Go Back
+ servings
hand holding an atayef with a bite taken out showing cheesy inside
Print Pin
5 from 51 votes

Atayef

Lebanese atayef, airy and slightly sweet middle eastern dessert stuffed with cheese and drizzled with sugar syrup (ater) and crushed pistachios.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 40 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings 18 servings
Calories 189kcal
Author Yumna Jawad

Ingredients

Pancake

Simple Syrup

Filling

  • 1 ½ cup whole milk ricotta
  • 1 ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  • In a large blender combine the flour, semolina, sugar, baking powder, instant yeast, salt and milk. It should have the consistency of very runny pancakes.
  • Cover with a towel, and let the mixture sit in a warm place for 30 minutes. Blend the mixture again and let it rest for 10 more minutes.
  • Meanwhile, make the simple syrup. Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Stir in the orange blossom water and lemon juice. Pour syrup into a heat proof container and allow to cool.
  • When the batter is done resting, heat a non-stick pan on medium heat, then pour 2 tablespoons of the batter onto the pan and you’ll notice the appearance of bubbles.
  • Cook until the bubbles dry out and the bottoms become golden, about 2 minutes. Do not flip. (If no bubbles are appearing, add more water or milk since your batter is probably too thick.) Set aside in a warm place covered so they remain moist.
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella cheese and 2 tablespoons of the prepared simple syrup. Place a heaping tablespoon of the filling into each pancake and pinch the sides together.
  • Place the closed atayef on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spray with cooking spray and bake for 40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Serve immediately, drizzled with simple syrup, if desired.

Notes

Storage: Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. 

Nutrition

Calories: 189kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 152mg | Potassium: 112mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 180IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 162mg | Iron: 1mg