Dubai Knafeh Overnight Oats Recipe

If you love the viral Dubai chocolate trend, get ready to fall head over heels for Dubai knafeh overnight oats! This dreamy breakfast mashes up the crispy, cheesy magic of Middle Eastern knafeh with the ease of overnight oats. It takes just 5 minutes of prep, serves 2, and clocks in at around 420 calories per serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No cooking required. Just mix, refrigerate, and wake up to breakfast waiting for you.
• Inspired by viral flavors. Dubai knafeh is having a huge moment, and this recipe brings those flavors right to your breakfast bowl.
• Incredibly satisfying. The combo of creamy oats, crunchy kataifi pastry, and sweet rose syrup hits every texture and flavor note.
• Meal prep friendly. Make two or more jars at once and have breakfast sorted for days.
• Naturally customizable. Easy to make dairy-free, gluten-free, or lower in sugar with simple swaps.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned oats work best; use certified gluten-free oats if needed)
• 1 cup whole milk (swap for oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version)
• 1/2 cup full-fat Greek yogurt (use coconut yogurt to keep it dairy-free)
• 2 tablespoons rose water syrup (also called atter or sugar rose syrup; find it at Middle Eastern grocery stores or online)
• 1 teaspoon rose water (optional but adds a beautiful floral depth)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (this is the knafeh magic! use low-moisture mozzarella for best results)
• 1/2 cup kataifi pastry shreds (shredded phyllo dough; find it in the freezer section of Middle Eastern or specialty grocery stores)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for toasting the kataifi; use vegan butter as a substitute)
• 2 tablespoons crushed pistachios (for topping; pine nuts or walnuts work as a substitute)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (adjust to your preferred sweetness level)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional but adds a lovely warm spice note)
• Pinch of salt

How to Make Dubai Knafeh Overnight Oats

1. Mix your oat base. In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, honey or maple syrup, rose water, cardamom, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until well combined.
2. Add the mozzarella. Fold in the shredded mozzarella cheese. This might sound unusual for a breakfast, but it gives those classic knafeh stretchy, creamy vibes once it soaks overnight.
3. Pour into jars. Divide the oat mixture evenly between two jars or airtight containers. Seal the lids and place them in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or overnight for best results.
4. Toast the kataifi. Just before serving, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the kataifi shreds and stir constantly for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove from heat and let cool for 2 minutes.
5. Drizzle the rose syrup. Take your overnight oats out of the fridge. Stir them gently and drizzle a tablespoon of rose syrup over each jar.
6. Top and serve. Pile the toasted kataifi on top of each jar, then finish with crushed pistachios and an extra drizzle of honey if you like. Serve immediately so the kataifi stays crispy and delicious.

Pro Tips for Perfect Dubai Knafeh Overnight Oats

• Toast the kataifi fresh every morning. Do not make it ahead of time or store it on the oats. It will go soggy and lose all that satisfying crunch.
• Use low-moisture mozzarella. Fresh mozzarella has too much water and can make your oats runny. Shredded low-moisture mozzarella blends in beautifully.
• Do not skip the rose syrup. It is what ties the whole knafeh flavor profile together. Even a small drizzle makes a big difference.
• Adjust sweetness to taste. Rose syrup can be quite sweet, so taste your oat base before adding honey and cut back if needed.
• Let oats soak long enough. Six hours is the minimum, but a full overnight soak gives you the creamiest, most flavorful result.
• Warm it up if you prefer. Overnight oats are great cold, but you can microwave the oat base for 60 to 90 seconds before adding the cold toppings. The contrast of warm oats and crunchy kataifi is amazing.

Flavor Variations

Chocolate Dubai Knafeh Overnight Oats

Stir 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon of tahini into your oat base. Top with toasted kataifi, crushed pistachios, and a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. This version is inspired by the famous Dubai chocolate bar and it is absolutely incredible.

Orange Blossom Knafeh Overnight Oats

Swap the rose water for orange blossom water and use orange blossom syrup in place of rose syrup. The citrusy floral notes are a little lighter and pair beautifully with a sprinkle of chopped dried apricots on top.

Pistachio Cream Knafeh Overnight Oats

Swirl 2 tablespoons of pistachio butter or pistachio cream paste into the oat base before refrigerating. This makes the oats a gorgeous pale green color and adds a rich, nutty flavor that feels extra indulgent.

Tropical Knafeh Overnight Oats

Add 1/4 cup of crushed pineapple or mango puree to the oat base and use coconut milk instead of regular milk. Top with toasted coconut flakes alongside the kataifi for a tropical twist on this Middle Eastern classic.

Storage Tips

Store your prepared overnight oat base (without the kataifi topping) in sealed jars or airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes them a perfect weekly meal prep option. Always toast the kataifi fresh right before eating so it stays crispy. Do not freeze overnight oats made with mozzarella, as the texture of the cheese changes when frozen and thawed.

Nutrition Information

Estimated per serving (recipe makes 2 servings):

Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on specific brands and substitutions used.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Dubai knafeh overnight oats?

Dubai knafeh overnight oats are a breakfast recipe that combines classic overnight oats with the flavors of traditional Middle Eastern knafeh dessert. They feature creamy oats soaked overnight with mozzarella cheese, rose water, and rose syrup, then topped with buttery toasted kataifi pastry shreds and crushed pistachios. The result is a breakfast that feels indulgent but is packed with protein and fiber.

Where can I find kataifi pastry?

Kataifi pastry (also called shredded phyllo dough) is usually found in the freezer section of Middle Eastern grocery stores, Greek delis, or specialty international food markets. You can also order it online. If you cannot find it, crushed shredded wheat cereal or toasted vermicelli noodles can work as a crunchy substitute in a pinch.

Can I make Dubai knafeh overnight oats dairy-free?

Yes, absolutely! Simply swap the whole milk for oat milk or coconut milk, use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt, replace the mozzarella with a dairy-free shredded cheese, and use vegan butter to toast the kataifi. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and inspired by the classic knafeh profile.

How long do overnight oats need to soak?

Overnight oats need at least 6 hours to soak so the oats absorb the liquid and soften properly. For the best creamy texture, soak them for a full 8 hours overnight in the refrigerator. Soaking longer than 24 hours can make them a little too thick, so give them a stir and add a splash of milk if needed before serving.

Can I eat these warm?

Yes! While overnight oats are traditionally eaten cold, you can microwave the oat base in a microwave-safe jar or bowl for 60 to 90 seconds until warmed through. Then add your freshly toasted kataifi and other toppings on top. Warm oats with crispy, buttery kataifi is honestly one of the best ways to enjoy this recipe, especially in cooler months.

These Dubai knafeh overnight oats are proof that breakfast can be exciting, creative, and totally delicious. Whether you are obsessed with Middle Eastern flavors or just looking for a new way to shake up your morning routine, this recipe delivers something truly special. Give it a try tonight and wake up to the most unique breakfast you have ever had!