Pistachio Kunafa Brownies Recipe

Introduction

Pistachio Kunafa Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with the nutty, crispy delight of pistachio kunafa. This unique fusion creates a luscious dessert that is both indulgent and irresistibly flavorful.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (120gm) softened unsalted butter
• 1 cup (180gm) light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup (40gm) cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp (2gm) baking powder
• 1/2 cup (60gm) flour
• 1/8 tsp or a pinch of salt
• 3/4 cup (200gm) pistachio spread
• 1 cup (90gm) kunafa pastry
• 1 Tbsp butter or ghee (for roasting kunafa dough)
• 1 cup (180gm) semi-sweet or dark chocolate

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180ºC (350ºF). Line a 7-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and light brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium-high speed until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Step 3: Sift together the cocoa powder, baking powder, flour, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet batter with a spatula until fully incorporated and no flour streaks remain.
4. Step 4: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake on a lower oven rack for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
5. Step 5: Prepare the pistachio kunafa topping by shredding the kunafa dough into 1-2 cm pieces using scissors or a food processor. Heat butter or ghee in a large frying pan over medium heat, then add the shredded kunafa. Stir continuously until the kunafa is golden-brown and toasted. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
6. Step 6: Warm the pistachio spread in the microwave for about 30 seconds to soften it slightly if needed. Combine the pistachio spread with the roasted kunafa dough in a bowl, mixing well to coat evenly. Set aside.
7. Step 7: Melt the chocolate by placing it in a heatproof bowl and microwaving in 15-30 second intervals, stirring between each until smooth and fully melted.
8. Step 8: Spread the pistachio-kunafa mixture evenly over the cooled brownie layer. Pour the melted chocolate on top, spreading it gently to cover. Garnish with slivered pistachios if desired.
9. Step 9: Chill the assembled dessert in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes to let the chocolate set. Slice into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, sprinkle additional chopped pistachios or toasted nuts on top before chilling.
• You can substitute ghee with butter for roasting the kunafa dough if preferred.
• If you can’t find pistachio spread, try blending pistachios with a bit of honey and oil for a homemade version.
• Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate according to your sweetness preference.

Storage

Store leftover Pistachio Kunafa Brownies airtight in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To enjoy, allow them to come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes or warm gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften the chocolate.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular shredded phyllo dough instead of kunafa pastry?

While regular shredded phyllo (kataifi) can be used as a substitute, kunafa dough is preferred for its texture and flavor. If using phyllo, roast gently to avoid over-browning.

How do I know when the brownies are baked perfectly?

The brownies are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking to keep them fudgy.

Pistachio Kunafa Brownies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 72 reviews

This decadent Pistachio Kunafa Brownies recipe combines rich chocolate brownies with the unique texture and flavor of roasted kunafa pastry mixed with a creamy pistachio spread and topped with melted chocolate and slivered pistachios. A layered dessert that beautifully balances fudgy chocolate, nutty pistachios, and crispy roasted kunafa, perfect for impressing at any gathering or as a luxurious treat.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings (7-inch square pan, cut into 3x3 pieces) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern Fusion

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Brownie Base

• 1/2 cup (120gm) softened unsalted butter
• 1 cup (180gm) light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup (40gm) cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp (2gm) baking powder
• 1/2 cup (60gm) flour
• 1/8 tsp or a pinch of salt

Pistachio Kunafa Layer

• 3/4 cup (200gm) pistachio spread
• 1 cup (90gm) kunafa pastry
• 1 Tbsp butter or ghee (for roasting kunafa dough)

Topping

• 1 cup (180gm) semi-sweet or dark chocolate
• Slivered pistachios for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 180ºC (350ºF). Line a 7-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well using non-stick cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
2. Make Brownie Batter: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition for about 3 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift together cocoa powder, baking powder, flour, and salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet batter using a spatula until fully incorporated, making sure there are no streaks of flour left.
4. Bake Brownie Base: Pour the prepared batter into the lined baking pan and spread evenly. Bake on one of the lower racks of the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
5. Prepare Kunafa Pastry: Shred the kunafa pastry into approximately 1-2 cm lengths using a food processor or scissors. In a large frying pan, melt butter or ghee over medium heat, then add the shredded kunafa dough. Stir continuously until it attains a rich golden-brown and crispy texture. Remove from heat and transfer to a mixing bowl to cool.
6. Prepare Pistachio Kunafa Spread: If your pistachio spread is thick, microwave it for about 30 seconds to slightly melt, making it easier to mix. Pour the pistachio spread into the cooled roasted kunafa and mix thoroughly with a spatula or large spoon. Set aside.
7. Melt Chocolate: Place semi-sweet or dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Microwave in 15-30 second intervals, stirring well between each interval until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
8. Assemble the Brownies: Spread the pistachio-kunafa mixture evenly over the cooled brownie base. Next, pour the melted chocolate over the pistachio layer and spread gently to cover.
9. Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle slivered pistachios evenly over the top for garnish. Place the assembled brownies in the fridge for 5-10 minutes to allow the chocolate topping to harden.
10. Slice and Serve: Once the chocolate has set, slice into squares and serve immediately. Enjoy the luscious textures and flavors!

Notes

• Ensure the brownie base is completely cool before layering to prevent melting the pistachio spread.
• If you prefer, you can substitute ghee with unsalted butter for roasting the kunafa pastry.
• Microwaving the pistachio spread is optional and depends on its consistency; a slightly warmed spread mixes more easily.
• Use good quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate for the best flavor and smooth melting.
• You can store the brownies in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, covered well to maintain freshness.

Keywords: Pistachio Kunafa Brownies, Kunafa dessert, Pistachio spread dessert, Middle Eastern brownies, chocolate brownies with nuts