No-bake cheesecake in kataifi nests with robin's "eggs" is a fun and delightful Easter treat.
When Fillo Factory folks suggested I try making something with kataifi (shredded fillo dough), I gladly agreed as I love challenges.
But honestly, since I've never worked with kataifi before, I was not only intimidated, I dreaded and procrastinated working on this recipe for as long as I could. OK, it's not all due to kataifi. I also thrive on looming deadlines.
And so, I've finally set out to make Easter nests. Armed with kataifi provided by The Fillo Factory (all opinions are my own), I laid out my ingredients.
I "danced" around it for a while, finding other small chores I had wanted to do in case this project fails and it takes me a whole day to make. I wanted nothing else hanging over my head.
But, guys! I'm still astonished at how easy it is working with kataifi! BAM - the Easter nests were done.
They can be filled with a savory filling and topped with cherry tomatoes for eggs, but you know me. Cheesecake is on my mind 24/7. My most popular one, tiramisu cheesecake, is quite labor-intensive.
So, I simplified the recipe with a no-bake version but apparently, I'm not the only one that likes challenges. The original one still takes the lead. OK, then.
However, I do prefer a no-bake version. If you like cheesecakes too, follow along. Another interesting recipe is coming up next week. Since kataifi nests were done so quickly, I had more fun with the leftover dough threads and made this bunny head. Isn't it cute?
My daughter thinks its mouth looks creepy. After I politely informed her that the bunny is smiling and thus can't be creepy, she sent me this GIF. OK, she wins. Maybe my bunny's smile is a little creepy. LOL. Poor bunny!
How to make it:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Lightly grease two standard 12-cup muffin pans with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare the nests by untangling kataifi in a large bowl (it doesn't have to be perfect, just no clumps). Drizzle the melted butter over the kataifi and toss to coat completely.
- Pinch handfuls of the kataifi and distribute evenly over two muffin tins. Gently press them down into muffin wells to form a nest.
- Bake the nests for 8-10 minutes (keep your eye on them so they don't get too dark). Cool in muffin tin on a wire rack.
- Meanwhile, with an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Add sugar or honey, heavy cream, lemon juice, and vanilla. Mix well.
- In a small bowl, pour hot water over gelatin. Stir until gelatin is completely dissolved. Microwave for 10-15 seconds, if necessary. Do not boil.
- Gradually beat in gelatin mixture into the cream cheese mixture.
- Fill nests with the cheesecake filling (about 1 tablespoon per nest).
- Refrigerate until set, for about an hour, and then carefully remove nests to platter with an offset spatula or spoon.
- Garnish with robin's eggs candy before serving.
No-Bake Cheesecake in Kataifi Nests Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ package 8oz. kataifi (shredded fillo dough), thawed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 package 8oz. cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar or 2 tablespoons honey
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
- Robin's eggs candy Jelly Belly's or M&M's
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Lightly grease two standard 12-cup muffin pans with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare the nests by untangling kataifi in a large bowl (it doesn't have to be perfect, just no clumps). Drizzle the melted butter over the kataifi and toss to coat completely.
- Pinch handfuls of the kataifi and distribute evenly over two muffin tins. Gently press them down into muffin wells to form a nest.
- Bake the nests for 8-10 minutes (keep your eye on them so they don't get too dark). Cool in muffin tin on a wire rack.
- Meanwhile, with an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Add sugar or honey, heavy cream, lemon juice, and vanilla. Mix well.
- In a small bowl, pour hot water over gelatin. Stir until gelatin is completely dissolved. Microwave for 10-15 seconds, if necessary. Do not boil.
- Gradually beat in gelatin mixture into the cream cheese mixture.
- Fill nests with the cheesecake filling (about 1 tablespoon per nest).
- 10. Refrigerate until set, for about an hour and then carefully remove nests to platter with an offset spatula or spoon.
- 11. Garnish with robin's eggs candy before serving.
Lynsey Truhlicka says
I would love to try this!!! Yay easy summer dessert
Jas says
Thank you! Happy summer! 🙂
Kerryanne says
Oh my, I've never used kataifi. In fact, I don't think I've ever seen it here in Australia, but I'm on a mission to find it now. These nests look so lovely.
Thank you for sharing this recipe at Create, Bake, Grow & Gather this week at Shabby Art Boutique. I'm delighted to be featuring it at tonight's party and pinning too.
Happy Easter!
Jas says
Appreciate it very much, Kerryanne! I know of Australian fillo brand, so maybe you can order from them as I'm not sure if our ship outside the US. Good luck and happy Easter!
Jane says
For Kerryanne and other Aussies - you can find kataifi in most Greek groceries, cheap too, $3-4 a bag.
Tiffiney | Welcome Home Ministry says
This looks festive and delish! Thanks for sharing over at Heart and Home. I'll be trying it for Easter. Blessings!
Jas says
Thank you, Tiffiney! It's a must-have dessert for my grandkids 🙂 Happy Easter!
Mary says
Jas would you believe I have never used Kataifi. Shame on me! But after looking at this recipe I may be tempted to give it a try. It actually looks easy!
Jas says
Lol, Mary! Your Greek citizenship might be revoked, ha! It really is easy. I'm mad I waited this long to try it. 🙂
Petra says
I love the idea of using kataifi dough for a cheesecake, it looks delicious 🙂 Thank you for sharing at Fiesta Friday 🙂
Jas says
Thank you, Petra!
Kate - gluten free alchemist says
I love this idea. The nests are so 'nest-like'! Mind you, I'm with your daughter..... the bunny mouth is pretty creepy!!!! x
Jas says
LOL, you're right. I'll practice some more so I don't scare my grandkids, ha!
Jen says
Yum! Pinned this one for sure 🙂 I have never heard of katafi before!! #happynowlinkup
Jas says
We learn something every day, don't we? 🙂 Thanks for stopping in. X
Chas says
So cute and perfect for spring! Great job and thanks for sharing on To Grandma’s House We Go!
Jas says
Thanks, Chas! Glad you like them.