Irresistible Dubai Pistachio Kunafa Brownies Made Easy

Dubai’s culinary landscape celebrates innovative dessert creations like the Pistachio Kunafa Brownies, a delightful fusion of Middle Eastern and Western sweet traditions.

This indulgent treat marries the rich, chocolatey essence of classic brownies with the delicate, crispy textures of traditional kunafa pastry.

The dessert reflects the cosmopolitan spirit of Dubai, where global flavors blend seamlessly and culinary boundaries are constantly reimagined.

Pistachio adds a nutty complexity and cultural authenticity to this modern confectionery masterpiece.

Layers of decadent chocolate and crunchy kunafa create a sensory experience that tantalizes taste buds and challenges conventional dessert expectations.

Chefs and home bakers alike are embracing this creative interpretation that transforms familiar ingredients into an extraordinary gastronomic adventure.

What Tastes Great With Dubai Pistachio Kunafa Brownies

• Pair with Creamy Cardamom Latte: A warm, spiced cardamom latte complements the rich chocolate and nutty pistachio flavors, creating a luxurious Middle Eastern-inspired dessert experience.
• Serve with Chilled Rosewater Milk: Refreshing rosewater-infused milk balances the intense brownie sweetness, offering a delicate floral contrast to the decadent chocolate and kunafa layers.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Smooth, cold vanilla ice cream provides a cool counterpoint to the warm, rich brownie, enhancing the dessert's complex texture and temperature contrast.
• Accompany with Arabic Coffee: Strong, traditional Arabic coffee cuts through the brownie's richness, its bold flavor and slight bitterness perfectly balancing the sweet, nutty dessert.

Creative Variations For Dubai Pistachio Kunafa Brownies

• Gluten-Free Kunafa Brownies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend. Ensure cocoa powder is certified gluten-free and use gluten-free kunafa pastry.
• Vegan Pistachio Brownie Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs. Use dairy-free chocolate and plant-based pistachio spread.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Kunafa: Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use dark chocolate with lower sugar content. Reduce overall sweetness while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Skip pistachios entirely. Use sunflower seed spread instead of pistachio spread. Replace pistachio garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch.

Dubai Pistachio Kunafa Brownies FAQs

• What makes kunafa pastry unique in this recipe?

Kunafa is a traditional Middle Eastern pastry with thin, thread-like strands that add a crispy, golden texture to the brownie, creating a delightful contrast with the rich chocolate base.

• Can I substitute pistachio spread if I can't find it?

Yes, you can use alternatives like Nutella, almond butter, or make a homemade pistachio cream by blending pistachios with honey or powdered sugar to achieve a similar spreadable consistency.

• Is this dessert considered difficult to make?

Not at all! While it looks impressive, the recipe is straightforward and requires basic baking skills. The steps are simple, and the result is a stunning fusion dessert that looks more complicated than it actually is.

• How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

When a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, it indicates the brownies are perfectly done. This ensures a fudgy, soft texture without being raw or overly dry.

What Makes Dubai Pistachio Kunafa Brownies Stand Out

• Speedy Sweet Sensation: Whip up this delightful dessert in under an hour with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Fusion Flavor Explosion: Combines classic brownie richness with Middle Eastern kunafa, creating a unique taste experience that surprises and delights taste buds.
• Crowd-Pleasing Showstopper: Perfect for special gatherings, dinner parties, or impressing guests with a stunning dessert that looks professionally crafted but is surprisingly easy to make.
• Customizable Culinary Adventure: Easily adaptable for different occasions, allowing home bakers to play with toppings, chocolate types, and pistachio spread variations to suit personal preferences.

Your List For Dubai Pistachio Kunafa Brownies

• Butter, Sugar: Rich, creamy base that provides sweetness and tender texture.
• Eggs, Vanilla Extract: Binding agents that add moisture and deep flavor complexity.

• Cocoa Powder, Flour, Baking Powder, Salt: Essential components for classic brownie structure with deep chocolate profile.

• Kunafa Pastry, Butter or Ghee: Crispy Middle Eastern pastry strands that add delightful textural contrast.
• Pistachio Spread: Nutty, smooth spread bringing authentic Dubai flavor.
• Chocolate: Smooth coating that enhances overall richness.

• Slivered Pistachios: Crunchy nutty decoration that adds visual appeal and extra Middle Eastern touch.

How To Make Dubai Pistachio Kunafa Brownies At Home

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat oven to 180ºC/350ºF. Line a 7-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and grease the surface to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Brownie Base

In a mixing bowl, whip butter and sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, continuing to beat for three minutes until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Flour
• Salt

Fold gently until ingredients are fully integrated without overmixing.

Step 4: Bake Brownie Layer

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean with a few moist crumbs. Allow brownie to cool completely at room temperature.

Step 5: Prepare Kunafa Topping

Shred kunafa pastry into small 1-2 cm pieces.

Step 6: Toast Kunafa

In a pan, melt butter or ghee. Add kunafa pieces and toast over medium heat, stirring constantly until golden brown. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 7: Create Pistachio Kunafa Mix

Warm pistachio spread in microwave for 30 seconds. Mix thoroughly with toasted kunafa pieces.

Step 8: Melt Chocolate Topping

Microwave chocolate in 15-30 second intervals, stirring between each session until completely smooth and glossy.

Step 9: Layer Pistachio Kunafa

Spread pistachio kunafa mixture evenly over cooled brownie base.

Step 10: Finish With Chocolate

Pour melted chocolate over the kunafa layer, spreading uniformly. Sprinkle slivered pistachios on top for extra crunch.

Step 11: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for 5-10 minutes until chocolate sets. Slice into squares and enjoy your decadent Dubai-inspired dessert.

Pro Tips For Dubai Pistachio Kunafa Brownies

• Boost Brownie Moisture: Use room temperature eggs and butter to create a smoother, more uniform batter that helps prevent dry brownies.
• Prevent Kunafa Burning: Stir constantly while toasting kunafa to achieve golden brown color without scorching, which can make it bitter.
• Check Chocolate Precision: Melt chocolate slowly and gently, stirring between intervals to avoid burning and ensure a silky smooth texture.
• Control Chilling Time: Refrigerate just until chocolate sets to maintain the perfect texture and prevent over-hardening of the dessert.
• Customize Nut Garnish: Lightly toast slivered pistachios before sprinkling to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the brownie topping.

Store And Reheat Dubai Pistachio Kunafa Brownies Easily

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain texture.
• Freeze: Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 weeks without losing quality or flavor.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen brownies in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness and bring out rich flavors.
• Serve: Let chilled brownies sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance taste and texture, allowing the chocolate and pistachio layers to soften slightly.

Decadent Dubai Pistachio Kunafa Brownies Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Chocolate meets Middle Eastern elegance in these Dubai Pistachio Kunafa Brownies, blending rich cocoa with nutty, crisp kunafa layers. Silky brownie textures and delicate pistachio notes invite dessert lovers to savor a luxurious cross-cultural culinary experience that transports palates between continents.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (180g) light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (90g) kunafa pastry, shredded
• 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate

Chocolate and Butter Components:

• ½ cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened
• ⅓ cup (40g) cocoa powder
• ¾ cup (200g) pistachio spread
• 1 tablespoon butter or ghee (for roasting kunafa)

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:

• ½ cup (60g) flour
• ½ teaspoon (2g) baking powder
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Slivered pistachios, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by warming it to 180ºC/350ºF and prepping a 7-inch square baking vessel with parchment paper and light greasing.
2. Utilize an electric mixer to cream butter and sugar until achieving a pale, fluffy texture. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, continuing to blend for approximately three minutes until fully integrated.
3. Gently sift cocoa powder, baking powder, flour, and salt into the mixture, folding delicately to create a smooth, homogeneous brownie batter.
4. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, ensuring even distribution, and bake for 20-25 minutes. Confirm doneness by inserting a toothpick that emerges with minimal moist crumbs. Allow the brownie base to cool completely at room temperature.
5. Deconstruct kunafa pastry into small, uniform fragments measuring 1-2 cm in size.
6. Heat butter or ghee in a skillet, introducing the kunafa fragments. Toast over medium flame, stirring consistently until achieving a golden-brown coloration. Set aside to cool.
7. Warm pistachio spread briefly in the microwave to enhance spreadability. Thoroughly combine the spread with the toasted kunafa pieces.
8. Melt chocolate carefully using microwave technique, stirring between short 15-30 second intervals to prevent burning and ensure smooth consistency.
9. Carefully spread the pistachio-kunafa mixture evenly across the cooled brownie foundation.
10. Drizzle and distribute the melted chocolate across the surface, creating an elegant finish. Embellish with delicate slivered pistachios for enhanced visual and textural appeal.
11. Refrigerate briefly for 5-10 minutes to solidify the layers, then slice into elegant portions and serve.

Notes

• Swap butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version that maintains rich moisture and texture.
• Toast kunafa extra carefully to prevent burning, watching closely and stirring constantly for perfect golden-brown color.
• Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie dessert option that still delivers delicious flavor.
• Elevate texture by adding crushed pistachios directly into brownie batter for unexpected crunch an

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 70mg