Pistachio Kunafa Brownies Recipe

Introduction

Pistachio Kunafa Brownies are a delightful fusion of rich chocolate brownies and the nutty crunch of kunafa pastry with pistachio spread. This unique dessert combines Middle Eastern flavors and classic brownie texture into an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.

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 the oven to 180ºC (350ºF). Line a 7-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or grease it with non-stick cooking spray or oil.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the softened butter and light brown sugar with an electric beater on medium-high speed until the mixture is pale and creamy. Add the eggs and continue beating for another 3 minutes, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Step 3: Sift in the cocoa powder, baking powder, flour, and salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the batter using a spatula until fully combined and no streaks of flour remain.
4. Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake on a lower oven rack for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
5. Step 5: While the brownie bakes, shred the kunafa pastry into 1-2 cm pieces using scissors or a food processor. Heat butter or ghee in a large frying pan and add the shredded kunafa. Stir continuously over medium heat until it turns a golden-brown color. Remove from heat, let cool, then place in a mixing bowl.
6. Step 6: Warm the pistachio spread in the microwave for about 30 seconds to soften it if needed. Pour the pistachio spread over the roasted kunafa and mix well.
7. Step 7: Melt the chocolate in a heat-proof bowl using 15-30 second microwave intervals, stirring between each until smooth and fully melted.
8. Step 8: Once the brownie has cooled, spread the pistachio-kunafa mixture evenly over the top. Pour the melted chocolate over this layer, then garnish with slivered pistachios if desired.
9. Step 9: Refrigerate for 5-10 minutes to allow the chocolate to set. Slice and serve your Pistachio Kunafa Brownies.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted pistachios on top before the chocolate layer hardens.
• If pistachio spread is too thick, gently warm it in the microwave to achieve a pourable consistency.
• You can substitute kunafa pastry with shredded phyllo dough if unavailable.

Storage

Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the brownies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the brownies and pistachio kunafa mixture in advance. Assemble and add the chocolate layer just before serving for the best texture.

What can I use if I don’t have pistachio spread?

You can substitute with nut butters like almond or cashew, mixed with a little honey or sugar to mimic the sweetness and texture of pistachio spread.

Pistachio Kunafa Brownies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 105 reviews

These Pistachio Kunafa Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic chocolate brownies with a unique Middle Eastern twist of roasted kunafa dough and creamy pistachio spread, topped with a glossy layer of melted chocolate and garnished with slivered pistachios for a crunchy finish. Perfect for those looking for an indulgent dessert with a nutty and aromatic flair.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings (7-inch square pan cut into 3x3 pieces) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Brownie Batter

• 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 Spread

• 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 with non-stick cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
2. Make Brownie Batter: In a mixing bowl, add the softened butter and light brown sugar. Using an electric beater on medium-high speed, whisk until the mixture becomes pale in color. Add the eggs one at a time and continue beating for another 3 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift together cocoa powder, baking powder, flour, and salt. Fold these into the wet batter gently using a spatula until fully combined with no streaks of flour remaining.
4. Bake the Brownie: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and place it on a lower oven rack. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Remove from oven and cool completely.
5. Prepare the Kunafa Dough: Shred the kunafa pastry into 1-2 cm length pieces using a food processor or scissors. In a large frying pan, melt the butter or ghee over medium heat. Add shredded kunafa dough and stir continuously until it turns a golden-brown roasted color. Remove from heat and let it cool, then transfer to a mixing bowl.
6. Mix Pistachio Spread with Kunafa: Slightly warm the pistachio spread in the microwave for about 30 seconds if needed to soften it. Combine the pistachio spread with the roasted kunafa dough and mix well to incorporate.
7. Melt Chocolate: Place the chocolate in a heat-proof bowl and melt it in the microwave in 15-30 second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth.
8. Assemble Layers: Spread the pistachio-kunafa mixture evenly over the cooled brownie. Drizzle or spread the melted chocolate on top of the pistachio layer evenly.
9. Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle slivered pistachios over the melted chocolate. For best results, refrigerate the assembled brownies for 5-10 minutes to allow the chocolate to set and harden.
10. Slice and Serve: Once the chocolate has hardened, slice into squares and enjoy your Pistachio Kunafa Brownies.

Notes

• Ensure the brownie is completely cooled before spreading the pistachio-kunafa mixture to prevent melting or mixing.
• Shredding kunafa dough finely and roasting it evenly is key to getting the perfect crunch and flavor.
• You can substitute ghee with butter depending on preference.
• If your pistachio spread is already softened, microwaving step can be skipped.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Use good quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate for the topping for best taste.

Keywords: Pistachio Kunafa Brownies, Chocolate Brownies with Kunafa, Middle Eastern Dessert, Pistachio Spread Dessert, Kunafa Pastry, Chocolate Pistachio Brownies