Pistachio Kunafa Brownies

Imagine the indulgent sweetness of brownies meeting the rich, flaky texture of kunafa, with a touch of pistachio magic. That’s exactly what these Pistachio Kunafa Brownies deliver. If you love Middle Eastern desserts and are a fan of chocolatey goodness, this recipe is a dream come true. The fudgy, gooey brownies are topped with a buttery, golden kunafa layer, and the crunch of pistachios adds the perfect finishing touch. This unique dessert is guaranteed to wow anyone lucky enough to try it. Trust me, these brownies are an unforgettable treat!

Why You’ll Love Pistachio Kunafa Brownies

Here’s why these Pistachio Kunafa Brownies are about to steal your heart:

• Fusion of Flavors: The combination of rich chocolate brownies with the crispy, buttery kunafa is a game-changer. It’s a sweet surprise in every bite.
• Crunchy & Fudgy: The contrast between the crunchy kunafa topping and the soft, fudgy brownie base makes for the ultimate texture experience.
• Middle Eastern Twist: Kunafa is a beloved Middle Eastern dessert, and in this recipe, it’s paired with the familiar comfort of brownies for a unique, decadent treat.
• Pistachio Perfection: The pistachios add a lovely nutty flavor and extra crunch that takes these brownies to a whole new level of deliciousness.
• Impress Your Guests: Looking for a dessert that will impress your family and friends? These brownies are show-stoppers—whether you’re serving them for a dinner party, holiday, or just a sweet treat.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make these irresistible Pistachio Kunafa Brownies:

Brownie Batter

This is the fudgy base that provides the rich chocolate flavor. It’s the perfect foundation for the kunafa topping.

Kunafa Dough

Kunafa dough (or kataifi dough) is the star of the topping. It gets buttery and crispy in the oven, adding a delightful texture to the brownies.

Butter

Butter is key for the rich, decadent flavor in both the brownie base and the kunafa topping.

Sugar

A bit of sugar is added to both the brownies and the kunafa topping to give them that perfect sweetness.

Pistachios

Pistachios bring a nutty crunch and earthy flavor that complement both the chocolatey brownies and the buttery kunafa.

Eggs

Eggs are essential for binding the brownie batter together and giving it that rich, dense texture.

Flour

The flour holds the brownie batter together and gives it structure while keeping it moist and fudgy.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla adds a subtle, warm flavor that enhances the sweetness of the brownies.

Rose Water or Orange Blossom Water (Optional)

A splash of rose or orange blossom water gives the kunafa a lovely floral fragrance, enhancing the Middle Eastern vibe.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get to the fun part—making these Pistachio Kunafa Brownies:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and hot for baking the brownies and crisping up the kunafa topping.

Prepare the Brownie Base

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then, add the melted butter and mix well. Sift in the flour and cocoa powder and stir until combined. Pour the brownie batter into a greased 9×9-inch baking pan, spreading it out evenly.

Prepare the Kunafa Topping

In a separate bowl, melt the butter and pour it over the kunafa dough. Gently pull apart the strands of dough to coat them in the butter. If using rose water or orange blossom water, add a small splash to the dough for a fragrant touch.

Assemble the Brownies

Carefully spoon the kunafa dough over the brownie batter. Use your fingers to spread the dough evenly across the surface, pressing it down gently. Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top for that extra crunch and flavor.

Bake the Brownies

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The kunafa should turn golden and crispy, and the brownies should be set but fudgy in the center.

Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the flavors set and makes cutting easier.

Drizzle with Syrup (Optional)

For an added touch of sweetness, drizzle a little honey syrup over the top of the brownies once they’ve cooled. It’s optional but adds an extra layer of flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Pistachio Kunafa Brownies

These brownies are a treat on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, here are a few ideas for serving:

• Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or pistachio ice cream on the side is an incredible addition to these brownies.
• Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for extra creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the crispy kunafa.
• Fresh Fruit: Serve with a few fresh berries for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the brownies.
• Coffee or Tea: These brownies pair wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a fragrant cup of mint tea, perfect for enjoying as an afternoon snack.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you make the best Pistachio Kunafa Brownies:

• Use Fresh Kunafa Dough: If you can find it, fresh kunafa dough will give you the best texture. If using frozen, be sure to thaw it before using.
• Add More Pistachios: Don’t be shy with the pistachios! Add them to the batter, sprinkle them on top, or even fold some into the brownie mix for an extra burst of flavor.
• Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste, feel free to adjust the sweetness. You can reduce the sugar in the brownie batter if you prefer a less sweet treat.
• Make It in Advance: These brownies actually taste better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together. Make them ahead of time for an even more indulgent treat!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use unsalted butter for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can use unsalted butter for the brownie and kunafa layers. Just make sure to add a pinch of salt to the brownie batter for balance.

Q2: Can I make this recipe without pistachios?
A2: Absolutely! You can substitute with other nuts like almonds or walnuts, or simply leave the nuts out if you prefer.

Q3: Can I freeze these brownies?
A3: Yes, you can freeze these brownies! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They also taste delicious when chilled!

Q5: Can I use store-bought kunafa dough?
A5: Yes, store-bought kunafa dough is perfectly fine to use. Just make sure to follow the instructions for prepping it before topping your brownies.

Q6: Can I add other flavors to the brownie batter?
A6: Of course! Feel free to experiment with flavors like cinnamon, coffee, or even a splash of orange zest to enhance the taste.

Q7: How do I prevent the kunafa from becoming soggy?
A7: Make sure to bake the brownies long enough for the kunafa to become crispy. Also, ensure the butter coats the kunafa strands well before adding them to the batter.

Q8: Can I add syrup to the kunafa before baking?
A8: You can, but it’s best to drizzle the syrup on after baking so the kunafa stays crispy and doesn’t become too soggy.

Q9: How do I know when the brownies are done?
A9: The brownies should be set around the edges, with a slight wobble in the center. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, they’re done!

Q10: Can I make these brownies dairy-free?
A10: Yes! You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative, and use non-dairy milk or yogurt in place of any dairy ingredients.

Conclusion

These Pistachio Kunafa Brownies are the perfect marriage of two beloved desserts: fudgy, gooey brownies and crispy, buttery kunafa. The pistachios add just the right amount of crunch and flavor to elevate this dessert. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet treat, they’re sure to impress. So go ahead—treat yourself to this unforgettable fusion of flavors!

Print