I was recently inspired by the alluring tastes of the Middle East, particularly a luxurious dessert known as Dubai Kunafa Chocolate. This delightful concoction marries the traditional cheesecake-like texture of Kunafa with the rich, velvety embrace of chocolate, creating a truly irresistible dessert.
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How to make Dubai Kunafa Chocolate
Dubai Kunafa Chocolate is a modern twist on the traditional Middle Eastern dessert known as Kunafa. Kunafa is typically made with a layer of shredded phyllo dough (or semolina dough), soaked in sugar syrup, and filled with cheese or other sweet fillings.
Ingredients:
- For the Kunafa layer:
- 1/2 pound of kunafa dough (shredded phyllo dough), thawed
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- For the Chocolate layer:
- 200 grams of high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup of ricotta cheese or any smooth, unsweetened cheese like mascarpone
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For Garnish:
- Crushed pistachios
- Dried rose petals (optional)
- Icing sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Kunafa Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the thawed kunafa dough with melted butter. Toss well to ensure the strands are evenly coated. If you like a bit of spice, mix in the ground cinnamon with the granulated sugar and sprinkle this over the buttered kunafa dough.
- Prepare the Kunafa Base:
- Press half of the buttered kunafa dough into the bottom of a greased 9-inch round cake pan or pie dish, creating a compact layer. Keep it as even as possible.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread this cheese mixture evenly over the kunafa layer in the pan.
- Add Remaining Kunafa:
- Cover the cheese layer with the remaining kunafa dough, pressing gently to compact it slightly.
- Bake:
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-30 minutes or until the kunafa is golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare Chocolate Ganache:
- While the kunafa bakes, prepare your chocolate ganache. In a small saucepan, heat the cream until it just begins to simmer, but do not let it boil.
- Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate and butter, stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Assemble the Dessert:
- Once the kunafa is ready, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly in the pan. Then, pour the warm chocolate ganache over the top, spreading it out to cover the kunafa evenly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle crushed pistachios and dried rose petals over the chocolate layer while it’s still warm—dust with a light sprinkle of icing sugar for added allure.
- Allow the chocolate to set slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips for Perfect Dubai Kunafa Chocolate:
- Kunafa Dough Prep: Ensure the kunafa dough is fully thawed and loosened up to avoid clumps. This ensures even baking and texture.
- Chocolate Quality: Use good-quality dark chocolate for the ganache, as it’s the star of the chocolate layer’s flavor and texture.
- Serving: This dessert is best served warm or at room temperature, as the ganache has a nicer texture when it’s not completely set hard.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, cover them and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat slightly before serving to revive the textures.
What to serve with
The right accompaniments with Dubai Kunafa Chocolate can elevate this dessert from merely fabulous to an unforgettable culinary experience.
1. Beverages:
- Turkish Coffee or Arabic Coffee: The strong, slightly bitter coffee perfectly balances the sweetness of the Dubai Kunafa Chocolate, enhancing its chocolate and cheese flavors.
- Mint Tea: A refreshing choice that cleanses the palate between bites. The freshness of the mint contrasts beautifully with the richness of the dessert.
- Spiced Hot Chocolate: For an indulgent experience, spiced hot chocolate can double down on cozy, chocolatey warmth. A hint of cinnamon or cardamom can tie it nicely to the kunafa’s Middle Eastern roots.
2. Fresh Fruits:
- Mixed Berries: A selection of fresh berries such as raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries can add a tart contrast to the sweetness of the dessert, along with a pop of color on the plate.
- Citrus Segments: Oranges or tangerines bring a bright acidity that can cut through the richness, refreshing the palate.
3. Light Desserts:
- Rosewater Infused Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream infused with a hint of rosewater can add a floral note that complements the Middle Eastern theme.
- Mascarpone and Honey: For a richer accompaniment, a bowl of lightly whipped mascarpone sweetened with a drizzle of honey offers a creamy texture that contrasts with the crunchy layer of kunafa.
4. Nuts and Dried Fruits:
- Pistachios and Almonds: Offering additional nuts on the side allows guests to add extra crunch and nuttiness according to their taste.
- Dates and Apricots: Dried fruits like dates and apricots can introduce a chewy texture and natural sweetness, enhancing the dessert’s complex flavor profile.
5. Ice Cream or Sorbet:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice that pairs well with almost any dessert, the creaminess and subtle flavor of vanilla ice cream can be a delightful contrast to the warm and rich kunafa.
- Lemon Sorbet: For a lighter, refreshing option, lemon sorbet can cleanse the palate with its icy texture and sharp citrus flavor, balancing the kunafa’s sweetness.
Ingredients Substitutes
Dubai Kunafa Chocolate is a variation of the traditional Middle Eastern dessert Kunafa (also spelled Knafeh or Kunafeh), which combines the sweet, cheese-filled pastry with rich chocolate.
1. Kunafa Dough (Kataifi):
Substitute: Shredded Phyllo Dough or even vermicelli if kataifi is unavailable. If you’re using shredded phyllo, you must handle it carefully to prevent it from drying out and breaking. Vermicelli should be broken into shorter lengths to resemble the texture of kunafa dough as closely as possible.
2. Akkawi Cheese:
Substitute: If Akkawi is hard to find, a mixture of mozzarella and ricotta can be used. Mozzarella offers a stretchy texture, while ricotta contributes to the creaminess. Soak the mozzarella in water for a few hours and then drain it well to remove excess salt, as Akkawi is often desalted before use.
3. Mozzarella Cheese:
Substitute: If the recipe calls for mozzarella and you don’t have it, you can use provolone for a similar texture, though the flavor will be slightly different.
4. Semolina:
Substitute: Fine corn flour or all-purpose flour can be used, but this may slightly alter the texture and taste.
5. Fresh Cream or Heavy Cream:
Substitute: Although it changes the richness, you can use a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of melted butter for each cup of cream or full-fat coconut milk for a non-dairy option.
6. Chocolate:
Substitute: If the recipe calls for a particular type of chocolate, such as dark or milk chocolate, and you have another type on hand, you can generally substitute one for the other according to personal preference. Cocoa powder mixed with sugar and fat (like butter or coconut oil) can create a homemade chocolate sauce if you don’t have chocolate bars or chips.
7. Sugar Syrup:
Substitute: Honey or maple syrup can be used instead of sugar syrup. Adjust the sweetness to taste, as these alternatives are often sweeter than sugar syrup. If you use honey, you might want to add a little water to dilute its thickness.
8. Rose Water or Orange Blossom Water:
Substitute: These floral water ingredients are key to the traditional flavor, but if you must substitute, consider using vanilla extract. You won’t get the same Middle Eastern flair, but vanilla does add a universally loved aroma and flavor profile.
9. Butter:
Substitute: Ghee has a richer, nuttier flavor and can be used instead of butter. In a pinch, margarine or even coconut oil can work as a non-dairy substitute.
10. Crushed Pistachios for Garnish:
Substitute: If pistachios are not available, almonds, walnuts, or even a sprinkle of sesame seeds could work as a crunchy topping.
Final Thoughts
Dubai Kunafa Chocolate is a delightful and opulent twist on the traditional kunafa. It is perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to indulge in something truly special.
More Dubai Recipes:
- Copycat Starbucks Dubai Chocolate Recipe
- Baskin Robbins Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe
- Dunkin’ Dubai Chocolate Donut Recipe
- Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Recipe

Ingredients
- For the Kunafa layer:
- 1/2 pound of kunafa dough (shredded phyllo dough), thawed
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- For the Chocolate layer:
- 200 grams of high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup of ricotta cheese or any smooth, unsweetened cheese like mascarpone
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For Garnish:
- Crushed pistachios
- Dried rose petals (optional)
- Icing sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Kunafa Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the thawed kunafa dough with melted butter. Toss well to ensure the strands are evenly coated. If you like a bit of spice, mix in the ground cinnamon with the granulated sugar and sprinkle this over the buttered kunafa dough.
- Prepare the Kunafa Base:
- Press half of the buttered kunafa dough into the bottom of a greased 9-inch round cake pan or pie dish, creating a compact layer. Keep it as even as possible.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread this cheese mixture evenly over the kunafa layer in the pan.
- Add Remaining Kunafa:
- Cover the cheese layer with the remaining kunafa dough, pressing gently to compact it slightly.
- Bake:
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-30 minutes or until the kunafa is golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare Chocolate Ganache:
- While the kunafa bakes, prepare your chocolate ganache. In a small saucepan, heat the cream until it just begins to simmer, but do not let it boil.
- Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate and butter, stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Assemble the Dessert:
- Once the kunafa is ready, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly in the pan. Then, pour the warm chocolate ganache over the top, spreading it out to cover the kunafa evenly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle crushed pistachios and dried rose petals over the chocolate layer while it’s still warm—dust with a light sprinkle of icing sugar for added allure.
- Allow the chocolate to set slightly before slicing and serving.