Description
These Pistachio Kunafa Brownies are a delightful fusion dessert combining the crispy, buttery texture of traditional kunafa dough with rich, fudgy chocolate brownies studded with pistachios. Baked to perfection, they offer a unique Middle Eastern twist to a classic brownie, enhanced by a drizzle of simple syrup for an optional touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Kunafa Layer
- 1 cup shredded kunafa dough, thawed and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Brownie Batter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup pistachio paste or finely ground pistachios
Topping
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
Optional
- 1/3 cup simple syrup for soaking
Instructions
- Prepare Kunafa Layer: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Toss the chopped kunafa dough with 1/4 cup of melted butter until evenly coated. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside.
- Make Brownie Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Stir in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and pistachio paste or ground pistachios gently.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the brownie batter evenly over the baked kunafa layer in the pan. Sprinkle the chopped pistachios evenly over the top. Bake for 22 to 26 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is still slightly fudgy.
- Finish and Cool: Remove from the oven and, while still warm, drizzle with simple syrup if using, to add traditional kunafa sweetness. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 9 pieces.
Notes
- Do not overbake to keep the brownies fudgy and moist.
- Simple syrup adds authentic kunafa sweetness but can be omitted for a more balanced, less sweet dessert.
- For best flavor, allow the brownies to rest overnight—the flavors deepen and develop.
