Crispy Kataifi Bites with Nut Filling & Syrup
These crispy kataifi bites are filled with a fragrant nut mixture, baked until golden, and soaked in a sweet syrup. A quick and easy Greek dessert perfect for any occasion.
- Prep10 min
- Cook15 min
- Total25 min
- DifficultyEasy
- Servings15
Kataifi pastry, with its delicate shredded strands, creates a uniquely light and crispy texture when baked. These bite-sized rolls are filled with a simple blend of almonds, walnuts, and warm spices, then drenched in a fragrant syrup.
Perfect for a last-minute dessert, they come together in under 30 minutes of active work. Serve them at room temperature after they have absorbed the syrup for a truly satisfying sweet treat.
Ingredients
Servings
For the syrup
Converted amounts are rounded.
Method
- Thaw the kataifi pastry in the refrigerator overnight. Once opened, use it immediately; do not leave it uncovered or it will dry out.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F / 356°F.
- In a blender, combine the almonds, walnuts, cinnamon, cloves, and breadcrumbs. Pulse until the nuts are coarsely chopped.
- Place the kataifi pastry on a work surface. Gently pull apart the strands with your hands to fluff them up.
- Take a small handful of the shredded pastry and form a long strip. Lay it on your work surface, brush with some melted butter, and place a teaspoon of the nut filling at one end. Roll the pastry tightly into a log.
- Butter the bottom of a baking pan and arrange the rolls in it.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, until golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 5 minutes, without stirring.
- As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, pour the hot syrup over them.
- Let them rest at room temperature for about 1 hour before serving.
💡 Tips
- Make sure the kataifi is fully thawed; otherwise it may be difficult to work with.
- For extra crunch, toast the nuts lightly before grinding.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt.
Inspired by a recipe from Real Greek Recipes