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
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Melt butter in a large microwave-safe bowl, then whisk in sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Sift cocoa powder and flour together in a separate bowl, then gradually fold into the wet mixture, creating a rich chocolate batter without overmixing.
- Gently fold in chopped pistachios, distributing them evenly throughout the brownie mixture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Prepare the kunafa topping by pulling apart the kataifi pastry into thin strands and mixing with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the buttered kunafa strands across the brownie batter, creating a delicate, crispy layer on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
- Drizzle honey over the top and sprinkle ground pistachios for additional texture and flavor.
- Lift the brownies out using parchment paper edges and cut into squares.
- 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