Description
Rich and fudgy brownies layered with crispy kunafa pastry and a luxurious pistachio filling, inspired by the viral Dubai-style dessert combining Middle Eastern flavors with classic brownies.
Ingredients
- 200 g dark chocolate, chopped
- 150 g unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 150 g kunafa (kataifi) pastry, chopped
- 3 tbsp melted butter (for kunafa)
- 1/2 cup pistachio paste or pistachio cream
- 1/3 cup crushed pistachios
- 2 tbsp sugar syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt the dark chocolate and butter together using a double boiler or microwave. Stir until smooth and let cool slightly.
- Whisk granulated sugar and brown sugar into the chocolate mixture.
- Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold gently until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, toss the chopped kunafa pastry with melted butter until evenly coated.
- Spread half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan.
- Layer the pistachio paste evenly over the batter, then sprinkle with crushed pistachios and drizzle with sugar syrup.
- Add the buttered kunafa pastry evenly on top.
- Spread the remaining brownie batter over the kunafa layer.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is just set.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Do not overbake to keep the brownies fudgy.
- Pistachio paste can be substituted with pistachio butter or finely ground pistachios mixed with cream.
- For extra crunch, lightly toast the kunafa before layering.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion Middle Eastern