Irresistible Pistachio Kunafa Brownies Recipe: Sweet Magic

Crafting these delectable pistachio kunafa brownies will transport you to a sweet paradise of Middle Eastern and chocolate indulgence.

Layers of rich, fudgy chocolate merge beautifully with crispy kunafa strands.

Nutty pistachios add a delightful crunch and aromatic complexity to every bite.

Decadent textures dance across your palate, creating an unexpected dessert experience.

Cultural culinary traditions blend seamlessly with classic brownie comfort.

Imagine a dessert that breaks all conventional rules and surprises your taste buds.

Dive into this irresistible fusion that promises pure dessert magic.

Why Pistachio Kunafa Brownies Are Totally Unique

• Elevate Your Dessert Game: Transform classic brownies into a gourmet experience with the unexpected crunch of kunafa and rich pistachio flavor.
• Quick and Crowd-Pleasing: Prepare a show-stopping dessert that impresses guests without requiring professional baking skills, perfect for gatherings and potlucks.
• Texture Sensation: Enjoy the delightful contrast between dense, fudgy chocolate base and crispy, golden kunafa topping that adds an irresistible crunch to every bite.
• Middle Eastern Meets Chocolate: Blend traditional Middle Eastern pastry techniques with beloved chocolate treat, creating a unique fusion dessert that celebrates culinary creativity.

Ingredients For Pistachio Kunafa Brownies

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and helps bind the brownie mixture together.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the brownie base.

• Butter: Creates a rich, moist texture and adds depth of flavor to the brownies.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a soft, tender brownie texture.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and contribute to the dense, fudgy consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.

• Kataifi Pastry: A delicate, shredded phyllo dough that creates a crispy, golden layer on top of the brownies.
• Pistachios, Whole: Adds a nutty crunch and rich green color to the brownie surface.
• Pistachios, Ground: Provides an extra layer of texture and intense pistachio flavor as a final garnish.
• Honey: Adds a sweet, glossy finish and complements the nutty pistachio flavor.

Steps To Make Pistachio Kunafa Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it completely with parchment paper, making sure it extends slightly over the edges for easy lifting later.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Base

Zap butter in a microwave-safe bowl until melted. Whisk in sugar, eggs, and vanilla until the mixture looks smooth and glossy like a rich chocolate dream.

Step 3: Blend Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together cocoa powder and flour. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, creating a decadent chocolate batter. Be careful not to overmix – you want it just combined.

Step 4: Add Nutty Crunch

Toss in chopped pistachios, mixing them throughout the batter so every bite promises a delightful nutty surprise.

Step 5: Spread the Love

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly from corner to corner.

Step 6: Craft Kunafa Topping

Pull apart the kataifi pastry into delicate, whisper-thin strands. Drizzle melted butter over the pastry and toss gently to coat.

Step 7: Create Crispy Kunafa Layer

Sprinkle the buttered kunafa strands across the top of the brownie batter, creating a light, crispy blanket that will turn golden and crunchy.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.

Step 9: Cool and Rest

Remove from the oven and let the brownies sit in the pan for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to settle and the texture to become divine.

Step 10: Final Flourish

Drizzle honey generously over the top, then shower with ground pistachios for an extra layer of nutty elegance.

Step 11: Slice and Serve

Lift the brownies out using the parchment paper edges. Cut into square pieces that showcase the beautiful layers.

Step 12: Enjoy the Moment

Serve at room temperature, letting the contrasting textures of crispy kunafa and fudgy brownie create a dessert experience to remember.

Tips To Get Pistachio Kunafa Brownies Just Right

• Boost Nutty Flavor: Toast pistachios lightly before chopping to enhance their rich, aromatic profile and add depth to the brownie's taste.
• Prevent Soggy Kunafa: Pat kataifi pastry dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp and golden-brown topping that doesn't become limp.
• Achieve Perfect Texture: Don't overmix the batter; stir just until ingredients combine to maintain a fudgy, tender brownie consistency.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, keeping the same measurements for a celiac-friendly version.
• Control Sweetness Level: Reduce honey drizzle or use less sugar if you prefer a less sweet dessert that highlights the nutty pistachio flavor.

Creative Twists For Pistachio Kunafa Brownies

• Middle Eastern Chocolate Fusion: Replace pistachios with crushed baklava pieces, adding a rich, nutty Syrian dessert element to the brownies.
• Rosewater Romance: Infuse the brownie batter with rosewater and top with candied rose petals, creating a delicate Persian-inspired dessert experience.
• Cardamom Chocolate Dream: Mix ground cardamom into the brownie batter and sprinkle additional whole cardamom pods on top for an aromatic Arabic-style treat.
• Orange Blossom Crunch: Add orange blossom water to the batter and garnish with candied orange zest, offering a bright Mediterranean flavor profile to the classic brownie.

What To Pair With Pistachio Kunafa Brownies

• Brew a Bold Espresso Pairing: Dark, rich espresso cuts through the sweetness of the brownies, highlighting the nutty pistachio notes and complementing the chocolate's depth.
• Create a Creamy Cardamom Latte Companion: Warm cardamom-infused latte softens the brownie's intensity, matching the Middle Eastern flavor profile while adding a subtle spiced undertone.
• Sip a Chilled Rose Water Drink: Delicate rose water beverage provides a refreshing contrast to the dense brownie, offering a light, floral counterpoint that cleanses the palate and enhances the dessert's complexity.

How To Store Pistachio Kunafa Brownies Properly

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the kunafa topping crisp and brownies moist.
• Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, preserving their rich flavor and texture.
• Keep in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring the kunafa remains crunchy and the brownies stay soft.
• Place parchment paper between brownie layers when storing to prevent sticking and maintain their pristine appearance.

Common Questions On Pistachio Kunafa Brownies

• What are kataifi pastry strands?

Kataifi is a traditional Middle Eastern pastry made from thin, thread-like wheat flour noodles that resemble shredded phyllo dough, giving a crispy, delicate texture when baked.

• Can I use different nuts instead of pistachios?

Yes, you can substitute pistachios with almonds, walnuts, or pecans while maintaining a similar nutty flavor profile and crunch in the brownies.

• How do I ensure the kunafa topping stays crispy?

Mix the kataifi strands with melted butter before sprinkling them on top of the brownie batter, and bake until golden and crisp. Allow the brownies to cool completely to maintain the crunchy texture.

Pistachio Kunafa Brownies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet chocolate meets Middle Eastern tradition in these pistachio kunafa brownies, blending rich cocoa with crispy kunafa strands. Delicate layers promise a sensational dessert experience that connects cultural flavors for passionate bakers you’ll want to share.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup chopped pistachios

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp heavy cream

Kunafa Elements:

• 1 cup kunafa (kataifi) pastry
• 1/4 cup melted butter (for kunafa topping)
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/4 cup ground pistachios (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage with slight overhang for easy removal.
2. Melt butter in a large microwave-safe bowl, then whisk in sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
3. Sift cocoa powder and flour together in a separate bowl, then gradually fold into the wet mixture, creating a rich chocolate batter without overmixing.
4. Gently fold in chopped pistachios, distributing them evenly throughout the brownie mixture.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
6. Prepare the kunafa topping by pulling apart the kataifi pastry into thin strands and mixing with melted butter.
7. Sprinkle the buttered kunafa strands across the brownie batter, creating a delicate, crispy layer on top.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
9. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
10. Drizzle honey over the top and sprinkle ground pistachios for additional texture and flavor.
11. Lift the brownies out using parchment paper edges and cut into squares.
12. Serve at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld and the kunafa topping to remain crisp.

Notes

• Use high-quality cocoa powder and fresh pistachios for an intense, rich flavor profile that elevates the entire dessert.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense brownies – gentle folding creates a tender, fudgy texture.
• Toast pistachios briefly before chopping to enhance their nutty aroma and bring out deeper, more complex flavors.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace regular flour with almond or coconut flour, ensuring the same delectable brownie consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg