Dubai Kunafa Chocolate Recipe: Crispy & Gooey Delight

One of the best things about social media is that we can explore new recipes from every corner of the world. And recently I just saw a Dubai Kunafa chocolate recipe and I tried making it at my home and it turned out amazing. 

Kunafa is an iconic Middle Eastern food. But in Dubai, they took it to the next level by adding a modern twist in it.

In this post, I will give you a copycat Dubai style chocolate Kunafa recipe. It is exactly what you get in Dubai.

What Makes Dubai Kunafa So Special?

Dubai Kunafa is a Middle Eastern recipe, and traditionally it is made of shredded phyllo dough (Kataifi), and filled with cream cheese or sweetened semolina, and then soaked in fragrant sugar syrup. 

So Dubai Kunafa is special because of its rich history, unique texture, and indulgent flavor.

It is also often served during Middle Eastern celebrations like Eid, weddings, and special dinners.

However, one more thing that makes this Dubai Kunafa so special is its luxurious cooking style. 

When we talk about Dubai, we think of luxury, so this Kunafa reflects Dubai because a few more ingredients that we use are gold leaf, exotic nuts, chocolate, etc. 

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Kunafa Recipe

After trying this Dubai Kunafa chocolate recipe in my home, here are my reasons why I loved it and you’ll love it too:

• This Dubai chocolate Kunafa recipe is really easy. Even if you are a beginner and haven’t made a Middle Eastern dessert recipe before, you can still cook it effortlessly. As you will have to follow just a simple instruction with a few ingredients.
• It is a really delicious recipe because it’s a combination of crispy pastry, melted chocolate, fragrant sugar syrup, etc. 
• The recipe is really versatile; you can serve it on a special occasion and also pair it with too many things.

Dubai Kunafa Chocolate Recipe Ingredients

Here are some ingredients that you will need to make Dubai Style Chocolate Kunafa.

Keep in mind that all these ingredients are essential for crispness, creaminess, and sweetness.

For the Kunafa Base:

• Kunafa dough: You will need 500g of Kunafa dough; it doesn’t matter if you make homemade Kunafa dough or buy it from a store—both options work perfectly. By the way, if you can’t find it, you can also use Shredded phyllo dough for Kunafa’s crispy texture.
• Unsalted butter: You will need 200 gm melted butter to make your Kunafa golden and crunchy. But, make sure it’s a high-quality butter like Kerrygold or Président.

For the Chocolate Filling:

• High-quality chocolate: You will need around 300g of dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even mix (any of them). Milk is good for sweetness and dark is for a more deep flavor. However, you want to choose high quality chocolate and I like Belgian, Swiss, and premium Conventure chocolate.
• Heavy cream: 1 cup of full-fat milk cream for rich and silky chocolate ganache. 

For the Sugar Syrup:

• Granulated sugar: You will need 1 cup of sweetener, and I like Granulated sugar because it’s easily available, dissolves very well and binds with other flavors too.
• Water: ½ cup of water will help you achieve perfect syrup consistency without over-thickening.
• Lemon juice: Just take it 1 tablespoon. It’s a small quantity (and some people avoid it) but it’s a very important ingredient. Lemon juice will prevent sugar from crystallizing and keep the syrup smooth.
• Rosewater or orange blossom water: It’s optional, and if you are taking it, just take one tablespoon. It will just enhance the Middle Eastern fragrance and aroma. However, I personally like rosewater’s fragrance. And it also pairs very well with chocolate, 

For Garnish:

• Crushed pistachios: That’s my favorite thing and you will want to add as many as you want for crunchy contrast and pop of color. However, you can also lightly toast them for a more deep flavor.
• Cocoa powder: Take a sprinkle of unsweetened cocoa powder to enhance chocolate’s richness. I recommend using dutch processed cocoa powder.
• Edible gold leaf (optional): Beside the rosewater, edible gold leaf is another thing that really makes it a luxurious Dubai Kunafa. You should have it if you’re making it on a special occasion.

Ingredient Substitutes

If all ingredients aren’t available, then no problem. Here are some substitutes that you can use to make the Dubai Kunafa chocolate recipe while maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.

Kunafa Dough Alternatives: 

If Kunafa dough is not available (which might not be sometimes), So you can use Phyllo dough, but shred it finely, so it can mimic like Kunafa dough. 

You can also use shredded pastry sheets for flaky texture. 

Besides this, vermicelli noodles’ unsweetened version is good too. You can also use it, but you have to lightly crush and coat it with butter.

Chocolate Options: 

You can use cocoa for a homemade chocolate filling, but it won’t be really creamy like ganache, chocolate, and you can use it.

Besides this, you can use chocolate chips for ganache.

Nutella, if you want a hazelnut twist, and espresso powder can enhance the richness of chocolate and balance Kunafa sweetness.

Sugar Syrup Substitutes:

Although regular granulated sugar is perfect as it dissolves quickly but it’s not the only option. Actually, you can also use honey, which is a natural sweetener.

And it will also blend well with Kunafa’s flavor. Besides this, maple syrup and agave syrup are also good options.

Vegan/Dairy-Free Alternatives:

You can replace dairy butter with a high-quality dairy-free butter like Miyoko’s or Earth Balance, and coconut oil is good, too. 

• You can use dairy-free chocolate like Enjoy Life or Whole Chocolate. 
• Coconut cream instead of full-fat cream. 

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Dubai-Style Chocolate Kunafa

Here is the simple step-by-step process to create Crispy Chocolate Filled Kunafa Dubai Style.

1. Preparing the Kunafa Dough

• First of all, you need to preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350°f).
• Then shred the kunafa dough properly using a hand or a food processor if you have it.
• Pour some melted butter over shredded dough and mix it properly. It will give a golden and crunchy crust.

2. Layering with Chocolate

• Take a saucepan and then heat heavy cream until it starts simmering, but make sure you do not boil it.
• Pour hot ice-cream over the chopped chocolate in a heat-proof bowl and let it sit for around 2 minutes, then stir until it’s properly melted. It will create a rich, silky ganache.
• Then, spread half of the buttered Kunafa dough into a greased baking dish.
• Then, pour the chocolate ganache over the kunafa dough layer and spread it using a spatula.
• Finally, you can top it with the remaining Kunafa dough, but make sure to cover the chocolate completely.

3. Baking to Perfection

• Place the baking dish in a preheated oven. 
• You would want to bake for around 40 minutes until you do not see them turning golden and crispy. However, make sure to rotate the dish halfway.

4. Adding the Sugar Syrup

While you’re baking the Kunafa in an oven,  you’d want to prepare the sugar syrup; here is how you’ll do it:

• Take a saucepan and then combine sugar, water, and lemon juice and bring it to a boil. After that, reduce heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until it’s a bit thick.
• After that, you will add rose water or orange blossom water; although it’s optional, I recommend you try it.
• Once Kunafa is ready in the oven, let it sit for about 5 minutes, and then pour this warm syrup over Kunafa and avoid oversoaking to keep the crispy texture.

5. Garnishing

• You can sprinkle some crushed pistachios, almonds, or any other dry fruit for crunch.
• You can dust it with cocoa powder for an extra chocolatey touch.
• If you want a luxurious finish, just place some edible gold leaf on the top.

There was a simple process of making the Dubai Kunafa chocolate recipe. However, once you make it, once you cook it, then let it sit for around 10 minutes before slicing and allow the syrup to settle. Then you can serve it and enjoy it.

Tips for Perfect Dubai Kunafa Chocolate

Here are some useful tips. If you follow them, you will have the best Dubai Kunafa chocolate recipe.

• Crispy Texture: If you want crispy texture in your Kunafa, then make sure its dough is perfectly coated with melted butter. If needed, you can even toast the dough with your hand to distribute butter.
• Balanced Sweetness: You should adjust sugar syrup based on your own taste. In the beginning, you should add less sugar and start tasting it, and you can keep adding until you achieve the perfect taste.
• Chocolate Choice: You should use high-quality chocolate for Kunafa, such as Lindt, Valrhona, or premium couverture chocolate. They melt beautifully and they also have good flavor.
• Avoid Sogginess: You need to pour warm sugar syrup over the Dubai chocolate kunafa. (I mean it needs to be warm but not piping hot). Plus you need to let it absorb gradually.
• Even Baking: If the Kunafa’s top is not browning, then place it under a boiler for around 2-3 minutes until you see it turning gold. Just keep an eye on that, otherwise it will burn.
• Serving Tip: I really like warm Kunafa and I think you should also serve it the same, make it whenever you want to eat, or if it gets chilled, then next time when you serve, just throw it in the microwave for a few minutes to maintain its crispiness.

Nutrition Value: Is Chocolate Kunafa a Guilty Pleasure?

What will you get in Dubai kunafa chocolate? Here’s a quick nutritional breakdown per serving (approx. 100g):

• Calories: 350-400
• Carbohydrates: 40-45g
• Fats: 20-25g
• Sugars: 25-30g

What to Serve with Dubai Kunafa Chocolate

Here are some of the best things that you can serve, along with the chocolaty Kunafa, to enhance your overall experience.

Beverages:

• Arabic Coffee: It has bold, bitter notes, and it’ll balance kunafa sweetness.
• Mint Tea: It’s a refreshing, palate-cleansing option that will complement the kunafa dessert’s sweetness.
• Hot Chocolate: You can pair it for an ultra-indulgent pairing.

Desserts:

• Baklava: Layers of flaky pastry, nuts, and syrup make this a complementary Middle Eastern classic.
• Kunafa Ice Cream: If you serve it with you’ll have creamy ice cream and the perfect hot-and-cold contrast.

Savory Pairings:

• Cheese Platter (Halloumi or Akkawi): They’re a salty Middle Eastern dessert – to balance sweetness.
• Zaatar Manakish: It’s a herb-infused flatbread that offers a contrast of flavors and makes it a great option before or after dessert.

Customize Your Chocolate Kunafa

Now you know the classic recipe of Dubai Kunafa chocolate. However, here are some small things which can change the Kunafa.

• You can use white chocolate to make Kunafa instead of using dark chocolate.
• Consider adding Nutella for richness.
• All these ingredients that I have mentioned are available in plant-based versions, so you can also use them.

Conclusion

This is an authentic Dubai-style Kunafa dessert, inspired by traditional Middle Eastern Kunafa. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for special occasions.

One more thing that I really like about this Dubai Kunafa chocolate recipe is that it can be paired with many things like beverages, Arabic coffee, mint tea, cold drinks etc. 

I sometimes like eating it with a Coca-Cola drink 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Chocolate Kunafa

Here are some more things that you need to know about the Dubai Kunafa chocolate recipe. And it will help you make it perfect.

Can I use store-bought Kunafa dough?

Yes, of course, you can use store-bought Kunafa Dough. It will save you time. But make sure you freeze and fluff it before you mix it with butter. 

What type of chocolate works best?

High-quality dark chocolate and milk chocolate work best for rich flavor. 

These chocolates melt perfectly which is ideal for Kunafa’s indulgence. If you want sweet then mix milk and dark chocolate together.

Can I make Kunafa ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Kunafa ahead of time and assemble it later. You can prepare it around 24 hours before. 

But if you already bake it, then you should reheat it using an oven at 150 degree for around 10 to 15 minutes. It will restore crispness. 

Plus, you should avoid using a microwave because it will make it more chewy instead of crispy.

I have eaten Kunafa by reheating it in the microwave and oven. And I don’t really like when I use a microwave, it doesn’t change the taste, it just affects the crispiness.

How do I prevent my Kunafa from becoming soggy?

To keep Kunafa crispy:

• You’ve to pour the sugar syrup while the Kunafa is warm, not hot.
• Use just enough syrup to coat the layers rather than drenching them.
• Bake the Kunafa until it turns golden and crisp for a perfect texture.
• If you reheat it, use an oven rather than a microwave to keep it crispy.

Dubai Kunafa Chocolate Recipe

Dubai-style chocolate Kunafa is a Middle Eastern dessert made with crispy Kunafa dough, rich chocolate ganache, and fragrant sugar syrup. It has the perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and deep chocolate flavor. This easy recipe brings the luxurious Dubai-style twist to classic Kunafa with high-quality chocolate, pistachios, and optional edible gold leaf.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 minute min

Course Dessert

Cuisine Dubai-Inspired, Middle Eastern

Servings 6 Servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Kunafa Base:

• 500 g Kunafa dough store-bought or homemade, finely shredded
• 200 g unsalted butter melted (use high-quality butter like Kerrygold or Président)

For the Chocolate Filling:

• 300 g high-quality chocolate dark, milk, or mixed; Belgian, Swiss, or premium couverture recommended
• 1 cup heavy cream full-fat, for silky ganache

For the Sugar Syrup:

• 1 cup granulated sugar dissolves well and blends with flavors
• ½ cup water for perfect syrup consistency
• 1 tbsp lemon juice prevents crystallization
• 1 tbsp rosewater or orange blossom water optional but enhances Middle Eastern aroma

For Garnish:

• Crushed pistachios as many as you want, lightly toasted for more depth
• Cocoa powder Dutch-processed, enhances chocolate richness
• Edible gold leaf optional (for a luxurious touch)

Instructions

 

Preparing the Kunafa Dough

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Shred the Kunafa dough using your hands or a food processor.
• Pour melted butter over the shredded dough and mix well to coat evenly.

Layering with Chocolate

• Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until simmering (do not boil).
• Pour hot cream over chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then stir into a smooth ganache.
• Spread half of the buttered Kunafa dough into a greased baking dish.
• Pour the chocolate ganache over the dough and spread it evenly.
• Cover with the remaining Kunafa dough, ensuring the chocolate is fully covered.

Baking to Perfection

• Bake for 40 minutes, or until golden and crispy, rotating halfway for even baking.

Adding the Sugar Syrup

• While Kunafa is baking, make the syrup:
• Combine sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thick.
• Add rosewater or orange blossom water (optional).
• Once Kunafa is done, let it rest 5 minutes, then pour the warm syrup over it. Avoid oversoaking to maintain crispness.

Garnishing

• Sprinkle crushed pistachios for crunch.
• Dust with cocoa powder for extra chocolate flavor.
• Place edible gold leaf on top for a luxurious look.
• Let the Kunafa sit for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the syrup to settle. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• If you want a crispy texture, ensure the Kunafa dough is well-coated with butter.
• Adjust sugar syrup sweetness to taste by starting with less sugar.
• Use high-quality chocolate like Lindt or Valrhona for the best flavor.

Keyword chocolate-filled Kunafa, Dubai Kunafa chocolate recipe, Dubai-style sweet, Kunafa dough dessert, Kunafa with chocolate, Middle Eastern dessert

Abraham Doe

As a passionate home cook and food enthusiast, I’m specialize in recreating popular café and restaurant-style chocolate recipes at home. I have experience in testing and customizing various chocolate-based dishes, I focus on using fresh, high-quality ingredients to make preservative-free, delicious treats. My goal is to help chocolate lovers enjoy their favorite recipes with a homemade touch and personalized twists.