.3gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.04gSodium: 261mgPotassium: 36mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gCalcium: 122mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Middle Eastern Pancakes, Qatayef, Qatayef Recipe, Stuffed Arabic Pancakes
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

0 Responses

  1. 5 stars
    Best atayif recipe! I’ve been using it for the last 2 Ramadans alhamdulillah! So fluffy and so many bubbles!

  2. 5 stars
    Best atayif recipe! I’ve been using it for the last 2 Ramadans alhamdulillah! So fluffy and so many bubbles!

  3. 5 stars
    This recipes is to die for. I use it every Ramadan. They are always a family favorite. The consistency of the batter is perfect to the T. She never fails with any of her recipes

  4. 5 stars
    fatimah always has the best recipes. I’m in the UK and here, her recipes are always spot on. We have tried almost every dessert she makes.

  5. 5 stars
    We had this recipe in the beginning of last ramadan and i have made it everytime i was invited to someones house. Peru

  6. 5 stars
    Made these last ramadan and will continue to use the recipe FORVEVER its the only recipe that ever worked for me.

  7. 5 stars
    I just made these and it was seriously the easiest recipe to follow. Every Ramadan I try soooo many and nothing works out. They were fluffy and soft and didn’t have a hard time closing like other recipes I’ve tried. Definitely my new go to!

  8. 5 stars
    I also use the same recipe every year, but I wanted to try something new and I know I can always rely and trust in FalasreeniFoodie’s recipes. This was by far the easiest and most fluffiest recipe ever. Closing and stuffing them was super easy and turned out beautiful in color as well. Thank you again for another amazing recipe.

  9. 5 stars
    I tried this recipe last week and it was amazing!! I have never made any Arabic desserts before but always love eating these from my mom. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to make with your instructions. Not only did they look great, but they tasted amazing! I was really proud of myself and so grateful for your recipe. I always know I can trust that your recipes will be great.

  10. 5 stars
    Amazing recipe. Crunchy, fluffy and delicious 🤤 I mixed half Akawi & half sweet cheese it was delicious. 😋

  11. 5 stars
    I’ve tried so many different recipes for qatayef and this is the best one by far, when I make it my whole family eats them and ask for more the next day!

  12. 5 stars
    It was my first time making atayef from scratch and omg these were amazing! I even freezed the extra to use for the next few days and they were just as yummy as the first day. 😍

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About Me

Hi, I'm Fatimah!

I’m here to guide you through the world of Palestinian cooking with a modern twist. Whether you’re longing for those nostalgic meals you grew up with or looking to try something new and international, you’ll find recipes here that connect the past with the present—all designed to be easy, approachable, and packed with flavor. Let’s bring the heart of home-cooked meals back into your kitchen!

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