Pistachio Kunafa Brownies Recipe
Pistachio Kunafa Brownies are the ultimate fusion dessert that brings together the rich, fudgy decadence of classic brownies with the crisp, nutty magic of Middle Eastern kunafa. Each bite is a celebration of textures and flavors: gooey chocolate, crunchy kataifi pastry, fragrant cardamom, and vibrant pistachios, all tied together with a luscious drizzle of sweetened condensed milk. If you’re ready to wow your friends and family—or just treat yourself to something extraordinary—this creative twist on tradition will make your dessert table unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Pistachio Kunafa Brownies truly special is how a handful of simple, well-chosen ingredients can create something so delightfully unique. Each element here plays a starring role, from the rich chocolate base to the aromatic pistachios and the signature crunch of kunafa dough.
- Brownie mix (1 box, 18–19 oz): This is your shortcut to a reliably fudgy brownie base every time—just add the eggs, oil, and water as your mix instructs.
- Kunafa dough (kataifi), 1 cup: Look for this shredded phyllo pastry in the freezer section; it’s what gives the topping its signature crunch and golden hue.
- Unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons (melted): Melted butter helps the kunafa crisp up perfectly in the oven.
- Sugar, 1 tablespoon: A little sugar brings out the sweetness in the kunafa layer and encourages caramelization.
- Shelled pistachios, 1/2 cup (chopped): These add a pop of color, nutty flavor, and irresistible texture—don’t skimp!
- Ground cardamom, 1/4 teaspoon: Just a pinch infuses the whole dessert with warm, aromatic notes that pair beautifully with chocolate and nuts.
- Sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup: This turns your brownies into a sticky, luscious treat as it soaks in while warm.
- Rose water, 1/2 teaspoon (optional): If you love floral notes, a splash of rose water makes the topping taste like a Middle Eastern pastry shop.
- Extra chopped pistachios for garnish: A final sprinkle for color, crunch, and a bit of drama in every bite.
How to Make Pistachio Kunafa Brownies
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base
Start by setting the stage for your Pistachio Kunafa Brownies: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan. Next, whip up your brownie batter according to package instructions—combine the mix with eggs, oil, and water, and stir until smooth. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it into an even layer that will become the gooey, chocolatey foundation of this dessert.
Step 2: Make the Kunafa Mixture
In a medium bowl, gently separate the kunafa dough so it’s loose and not clumped together. Drizzle the melted butter over the dough, sprinkle in the sugar, chopped pistachios, and ground cardamom. Toss everything together until the kunafa is evenly coated and the pistachios are distributed throughout. This mixture brings a lovely crunch and aromatic lift to your brownies.
Step 3: Layer and Bake
Sprinkle the kunafa mixture evenly over the brownie batter, pressing it down very lightly so it nestles into the chocolate base but still sits proudly on top. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs—don’t overbake, or you’ll lose that fudgy magic.
Step 4: Soak and Scent
As soon as the brownies come out of the oven and while they’re still warm, it’s time for the crowning touch: drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the kunafa topping. If you’re feeling adventurous, stir a hint of rose water into the condensed milk first for that heady, floral aroma. Let the brownies sit so the condensed milk can soak in, making every bite sticky and luscious.
Step 5: Cool, Slice, and Garnish
Allow the Pistachio Kunafa Brownies to cool completely in the pan—this helps everything set and makes slicing a breeze. Just before serving, shower the top with extra chopped pistachios for a fresh, vibrant finish. Cut into squares and get ready to impress!
How to Serve Pistachio Kunafa Brownies
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of extra chopped pistachios is a must for both color and crunch. For extra flair, you can also add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few dried edible rose petals. If you love that Middle Eastern aroma, a tiny drizzle of rose water or orange blossom water on top will transport your taste buds.
Side Dishes
These brownies are rich and decadent, so they pair beautifully with something cool and creamy on the side. Try a scoop of vanilla or pistachio ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a spoonful of thick Greek yogurt for a tart contrast. A strong cup of Arabic coffee or sweet black tea is the perfect beverage for sipping alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party-ready look, cut your Pistachio Kunafa Brownies into small diamonds or triangles and serve them in mini cupcake liners. Stack them on a tiered dessert tray for a dramatic centerpiece, or serve warm with a scoop of ice cream melting over the top. For a truly elegant touch, top each square with a single whole pistachio or a tiny fresh mint leaf.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage to have leftovers, store your Pistachio Kunafa Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The kunafa topping will stay pleasantly crisp the first day and soften a bit after that, but the flavors continue to meld and deepen.
Freezing
These brownies freeze surprisingly well! Let them cool completely, then wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without the extra garnish and add fresh pistachios after thawing.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked magic, simply pop a square in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or reheat in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes. This gently revives the gooey center and helps the kunafa regain some of its crunch. Add a fresh sprinkle of pistachios just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a boxed mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite from-scratch brownie recipe, use it as the base. Just be sure it yields enough batter for an 8×8-inch pan so the kunafa and pistachio topping sits nicely on top.
Where can I find kunafa (kataifi) dough?
Kunafa dough, also known as kataifi, is usually available in Middle Eastern or Mediterranean grocery stores, often in the freezer section. Make sure to thaw it before using, and keep it covered so it doesn’t dry out.
Is rose water necessary for Pistachio Kunafa Brownies?
Rose water is entirely optional. It adds a lovely floral note that’s traditional in many Middle Eastern desserts, but if you’re not a fan, feel free to leave it out or swap it for orange blossom water—or simply use plain condensed milk.
How do I get the kunafa topping extra crispy?
For an extra-crunchy kunafa layer, broil the brownies for the last 2–3 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye so they don’t burn. This will give you a deeply golden, shatteringly crisp topping that’s irresistible.
Can I make Pistachio Kunafa Brownies in advance?
Yes! You can bake the brownies a day ahead and store them covered at room temperature. Wait to add the final garnish of chopped pistachios until just before serving so they stay fresh and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, Pistachio Kunafa Brownies are calling your name. They’re the perfect blend of tradition and creativity, with a flavor and texture experience that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become your new signature treat!
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Pistachio Kunafa Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pistachio Kunafa Brownies are a decadent Middle Eastern fusion dessert combining rich, fudgy brownies with crispy kunafa dough, aromatic cardamom, and a luscious pistachio topping. Drizzled with sweetened condensed milk and optionally infused with rose water, these brownies offer a unique, indulgent twist on traditional treats.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1 box (18–19 oz) brownie mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as directed on the box)
Kunafa Topping
- 1 cup kunafa dough (kataifi)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 teaspoon rose water (optional)
- Extra chopped pistachios for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Brownie Batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan thoroughly. Prepare the brownie batter according to the package instructions, incorporating the eggs, oil, and water as directed. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Mix Kunafa Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the kunafa dough with the melted butter, sugar, chopped pistachios, and ground cardamom. Gently toss the mixture to ensure the kunafa strands and pistachios are evenly coated with butter and sugar for a crisp, fragrant topping.
- Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the kunafa mixture evenly over the brownie batter layer in the pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached, indicating the brownies are perfectly baked.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Rose Water: Remove the brownies from the oven while still warm. Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top to soak into the warm brownie, enhancing its moisture and sweetness. If desired, mix the rose water into the condensed milk before drizzling to add a subtle floral aroma.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan to set the layers and flavors. Once cooled, garnish the top with extra chopped pistachios to add crunch and a vibrant visual appeal. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- You can use homemade brownie batter instead of a boxed mix for a personalized flavor and texture.
- For a crunchier kunafa topping, broil the brownies for the last 2 to 3 minutes of baking while closely monitoring to prevent burning.
- Rose water is optional but adds an authentic Middle Eastern floral note that complements the pistachios beautifully.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
