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Think chewy brownies from America meet the sweet crunchiness of Middle Eastern kunafa. The base is packed with chocolate, while the crispy kunafa top, covered with pistachios and syrup, gives you something fun to bite into. Hints of rose and orange blossom water make everything smell incredible. If you want to wow friends or jazz up an old favorite, this is the sweet treat for you.
Irresistible Ingredient Lineup
- Lemon juice (1 tsp): Keeps your syrup smooth, so it won't turn gritty.
- Sugar (1/3 cup / 67g): Makes the syrup sweet.
- Water (1/2 cup / 120ml): Needed as a base to make your syrup.
- Orange blossom water (1 tsp): Gives a citrus-floral pop, classic for Middle Eastern treats.
- Rose water (1 tsp): Brings in a lovely floral note.
- Granulated sugar (2 tbsp): Helps the kunafa come out super crispy.
- Melted butter (1/3 cup / 75g): Coats the kunafa for extra crunch.
- Pistachios (1/2 cup / 60g): Use unsalted and bright green for that wow factor and flavor.
- Shredded phyllo dough (kunafa) (150g): The game-changing crispy layer on top.
- Chocolate chips (1/2 cup / 85g): Bumps up the chocolate flavor even more.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Cuts the sweetness.
- Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Helps the brownies get just the right lift.
- Cocoa powder (1/2 cup / 50g): Gives you that deep, rich chocolate taste.
- All-purpose flour (3/4 cup / 90g): Makes up the base of the brownies.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the chocolate flavor.
- Large eggs (3): Add richness and hold everything together.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup / 100g): Makes things extra moist and tasty.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/4 cups / 250g): Sweetens as well as makes the brownies fudgy.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup / 226g): Gives rich taste and lets you choose how salty everything is.
Luxurious Brownie Steps
- Finishing Touch with Kunafa and Syrup:
- When the base is baked, pull it out and gently layer the kunafa topping on. Press it down softly then pop it back in until the top looks gold and crisp. While it’s still warm, pour syrup right over so it soaks in.
- Fluffy Kunafa Prep:
- Take the kunafa, fluff it up, then mix with melted butter, a bit of sugar, chopped pistachios, plus a little rose and orange water for that fancy fragrance.
- Mixing Up Awesome Flavors:
- Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt together, then slowly fold them into the wet mix. Don’t overmix! Toss in chocolate chips and spread it evenly in the baking pan.
- Getting Your Brownie Base Ready:
- Heat your oven to 350°F and line a pan with parchment. Melt the butter, stir it with both sugars until shiny, then whisk in eggs one at a time and throw in the vanilla.
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Glam Serving Ideas
Serve fresh and warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream spiked with cardamom for smaller get-togethers. For parties, slice into tiny squares and set out with Turkish coffee, figs, and dried apricots.
Fun Ways to Switch Things Up
Chocolate Orange — Mix orange zest into your batter and pump up the orange blossom water. Honey Pistachio — Swap the syrup for honey with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Rose Chocolate — Go heavy on the rose water both in the topping and syrup, then scatter on some dried rose petals.
Stay Fresh Tips
Keep loosely covered on the counter for two days. Chill in the fridge for up to a week and bake at 300°F for five minutes so it crisps up again. Freeze single pieces wrapped up tight to make them last even longer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Where can I buy kunafa (shredded phyllo) dough?
- You’ll usually spot kunafa dough frozen at Mediterranean or Middle Eastern markets—sometimes labeled kataifi or kadaif. Thinly slicing regular phyllo sheets can work if you’re in a pinch.
- → Do I have to use rose or orange blossom water?
- Not at all—they just give extra fragrance and flavor. Go without if you want to keep it simple. Your dessert will still taste awesome, just a little less floral.
- → Can I make Kunafa Brownies ahead of time?
- Totally! Letting them sit overnight makes them even better because the syrup soaks in more. Just cover them and leave at room temp for best results.
- → How should I store leftover Kunafa Brownies?
- Pop any extras in a sealed container and keep them on the counter for up to three days. Warm them up for a few seconds in the microwave if you want them soft again.
- → How can I make these less sweet?
- Cut back on sugar in the brownies and syrup by a quarter—it won’t mess up the texture. If you want even less sweetness, don’t pour as much syrup on top.