Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Main Image of Pistachio Kunafa Brownies with Chocolate, Kunafa, and Pistachio Topping

Pistachio Kunafa Brownies Recipe

Fudgy chocolate brownies layered with crispy kunafa and topped with vibrant pistachios—these Pistachio Kunafa Brownies are a dreamy Middle Eastern fusion dessert that’s as easy to make as it is irresistible.

  • Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
  • Yield: 9 to 12 pieces 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup kunafa dough (shredded phyllo), thawed if frozen
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 2 tbsp sugar syrup (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (unsalted and roasted preferred)
  • Optional: extra syrup drizzle for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
  3. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisk until combined.
  4. Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Gently fold until just mixed—don’t overmix.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix shredded kunafa dough with melted butter until well coated. Add sugar syrup and mix again.
  6. Pour brownie batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
  7. Evenly layer kunafa mixture over brownie batter, pressing gently with hands or spatula.
  8. Bake for 28–32 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
  9. Let cool completely. Sprinkle chopped pistachios over the top.
  10. Optional: Drizzle with extra syrup before serving.

Notes

No kunafa dough? Use shredded phyllo or vermicelli. Add chocolate chips or Nutella for extra gooeyness. For a Middle Eastern twist, sprinkle with rosewater or orange blossom before baking.

  • Author: Clara
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: pistachio kunafa brownies, chocolate kunafa dessert, Middle Eastern brownies