Apple Kataifi Rolls with Warm Caramel Sauce

Ingredients (Serves 6–8 rolls)

For the Apple Filling

• 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Golden, peeled & diced)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water

For the Kataifi Rolls

• 200 g kataifi pastry (shredded phyllo)
• 80 g unsalted butter, melted
• 50 g crushed walnuts or almonds (optional, for crunch)

For the Warm Caramel Sauce

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
• ½ cup heavy cream (warm)
• Pinch of salt
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Apple Filling

• Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
• Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
• Cook 5–7 minutes until apples soften.
• Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thick.
• Remove from heat and cool completely.

Prepare Kataifi Rolls

• Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Gently separate kataifi strands and toss with melted butter.
• Take a small bundle of kataifi, flatten slightly.
• Add 1–2 tbsp apple filling and sprinkle nuts if using.
• Roll tightly like a cigar.
• Place seam-side down on lined tray.
• Bake 25–30 minutes, until golden and crispy.

Make the Warm Caramel Sauce

• Heat sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until melted and amber-colored.
• Add butter carefully and whisk.
• Slowly pour in warm cream while stirring.
• Add salt and vanilla; simmer 1–2 minutes until smooth.
• Keep warm.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm kataifi rolls drizzled generously with caramel sauce
• Add vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
• Finish with powdered sugar or crushed nuts

Chef Tips

• Keep kataifi covered with a damp towel while working (prevents drying)
• For extra crispness, brush rolls lightly with butter before baking
• Apples should be soft but not watery—cooling is important