Description
Irresistible Pistachio Kunafa Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic chocolate brownies with the crispy, buttery kataifi pastry topped with crunchy pistachios. This Middle Eastern fusion dessert offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a unique twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Layer
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Kunafa Topping
- 200 grams kataifi pastry (shredded phyllo dough)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped
Garnish
- Drizzle of simple syrup or honey
- Extra chopped pistachios
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Make the Brownie Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until the batter turns glossy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to ensure there are no lumps and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to prevent overmixing, which can make the brownies tough.
- Prepare the Brownie Base: Pour the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula for an even layer.
- Prepare the Kunafa Topping: In a bowl, toss the kataifi pastry with the melted butter and granulated sugar until the shredded dough is evenly coated with the butter and sugar mixture.
- Assemble the Topping: Spread the buttered kataifi pastry evenly over the brownie batter layer in the pan, pressing down gently to compact slightly. Sprinkle the chopped pistachios evenly over the top.
- Bake the Brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the brownies have set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, indicating perfectly baked brownies.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the brownies to cool slightly in the pan. Drizzle the top with honey or simple syrup for added sweetness and moisture, then garnish with additional chopped pistachios before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a richer Middle Eastern flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom to the brownie batter.
- Serve the brownies slightly warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Brownies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
