Knafeh Pistachio Chocolate Bar

Trust me, you’re going to fall in love with this dessert. Picture this: crispy golden layers of buttery dough, rich and velvety melted chocolate, and the luxurious crunch of roasted pistachios. Every bite is a dreamy combination of sweet and savory that’s totally irresistible. Whether you’re looking to impress at a party or simply indulge in a little treat at home, this Knafeh Pistachio Chocolate Bar will have you feeling like a baking pro—without all the fuss. This is the kind of dessert that people will ask about long after they’ve finished their last bite. Ready to wow your taste buds? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Knafeh Pistachio Chocolate Bar

This Knafeh Pistachio Chocolate Bar is one of those recipes that feels like a celebration in every bite. Whether you’re craving something indulgent after a long day or looking to serve up a showstopper at your next gathering, this dessert is here to make your day a little sweeter. Here’s why it’s destined to become a favorite:

Versatile:

This recipe is the perfect balance between fancy and comforting. Serve it at a dinner party, a holiday feast, or just as a cozy indulgence on a quiet evening—you can’t go wrong. Plus, it’s an impressive treat that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Budget-Friendly:

With ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, this dessert is proof that you don’t have to break the bank to make something extraordinary. And yet, every bite feels decadent—that’s the magic of Knafeh.

Quick and Easy:

There’s no need to be intimidated by desserts that look fancy. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a melt-in-your-mouth creation that looks like it came straight from a bakery. Even if you’re a beginner, you can totally nail this.

Customizable:

Feel free to tweak the recipe to your liking! If you’re not a huge fan of chocolate, swap it out for fruit preserves or honey. You can make this recipe yours, no matter your flavor preferences.

Crowd-Pleasing:

This dessert hits all the right notes. Whether you’re serving it to kids or adults, everyone will be impressed by the combination of crispy, nutty, and sweet flavors. It’s like dessert magic on a plate!

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of this dessert—it’s made with a few key ingredients that come together to create something totally irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need:

Knafeh Dough:

The crispy base of this dessert is made from buttery, golden Knafeh dough. This is what gives the dessert its signature texture that’s crunchy and soft all at once.

Pistachios:

These little green beauties are the perfect nutty addition to the dessert. They add a satisfying crunch and a rich, savory flavor that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.

Chocolate:

Melted chocolate is what ties everything together, giving the dessert its rich, creamy sweetness. The chocolatey layers are what make each bite so indulgent, with just the right amount of melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Butter:

A key ingredient to help everything come together and create that perfect crispy texture. Plus, the buttery richness adds so much depth to the flavor.

Sugar Syrup:

A sweet syrup drizzled on top once the dessert is baked makes all the difference. It soaks into the dough and gives the Knafeh its signature sweet finish.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this sweet masterpiece:

Preheat Your Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the dessert bakes evenly and crisps up perfectly.

Prepare the Knafeh Dough:

In a large bowl, toss the Knafeh dough with melted butter until it’s well coated. You want the dough to absorb all that buttery goodness so it crisps up nicely in the oven.

Layer the Dough:

Spread half of the Knafeh dough into a greased baking dish, pressing it down gently. This will form the crispy base layer of your dessert.

Add the Chocolate:

Melt the chocolate and spread it over the dough in an even layer. This is where the magic happens—smooth, gooey chocolate that will melt into the dough as it bakes.

Sprinkle with Pistachios:

Generously sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the melted chocolate. The crunch of the pistachios will contrast beautifully with the rich chocolate and buttery dough.

Top with Remaining Dough:

Spread the remaining Knafeh dough over the pistachios, pressing it down lightly. This will form the second layer, helping the dessert crisp up on top.

Bake:

Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. The Knafeh should be bubbling around the edges and have a nice golden color.

Drizzle with Sugar Syrup:

Once the Knafeh is out of the oven, immediately pour the sugar syrup over the hot dessert. The syrup will soak into the layers, making every bite sweet and sticky in the best way.

Let it Cool:

Allow the Knafeh to cool for about 15 minutes so the layers set before slicing into it. This is the moment where the anticipation builds!

Serve and Enjoy:

Slice into squares or bars and serve warm. You can even top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of extra pistachios for that final touch.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12-16 bars
Calories per serving: 300-350 calories (depending on portion size)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Knafeh Pistachio Chocolate Bar

This dessert is rich enough to enjoy on its own, but here are a few ideas for serving it up:

Fresh Fruits:

Pair it with fresh berries or a citrus salad to cut through the richness and balance the flavors.

Ice Cream:

Serve with a scoop of vanilla or pistachio ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert experience.

Tea or Coffee:

This Knafeh Pistachio Chocolate Bar goes wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a meal.

Presentation:

Serve in a beautiful platter with extra crushed pistachios sprinkled on top for a professional-looking finish.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead:

You can prepare the dough and melt the chocolate ahead of time, so the assembly process is quicker when you’re ready to bake.

Spice It Up:

If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a hint of cinnamon or a splash of orange blossom water to the syrup for a unique twist.

Storage Tips:

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to refresh the texture.

Double the Batch:

This dessert freezes wonderfully! Consider making a double batch and storing the extras in the freezer for when you need a sweet treat on hand.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the chocolate with something else?

A1: Yes! If you’re not a chocolate fan, you can swap it for fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot, or even caramel.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?

A2: Definitely! You can assemble everything the day before, and then just bake and drizzle the syrup when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven.

Q4: Can I freeze this dessert?

A4: Yes! Freeze slices in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this?

A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to get the layers nice and crispy again.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?

A6: Absolutely! Just make sure to use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time if needed.

Q7: Is this recipe suitable for specific diets?

A7: With a few substitutions, you can make this dessert gluten-free or dairy-free. Just swap out the butter for a dairy-free version and use a gluten-free Knafeh dough.

Q8: What side dishes go well with this dessert?

A8: A refreshing citrus salad or a scoop of ice cream pairs perfectly with the rich and sweet flavors of the Knafeh.

Q9: How can I make this dessert healthier?

A9: While this dessert is a treat, you could reduce the sugar in the syrup or try using dark chocolate for a healthier twist.

Q10: What’s the best cookware for this recipe?

A10: A 9×13-inch baking dish works perfectly, but you can use any medium-sized baking pan as long as the dough fits nicely.

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Knafeh Pistachio Chocolate Bar


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  • Author: khaoula belabess
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Indulge in the decadent fusion of traditional Middle Eastern knafeh and rich chocolate with this Knafeh Pistachio Chocolate Bar. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat any time!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Knafeh Pistachio Filling:

  • 400g milk chocolate couverture
  • 200g kataifi or shredded phyllo pastry
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 200g pistachio cream
  • 1 tsp tahini

For Tempering Chocolate:

  • 400g milk chocolate couverture

Instructions

  • Prepare knafeh pistachio filling: Chop kataifi and set aside. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped kataifi and toast for 10 minutes or until crispy and golden brown. Transfer to a mixing bowl. Add pistachio cream and tahini. Mix well.
  • Temper chocolate: Heat a saucepan half-filled with water over medium heat until simmering. Place 2/3 of the dark chocolate in a heatproof mixing bowl. With the heat off, double boiler the chocolate until it reaches 100°F (38°C). Do not exceed 115°F (46°C).
  • Cool chocolate: Once melted and at 100°F, remove from the saucepan and cool with the remaining chocolate chips. Keep stirring until it reaches 84°F (29°C).
  • Coat mold: Pour 2 tbsp of melted chocolate into the mold and tilt it sideways to coat the inside evenly. Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes.
  • Fill and chill: Add knafeh pistachio filling and pour more melted chocolate on top. Spread until the filling is well coated. Chill in the fridge for 1 hour.
  • Demold and decorate: Carefully remove the chocolate from the mold. Decorate with drizzled colored melted chocolate if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure the chocolate does not exceed the recommended temperatures during tempering for best results.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

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