Stop Buying Sweets! Make These 10-Minute No-Bake Kunafa Nut Rolls at Home

Stop Buying Sweets! Make These 10-Minute No-Bake Kunafa Nut Rolls at Home is a medium Middle Eastern recipe that serves 6. 315 calories per serving. Recipe by My Lockdown Rasoi on YouTube.

Prep: 22 min | Cook: 19 min | Total: 51 min

Cost: $6.60 total, $1.10 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup Almonds (raw, toasted)
  • 1/4 cup Cashews (raw, toasted)
  • 1/4 cup Walnuts (raw, toasted)
  • 1/4 cup Pistachios (shelled, toasted)
  • 2 tablespoon Honey (pure honey preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (for greasing parchment paper)
  • 2 teaspoon Unsalted Butter (melted for toasting vermicelli)
  • 130 g Vermicelli (Shariyah) (break into small pieces manually or with food processor)
  • 120 g Sweetened Condensed Milk (canned)
  • 1 teaspoon Cardamom Powder (ground)
  • 2 tablespoon Poppy Seeds (dry roasted)

Instructions

  1. Toast the nuts

    Heat a dry frying pan over medium heat. Add the almonds, cashews, walnuts and pistachios. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes until they turn golden and release a fragrant aroma. Transfer to a plate to cool.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Combine nuts with honey

    Place the cooled toasted nuts in a mixing bowl. Drizzle the honey over them and toss until every nut piece is evenly coated.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Form the nut roll

    Lay a sheet of parchment paper on the counter, brush lightly with butter. Transfer the honey‑nut mixture onto the paper and shape it into a long cylinder of medium thickness. Press firmly so the nuts stick together, then fold the ends tightly.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Wrap and chill the nut roll

    Wrap the formed nut cylinder tightly in aluminum foil. Place it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to set.

    Time: PT10M

  5. Roast poppy seeds

    In a clean dry frying pan, add the poppy seeds and toast over medium‑low heat for about 1 minute until fragrant. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

    Time: PT1M

  6. Break vermicelli into pieces

    Place the vermicelli on a cutting board and break it into small bite‑size pieces by hand or pulse briefly in a food processor.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Toast vermicelli

    Melt 2 teaspoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium‑low heat. Add the broken vermicelli and stir continuously for about 5 minutes until the strands turn a light golden color.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Cook condensed milk mixture

    Add the sweetened condensed milk and cardamom powder to the toasted vermicelli. Keep the heat on medium‑low and stir continuously. Cook for 8 minutes, or until all liquid evaporates and the mixture becomes a soft, pliable dough.

    Time: PT8M

  9. Roll out the dough

    Grease a fresh sheet of parchment paper with a thin layer of butter. Transfer the dough onto the paper and use a rolling pin to flatten it into an even rectangle of medium thickness (about 1/4‑inch).

    Time: PT3M

  10. Wrap the nut roll with dough

    Place the chilled nut cylinder at one short edge of the flattened dough. Fold the dough over the nut roll, pressing gently to seal the edges. Roll the assembled piece gently to ensure the nut roll is fully encased and the ends are sealed.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Second chilling

    Wrap the assembled roll again in parchment paper and foil, then refrigerate for another 10 minutes to let the dough set.

    Time: PT10M

  12. Apply poppy‑seed coating

    Remove the roll from the fridge, unwrap, and gently roll the exterior over the roasted poppy seeds, pressing lightly so the seeds adhere evenly.

    Time: PT3M

  13. Slice and serve

    Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 1‑inch thick circular slices. Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy while warm or at room temperature.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
315
Protein
6 g
Carbohydrates
35 g
Fat
18 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains nuts, Contains dairy

Allergens: Tree nuts, Dairy, Wheat (vermicelli)

Last updated: April 21, 2026

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Stop Buying Sweets! Make These 10-Minute No-Bake Kunafa Nut Rolls at Home

Recipe by My Lockdown Rasoi

Crispy, golden‑brown rolls packed with toasted nuts and sweet vermicelli, flavored with honey and cardamom, and finished with a poppy‑seed coating. This easy, no‑bread version of the classic Middle Eastern knafeh is perfect for a quick dessert that feels indulgent.

MediumMiddle EasternServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
44m
Prep
17m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 11m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$6.60
Total cost
$1.10
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Roasting the nuts until fragrant
  • Toasting vermicelli to a light golden color
  • Cooking the condensed milk mixture until all liquid evaporates
  • Sealing the nut roll tightly with the dough
  • Coating the final roll with roasted poppy seeds

Safety Warnings

  • The condensed milk mixture becomes very hot; handle with care to avoid burns.
  • Use oven‑mitts when handling hot pans and foil-wrapped rolls.
  • Hot oil can splatter when toasting nuts; keep the pan away from the edge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Knafeh Rolls in Middle Eastern cuisine?

A

Knafeh originated in the Levant and is traditionally a cheese‑based pastry soaked in sweet syrup. Over time, regional variations introduced vermicelli (kataifi) and nut fillings, creating roll‑style versions that are popular for celebrations and everyday desserts.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Knafeh Rolls in Middle Eastern cuisine?

A

In Palestine and Jordan, knafeh is often made with a soft cheese layer, while in Turkey and Greece the dessert uses shredded phyllo (kataifi) and pistachios. The no‑bread version shown by My Lockdown Rasoi replaces the cheese with a sweet vermicelli dough and adds a mixed‑nut core.

cultural
Q

How is Knafeh traditionally served in the Levant region?

A

Traditionally, hot knafeh is cut into diamond shapes, drizzled with orange‑flower or rose‑scented syrup, and garnished with crushed pistachios. It is served warm, often alongside Arabic coffee or tea.

cultural
Q

During which occasions is Knafeh commonly prepared in Middle Eastern culture?

A

Knafeh is a staple at Ramadan Iftar, Eid celebrations, weddings, and family gatherings. Its sweet, indulgent nature makes it a favorite for festive desserts and special occasions.

cultural
Q

How does Knafeh fit into the broader Middle Eastern dessert tradition?

A

Knafeh exemplifies the Middle Eastern love for sweet, syrup‑soaked pastries that combine nuts, dairy, and aromatic spices. It sits alongside baklava, ma'amoul, and halva as a beloved sweet that balances texture and flavor.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Knafeh versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic knafeh uses unsalted cheese (like Akkawi or Nabulsi), kataifi pastry, and rose‑water syrup. In this recipe, sweetened condensed milk and vermicelli replace the cheese, while mixed nuts and honey provide the traditional richness. Substitutes include using regular milk with sugar instead of condensed milk, or using shredded phyllo instead of vermicelli.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Nut Knafeh Rolls at home?

A

Common errors include over‑toasting the nuts (they become bitter), under‑cooking the condensed milk mixture (the dough stays wet), and not sealing the roll tightly, which leads to the roll falling apart. Follow the timing cues and press the seams firmly.

technical
Q

Why does this Knafeh Rolls recipe use vermicelli instead of traditional kataifi strands?

A

Vermicelli is more widely available and easier to handle for home cooks. When toasted and combined with condensed milk, it creates a similar flaky texture to kataifi while keeping the recipe simple and ingredient‑friendly.

technical
Q

How can I tell when the condensed milk mixture is done cooking?

A

The mixture is ready when it stops bubbling, pulls away from the sides of the pan, and forms a soft, pliable dough that holds together when pressed. If a wet sheen remains, continue cooking for another minute.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel My Lockdown Rasoi specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel My Lockdown Rasoi focuses on easy‑to‑follow Indian and South Asian home‑cooking recipes, especially dishes that can be prepared with limited pantry items during lockdown periods.

channel
Q

What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel My Lockdown Rasoi?

A

My Lockdown Rasoi emphasizes simple, budget‑friendly meals that use everyday ingredients, clear step‑by‑step instructions, and practical tips for home cooks of all skill levels, often adapting classic recipes for modern kitchens.

channel

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