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Crispy Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Kunafa Bars

crispy dubai chocolate pistachio kunafa bars - featured image
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A quick and easy homemade dessert featuring crispy kunafa pastry layered with rich dark chocolate, roasted pistachios, and a white chocolate drizzle, inspired by Dubai’s vibrant food scene.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 500g (1 lb) shredded kunafa pastry
  • 150g (5 oz) unsalted butter, melted
  • 200g (7 oz) dark chocolate, chopped or chips
  • 100g (3.5 oz) white chocolate, for drizzle
  • 100g (3.5 oz) roasted pistachios, roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar (optional)
  • 1 tsp rose water
  • 2 tbsp honey

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Gently pull apart the shredded kunafa pastry with your fingers into thin strands to prevent clumping. Place it in a large bowl.
  3. Pour the warm melted butter over the kunafa and toss thoroughly to coat every strand.
  4. Melt the dark chocolate using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently until smooth. Let it cool slightly but keep it pourable.
  5. Press half of the buttered kunafa mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan, creating an even layer.
  6. Sprinkle the honey evenly over the base layer, then add the rose water.
  7. Spread half of the melted dark chocolate evenly over the base layer using a spatula.
  8. Sprinkle half of the chopped roasted pistachios on top of the chocolate layer.
  9. Spread the remaining buttered kunafa strands over the pistachios, pressing lightly to keep the strands airy.
  10. Top with the remaining melted dark chocolate and pistachios.
  11. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and nutty aroma develops, checking from 20 minutes to avoid burning.
  12. Cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack for about 30 minutes.
  13. Melt the white chocolate gently and drizzle it over the cooled bars in a zigzag pattern.
  14. Chill the bars in the fridge for 15 minutes to set the drizzle.
  15. Cut into bars using a sharp knife, wiping the knife between cuts for clean edges.

Notes

Use good-quality dark chocolate like Lindt 70% for best flavor. Avoid pressing kunafa layers too hard to maintain crispiness. Melt chocolate slowly to prevent burning. For dairy-free, swap butter with coconut oil and use vegan chocolates. For gluten-free, ensure kunafa pastry is gluten-free or substitute with gluten-free phyllo.

Nutrition

Keywords: kunafa, chocolate pistachio bars, Dubai dessert, crispy kunafa, white chocolate drizzle, easy dessert, Middle Eastern sweets

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/crispy-dubai-chocolate-pistachio-kunafa-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-dessert/