The Dreamiest Pistachio Kunafa Brownies Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Sweet chocolate lovers often crave unexpected pistachio kunafa brownies that blend Middle Eastern and Western dessert traditions in one stunning bite.

Crunchy layers of shredded phyllo dance with rich chocolate, creating a sensational texture combination.

Nuts bring unexpected crunch and depth to this indulgent treat.

Crispy kunafa strands weave through fudgy brownie bases, delivering complex flavor profiles.

Delicate green pistachio hints peek through dark chocolate landscapes, promising an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Each slice reveals intricate patterns of cultural dessert creativity.

You won’t believe how beautifully these ingredients harmonize into one irresistible confection.

Pistachio Kunafa Brownies with Bold Dessert Flair

• Combine two beloved desserts into one mouthwatering treat that blends rich chocolate with delicate Middle Eastern pastry textures.
• Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions where you want to impress guests with a unique and unexpected dessert that sparks conversation.
• Requires basic baking skills and minimal ingredients, making it accessible for home bakers of all experience levels who want to create something extraordinary without complex techniques.
• Delivers a delightful contrast of textures with crispy kunafa topping, rich brownie base, and sweet syrup that tantalizes taste buds and offers a gourmet experience in every single bite.

Everything Needed for Pistachio Kunafa Brownies

• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, moist texture for the brownies.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Contribute sweetness and help with caramelization and moisture.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and add structure to the brownie base.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the dessert.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structural base of the brownie.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and dark color.
• Baking Powder: Helps the brownies rise and become light.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the sweet flavors.
• Chocolate Chips: Add extra chocolate chunks and melty texture.

• Shredded Phyllo Dough: Creates the signature crispy kunafa layer.
• Pistachios: Provide a nutty crunch and unique flavor.
• Rose Water, Orange Blossom Water: Add floral and aromatic notes to the dessert.

• Water, Sugar, Lemon Juice: Create a sweet and slightly tangy syrup.
• Rose Water, Orange Blossom Water: Enhance the syrup with delicate floral notes.

• Pistachios, Shredded Coconut: Add extra texture and visual appeal to the final dessert.

How to Make Pistachio Kunafa Brownies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F (175C).

Grab a 9×9-inch baking pan and give it a quick spray of cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Create the Brownie Base

• Melted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Crack in the eggs and splash of vanilla extract.

Mix until everything looks smooth and glossy.

• Flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Salt

Stir gently until just combined.

Sprinkle in chocolate chips and fold them through.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Let the brownies cool down for 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Craft the Kunafa Topping

Fluff up the shredded phyllo dough with your fingers.

• Melted butter
• Sugar
• Chopped pistachios

Optional: Add a splash of rose water and orange blossom water for an extra flavor punch.

Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled brownie base, pressing down gently.

Step 4: Crisp Up the Topping

Pop the pan back into the oven for 15-20 minutes.

Watch for a golden and crispy kunafa topping.

Step 5: Whip Up the Sweet Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until the syrup starts to thicken.

Take it off the heat and stir in rose and orange blossom waters if you’re using them.

Let it cool slightly.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Once the brownie has cooled completely, drizzle the syrup generously over the top.

Give it a moment to soak in.

For an extra touch, sprinkle some extra pistachios or shredded coconut on top.

Slice and serve this amazing fusion dessert!

Helpful Tips for Pistachio Kunafa Brownies

• Use room temperature eggs for a smoother, more consistent brownie batter that helps ingredients blend perfectly.
• Press the kunafa topping gently to ensure even coverage and achieve a golden, crunchy texture without burning.
• Let brownies cool completely before adding kunafa topping to prevent soggy layers and maintain distinct textures.
• Add a pinch of cardamom to the brownie batter or syrup for an authentic Middle Eastern aromatic twist that complements pistachios.
• Pour warm syrup over slightly cooled brownies to help it penetrate evenly without making the dessert too wet.

Store Pistachio Kunafa Brownies for Later

• Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual brownie pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Keep at room temperature for 1-2 days in a sealed container, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Best consumed within 24 hours for optimal texture and flavor.
• Warm refrigerated brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before serving to prevent burning and maintain the crispy kunafa topping.

Great Pairings with Pistachio Kunafa Brownies

• Brew Rich Arabic Coffee: Strong, cardamom-infused Arabic coffee complements the dessert's sweet complexity, cutting through the richness with its bold, aromatic profile.
• Serve Chilled Rosewater Lassi: Cooling yogurt drink with delicate rosewater notes balances the warm, nutty brownie, providing a refreshing contrast to the dense chocolate base.
• Enhance with Mint Tea: Traditional Middle Eastern mint tea offers a light, herbal accompaniment that cleanses the palate and highlights the pistachio and floral undertones.
• Garnish with Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over warm brownies, creating a luxurious texture and temperature contrast that elevates the dessert's indulgence.

New Takes on Pistachio Kunafa Brownies

• Gluten-Free Kunafa Brownies: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour, ensuring a celiac-friendly dessert that maintains the rich, decadent texture.
• Vegan Chocolate Pistachio Delight: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and substitute butter with coconut oil for a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Nutty Treat: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar, reducing calories while preserving the indulgent flavor profile of the original recipe.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Omit pistachios and replace with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, creating an allergy-friendly version that still offers a crunchy topping.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients that make Pistachio Kunafa Brownies unique?

The combination of rich chocolate brownies and crispy kunafa creates a delightful fusion dessert. Chopped pistachios add nutty flavor and crunch, while rose and orange blossom waters provide a Middle Eastern touch.

• Is this recipe considered difficult to make?

Not at all! While it looks impressive, the recipe is straightforward. Home bakers with basic baking skills can easily create this dessert by following the step-by-step instructions carefully.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have some on hand?

Yes, you can swap chocolate chips with other varieties, use different nuts instead of pistachios, and replace rose water with vanilla extract if needed. The recipe is quite flexible and forgiving.

• How sweet is this dessert compared to traditional brownies?

This dessert is moderately sweet, balanced by the nutty pistachios and the subtle floral notes from the syrup. The brownie base provides rich chocolate flavor, while the kunafa topping adds a light, crispy sweetness.

Pistachio Kunafa Brownies Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Kunafa meets chocolate in these irresistible Pistachio Kunafa Brownies, blending Middle Eastern pastry magic with rich brownie decadence. Crunchy kunafa layers and nutty pistachios create a dessert that invites you to explore sweet culinary boundaries with each luxurious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
• 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 cups shredded phyllo dough
• 1/2 cup pistachios, roughly chopped

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon rose water (optional)
• 1 tablespoon orange blossom water (optional)

Binding and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (56 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon rose water (optional)
• 1 teaspoon orange blossom water (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the foundation by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and lining a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Create the chocolate base by whisking melted butter with granulated and brown sugars until smooth, then incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.
3. Sift dry ingredients – flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt – directly into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing.
4. Gently fold chocolate chips into the batter, then transfer to the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that should emerge with minimal moist crumbs. Allow brownies to cool for 10-15 minutes.
6. Prepare the kunafa topping by delicately separating phyllo strands and combining with melted butter, sugar, and finely chopped pistachios.
7. Enhance the kunafa mixture with optional rose and orange blossom waters for aromatic depth.
8. Distribute the kunafa mixture uniformly across the cooled brownie base, pressing gently to ensure even coverage.
9. Return the pan to the oven, baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the topping transforms into a golden, crispy layer.
10. Simultaneously create the syrup by simmering water, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
11. Remove syrup from heat, incorporating rose and orange blossom waters for fragrant complexity.
12. Once the dessert has cooled completely, generously drizzle the syrup across the surface, allowing it to permeate the layers.
13. Optionally garnish with additional pistachios or delicate coconut shreds before serving.

Notes

• Ensure butter is at room temperature for smooth mixing and even incorporation of ingredients.
• Avoid overmixing the brownie batter to prevent tough, dense texture; stir just until ingredients are combined.
• Fluff phyllo dough gently to maintain its delicate, airy structure and prevent clumping.
• Toast pistachios briefly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and create a more aromatic topping.
• Use fresh, high-quality spices and waters like rose and orange blossom for an authentic, vibrant taste experience.
• Allow brownies to cool completely before adding kunafa topping to prevent soggy layers and maintain crisp texture.
• Adjust syrup sweetness by tasting and adding more lemon juice or sugar to balance flavors.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg