Authentic Qatayef with Walnuts – Crispy Stuffed Pancakes Recipe

Prep Time: 30 minutes   |   Cook Time: 30 minutes   |   Total Time: 1 hour   |   Servings: 6-8

Qatayef with Walnuts is a beloved Middle Eastern dessert, especially popular during Ramadan. These golden, crispy stuffed pancakes are filled with a sweet walnut mixture spiced with cinnamon, then fried to perfection and soaked in fragrant sugar syrup. They offer the perfect balance of crunchy exterior and soft, nutty interior.

This authentic recipe gives you soft yet crispy qatayef that stay fresh and delicious. The batter is easy to make and the walnut filling is simple but packed with flavor. Whether you are making them for iftar, Eid, or a special gathering, these homemade qatayef will impress everyone.

Ingredients

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup fine semolina
• 4 cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
• Pinch of salt

Walnut Filling

• 2 cups walnuts, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup sugar (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients: flour, semolina, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Gradually add the warm water while whisking until smooth. Add orange blossom water and blend well (use a blender for best results to remove lumps).
3. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes.
4. Heat a non-stick pan on medium heat. Pour a small ladle of batter (about ¼ cup) to form small circles. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface and the bottom is golden. Do not flip.
5. Remove and cover with a cloth to keep them soft.
6. Mix chopped walnuts with sugar and cinnamon for the filling.
7. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each qatayef (on the bubbly side), fold into a half-moon shape, and press the edges firmly to seal.
8. Fry the stuffed qatayef in hot oil until golden and crispy on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
9. Dip or drizzle with cooled sugar syrup immediately after frying. Serve warm.

Tips for Success

• Do not overmix the batter — it should be smooth but not too thin.
• Cook the qatayef on one side only for the classic bubbly texture.
• Seal the edges well so the filling doesn’t leak during frying.
• Fry in batches and serve warm for the best crunch.
• You can prepare the batter and filling ahead of time.

Enjoy these delicious homemade Qatayef with Walnuts — a classic Middle Eastern treat that is crispy outside, soft inside, and full of sweet nutty flavor!