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Pistachio Kunafa Brownies mix Middle Eastern flavors with classic American sweets for a delicious treat. Crunchy kunafa pastry sits on top of fudgy chocolate brownies with crunchy pistachios sprinkled in. A sweet condensed milk drizzle finishes it off with creamy goodness. It’s a fun, cozy dessert that’s sure to please everyone.
I made these for a family get-together and they vanished fast. The crispy kunafa paired with moist brownies feels like a party in your mouth every time.
What You'll Need
- Unsalted butter: adds moisture and richness; using good quality makes a big difference
- Granulated sugar: balances out the chocolate’s bitterness; fine sugar blends in better
- Large eggs: hold everything together and give fluffiness; fresh eggs work best
- Vanilla extract: boosts aroma and complements the chocolate really well
- All-purpose flour: forms the batter base; sift it for a smooth mix
- Cocoa powder: packs in the chocolate flavor; choose dark good-quality cocoa for depth
- Salt: lifts all the flavors and cuts the sweetness
- Shredded kunafa pastry: makes crisp, delicate layers; fresh or frozen is fine but shred it finely
- Chopped pistachios: add crunch and a nutty kick; pick fresh green nuts for color and taste
- Sweetened condensed milk: gives a rich glaze and moisture; keep it cold so it drizzles easily
Step-by-Step Guide
- Make the Brownie Batter:
- Gently melt the butter on low heat until smooth. Take it off the heat and whisk in the sugar, then add eggs and vanilla. Whisk until shiny and fully mixed.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients:
- In another bowl, sift or whisk the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. This helps spread the cocoa and salt evenly.
- Blend Wet and Dry:
- Pour the dry mix into the wet ingredients and stir lightly until just combined. Don’t overmix or the brownies won’t be tender.
- Layer Kunafa and Batter:
- Grease your baking dish well. Spread half the shredded kunafa evenly across the bottom to make a crunchy base. Carefully spread the brownie batter on top and smooth it out.
- Add Pistachios and Finish Layers:
- Sprinkle chopped pistachios over the brownie layer. Then put the rest of the shredded kunafa on top for a crispy finish.
- Drizzle and Bake:
- Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the top. Put it in the oven set at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick near the center comes out almost clean with some moist crumbs.
- Cool and Slice:
- Let the brownies cool fully so they set before cutting into squares for serving.
When I tried mixing kunafa beyond the usual cheese and syrup stuff, the pistachios added a great nutty flavor that really upped the game.
Best Storage Tips
Keep brownies cooled in an airtight box at room temperature for up to three days. For longer, toss them in the fridge for a week or freeze pieces wrapped well for up to three months. To enjoy, let frozen brownies warm up at room temp or heat briefly in the oven to get that fresh-baked softness back.
Switch It Up
Trade pistachios for toasted almonds or walnuts to change the nutty vibe. Toss some white chocolate chips into the batter for sweet little surprises. Try a light drizzle of rose or orange blossom water instead of vanilla for a floral twist from the Middle East.
Great Serving Ideas
Serve these warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream to balance out the rich chocolate. Pair with mint tea or strong Arabic coffee to bring out the nuttiness and cocoa. A spoonful of whipped cream sprinkled with ground cardamom adds a fragrant, smooth finish.
These Pistachio Kunafa Brownies are a tasty mix of old traditions and fresh ideas. Their bright texture and bold taste make every bite feel like a fun, creative bake with a special touch.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → What kind of pastry do I need here?
You’ll want shredded kunafa pastry for the layers. It brings a light, flaky crunch that makes each bite interesting.
- → Could I swap pistachios for other nuts?
Sure thing. Walnuts or almonds work fine if you want a new flavor or crunch, though pistachios give that classic nuttiness.
- → How can I tell when it’s baked just right?
Stick a toothpick in the middle. If it comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs, you’re good. Avoid under or overbaking.
- → What does sweetened condensed milk do in this?
It adds a smooth sweet touch on top, keeping it moist and balancing the chocolate and nutty flavors perfectly.
- → Is shredding the kunafa pastry finely important?
Yes, shredding it finely helps layers cook evenly and keeps the texture just right all through the treat.