Go Back

Modern Strawberry & Pistachio Knafeh Trifle Cups

A modern layered dessert combining crispy knafeh, creamy mascarpone filling, fresh strawberries, and pistachios in elegant trifle cups.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Knafeh Base
  • 2 cups shredded knafeh dough thawed
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tbsp sugar
Sugar Syrup
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 0.5 cup water
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp orange blossom water optional
Cream Layer
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 0.5 cup mascarpone cheese
  • 3 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Fruit & Toppings
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries sliced
  • 0.5 cup pistachios crushed
  • mint leaves optional

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Prepare sugar syrup by boiling sugar and water, then simmering and adding lemon juice and orange blossom water. Cool completely.
  2. Mix knafeh dough with melted butter and sugar.
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until golden and crispy. Cool.
  4. Whip cream, then mix with mascarpone, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  5. Layer knafeh, cream, and strawberries in cups.
  6. Repeat layers and top with syrup and pistachios.
  7. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best texture, add syrup just before serving to keep the knafeh crispy.