Dubai Kunafa Chocolate – Crispy Outside, Melted Inside
This Dubai chocolate Kunafa recipe 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.
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.