Dubai Brownies

Indulge in these decadent Dubai Brownies, featuring a fudgy chocolate brownie base, pistachio kunafa filling, and a pistachio ganache topping. Serve as dessert.

Dubai brownies are made with the viral pistachio kunafa and tahini filling. They're crispy, nutty, and beautifully green thanks to the pistachio cream. The rich pistachio layer pairs perfectly with fudgy chocolate brownies, adding an extra touch of richness in every bite. This dessert is perfect for gatherings or simply when you're craving something irresistibly chocolatey.

You may also enjoy this Dubai Cake, Dubai Tiramisu, Biscoff Croissants and Pistachio Croissants.

Why This Recipe Works

• These Dubai brownies are stunning thanks to their unique design. The pistachio ganache topping and the melted milk chocolate and pistachios make this an eye-catching centrepiece.
• The Dubai brownies have a range of textures. They have a soft, fudgy base, a crunchy pistachio kataifi filling, a sweet white-chocolate pistachio topping, melted milk chocolate, and some crunch from the pistachios. This truly makes every mouthful pure bliss.
• The kataifi has a creamy texture with the perfect ratio of pistachio cream to kataifi, making it creamy, crunchy and delicious.
• These Dubai brownies can easily be doubled or tripled to feed more people.

Dubai Brownies Ingredients

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

• Unsalted butter: Use unsalted butter to control the salt level and enhance the brownies' rich flavour.
• Semi-sweet chocolate: Choose a high-quality variety for a deep, balanced flavor. Chop it evenly so it melts smoothly into the batter.
• Eggs: Use room temperature eggs for a smooth, well-combined batter.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Sift it to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth batter.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall chocolate flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Avoid overmixing to maintain a fudgy texture.

Pistachio Kataifi Filling

• Butter: Use unsalted butter to toast the kataifi evenly and control the salt content.
• Pistachio cream: Select a smooth, high-quality pistachio cream to add a vibrant color and rich, nutty flavor to the Dubai brownies.

Tips and Substitutions 

• Batter: Do not overmix the brownie batter, as it will result in tough brownies.
• Kataifi/Kunafa: Opt for good-quality kataifi for the best flavor. You can purchase it online or in Middle Eastern supermarkets.
• Topping: You can top the Dubai brownies with anything you like. For example, opt for a plain dark-chocolate or milk-chocolate ganache.
• Brownies: Ensure the brownies have completely cooled before adding the kataifi/kunafa filling on top. The kataifi filling should also be fully cooled before spreading it over the brownies. This will prevent the brownie from collapsing in the middle.
• Weighing ingredients: Ensure all ingredients used to make the Dubai brownies are measured accurately using a scale or measuring cups. If you are using measuring cups, level them off.

How to Make Dubai Brownies 

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175 °C) or Gas Mark 4. Line a 9x9-inch square tin with parchment paper. Let the paper hang over slightly so it's easy to remove the Dubai brownies from the tin once they're ready.

Start by adding the butter and chopped chocolate to a medium bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is fully melted and combined. Set aside and let it cool.

In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Then, add the room-temperature eggs and brown sugar to another bowl.

Step 3: Whisk for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture becomes light and frothy. Next, pour in the oil and vanilla extract and mix for 1-2 minutes, or until combined.

Step 4: Add the unsweetened cocoa powder and the butter-chocolate mixture that was set aside earlier.

Step 5: Whisk for 1-2 minutes, or until just combined.

Step 6: Add the flour mixture and chocolate chips to the bowl.

Step 7: Gently fold for 2-3 minutes, or until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the brownies tough.

Step 8: Pour the brownie batter into the prepped tin. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centre still looks slightly soft.

Step 9: Once the brownies are ready, let them cool completely at room temperature.

Step 10: As the brownies cool, melt the butter in a pan, then add the kataifi pastry. Stir occasionally to toast it. It should turn golden brown once toasted. Next, add the tahini and pistachio cream.

Step 11: Stir until combined. Let it cool slightly and set aside.

Step 12: Once the brownies have cooled, gently scoop the pistachio kataifi mixture on top. Don't add it all the way to the top, as you'll need some space for the pistachio ganache.

Step 13: Smooth it evenly. Don't spread it all the way to the top, as you'll need some space for the pistachio ganache.

Pistachio Ganache

Step 14: Prepare the pistachio ganache. Add chopped white chocolate, heavy cream, and pistachio cream to a heat-proof medium-sized bowl. Microwave the ingredients for 30 seconds, then stir. Repeat this step until the chocolate is fully melted. You can add almond extract (optional) and green food coloring (optional) at this stage. Stir the mixture until the ganache is smooth and evenly combined.  Let it cool slightly before using. Stir it from time to time to prevent it from hardening.

Melt the milk chocolate and oil in a bowl using 30-second intervals, stirring each time until fully melted. Let it cool slightly, then transfer it to a piping bag and snip a small hole.

Pour the pistachio ganache over the kataifi layer.

Step 15: Then pipe the melted milk chocolate horizontally across the ganache. You should have some leftover pistachio ganache; reserve it for serving (optional).

Step 16: Use a wooden skewer to drag vertical lines through the horizontal lines.

Step 17: You should end up with the feathered pattern shown in image 17. Cover the Dubai brownies with plastic wrap, making sure it doesn't touch the ganache. Alternatively, cover them with a cake dome or container lid.

Step 18: Let the ganache topping set in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours, or until hardened.

Step 19: Once the Dubai brownies have fully set, gently remove them from the baking tin. Slice into equal-sized pieces.

Step 20: Finally, top each brownie with a halved pistachio.

Step 21: Serve these luxurious Dubai brownies as a decadent dessert for special occasions, or whenever you feel like indulging.

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