No-Bake Cheesecake in Kataifi Nests

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:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Lightly grease two standard 12-cup muffin pans with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Prepare the nests by untangling kataifiin 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.
4. Pinch handfuls of the kataifi and distribute evenly over two muffin tins. Gently press them down into muffin wells to form a nest.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Gradually beat in gelatin mixture into the cream cheese mixture.
9. 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.

No-Bake Cheesecake in Kataifi Nests Recipe

By Jas

No-bake cheesecake in kataifi nests with robin's "eggs" is a fun and delightful Easter treat.

5 from 3 votes

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Chill Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine Greek

Yields 24 servings

Calories 41 kcal

Ingredients

1x2x3x

• ▢ 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

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

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.

Notes

~ Free Tip ~

Add 2 teaspoons granulated sugar and a pinch of cinnamon to kataifi in step 4, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 41kcal (2%) | Carbohydrates: 2g (1%) | Protein: 1g (2%) | Fat: 4g (6%) | Saturated Fat: 2g (10%) | Cholesterol: 13mg (4%) | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 8mg | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 1g (1%) | Vitamin A: 140IU (3%) | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 5mg (1%)

Keyword cheesecake kataifi nests, kataifi nests, no bake cheesecake

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