Honey Comb bread

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Honeycomb Bread (Khaliat Nahal) – A Sweet & Creamy Ifthar Treat

Honeycomb Bread, also known as Khaliat Nahal, is a soft, pillowy bun filled with cream cheese and drenched in a fragrant sugar syrup infused with saffron, rose, and orange blossom water. This beloved Middle Eastern bread is a much-requested treat during Ifthar, offering a delightful balance of richness, sweetness, and floral aroma.

Enjoy this buttery, melt-in-your-mouth bread as a special dessert or tea-time indulgence!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • ⅔ cup lukewarm milk
  • 2 tsp yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 2 cups flour
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 3 tbsp melted butter

For the Filling:

  • Cream cheese (e.g., Kiri or any soft cream cheese)

For the Sugar Syrup:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • Few drops lime juice
  • Few strands saffron
  • Few drops rose water
  • Few drops orange blossom water

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a small bowl, mix lukewarm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, and 3 tbsp sugar.
  3. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter to the dry ingredients.
  4. Knead well for 10–15 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  5. Cover and let it rise for 1–2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Shape and Fill the Buns

  1. Once the dough has risen, divide it into 32 equal-sized balls.
  2. Flatten each piece slightly and place a small amount of cream cheese in the center.
  3. Seal the dough around the filling and shape it into a smooth ball.
  4. Arrange the stuffed dough balls in a greased 9-inch baking pan, placing them close together in a circular pattern to resemble a honeycomb.

Step 3: Second Rise & Baking

  1. Cover the pan and let the dough rest for 30 minutes to rise again.
  2. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
  3. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bread is cooked through.

Step 4: Make the Sugar Syrup

  1. In a saucepan, mix sugar, water, and lime juice.
  2. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
  3. Add saffron strands, rose water, and orange blossom water. Stir well and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 5: Assemble & Serve

  1. Once the bread is baked, pour the room-temperature sugar syrup ( as needed) over the warm buns.
  2. Let it soak for a few minutes before serving.
  3. Enjoy warm, with a cup of tea or as a delightful dessert for Ifthar!

Tips for Perfect Honeycomb Bread:

✔ Soft Dough: Knead well to achieve a soft and fluffy texture.
✔ Proper Rising: Allow the dough to rise twice for the best results.
✔ Even Baking: Arrange the dough balls closely to form a beautiful honeycomb pattern.
✔ Syrup Temperature: The bread should be warm, and the syrup should be at room temperature to absorb properly.

This indulgent, aromatic bread is perfect for special occasions, Ifthar gatherings, or anytime you crave something sweet and satisfying. 

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