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Chocolate Kunafa

Crispy, buttery kunafa noodles wrapped around melted chocolate, taking the traditional Arabic dessert into seriously indulgent territory.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Dessert, Treat
Cuisine: Fusion, Middle Eastern
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Kunafa
  • 1 pound kunafa dough (kataifi) Thaw completely before using.
  • 1 cup butter, melted Use good quality butter for optimal flavor.
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • pinch salt
For the Chocolate Filling
  • 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk) Use good quality chocolate for best results.
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter
For Assembly
  • 2 tablespoons pistachios, chopped (optional)
  • powdered sugar for dusting
Optional Sweet Syrup
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Method
 

Preparing the Kunafa Dough
  1. Remove kunafa from packaging and separate the strands gently. Place in a large bowl and fluff with your fingers.
  2. Pour melted butter over the kunafa and toss thoroughly until every strand is coated.
  3. Add sugar and salt, then mix well to distribute evenly.
Making the Chocolate Ganache
  1. Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Do not boil it.
  2. Pour hot cream over chocolate chips in a bowl and let sit for 2 minutes without stirring.
  3. Add butter and whisk until completely smooth and glossy. Let it cool for 10 minutes.
Assembling in the Pan
  1. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan generously with butter.
  2. Press half the kunafa mixture into the bottom of the pan and pour the cooled chocolate ganache over it.
  3. Top with the remaining kunafa mixture and press down firmly to seal everything together.
Baking to Crispy Perfection
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
  2. Let it cool for at least 20 minutes before cutting.
  3. Cut into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife dipped in hot water.
Making the Optional Syrup
  1. Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, then add lemon juice and simmer for 2 more minutes.

Notes

Pistachios or powdered sugar can be used for garnishing. Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days; for longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.