Pistachio Kunafa Brownies (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Brownie Base

01 - 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - ½ cup brown sugar
04 - 3 large eggs
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
07 - ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
08 - ½ teaspoon baking powder
09 - ½ teaspoon salt
10 - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

→ Kunafa Topping

11 - 1 ½ cups shredded phyllo dough
12 - ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
13 - ¼ cup granulated sugar
14 - ½ cup pistachios, roughly chopped
15 - 1 tablespoon rose water (optional)
16 - 1 tablespoon orange blossom water (optional)

→ Syrup

17 - ½ cup water
18 - ½ cup granulated sugar
19 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
20 - 1 teaspoon rose water (optional)
21 - 1 teaspoon orange blossom water (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by either greasing it or lining with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, combine melted butter with both granulated and brown sugars, whisking well. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter becomes smooth. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips gently.
03 - Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick test shows just a few moist crumbs. Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes.
04 - Gently separate the shredded phyllo dough with your fingers. Mix it with melted butter, sugar, and chopped pistachios. If using, incorporate rose water and orange blossom water. Spread this mixture evenly over your cooled brownie base, pressing down lightly.
05 - Return the pan to the oven for another 15-20 minutes, baking until the kunafa topping becomes golden and crispy.
06 - While baking, combine water, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in rose and orange blossom waters if using. Let cool slightly.
07 - Once the brownie has cooled, drizzle generously with the prepared syrup. Allow time for the syrup to soak in before serving. Optionally garnish with additional pistachios or shredded coconut.

# Notes:

01 - This fusion dessert combines fudgy chocolate brownies with traditional Middle Eastern kunafa for a unique and luxurious treat
02 - Can be made a day ahead to allow flavors to develop fully
03 - Can be adapted to gluten-free by using alternative flour blends

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