This Chocolate Pistachio Kunafa Cake is a show-stopping dessert that brings together the rich flavors of chocolate, the nutty creaminess of pistachio buttercream, and the irresistible crunch of golden kunafa pastry. Inspired by the viral FIX chocolate bar from Dubai, this cake delivers an indulgent experience that is both luxurious and easy to recreate at home.
The deep chocolate flavor of the moist cake perfectly complements the smooth and slightly sweet pistachio frosting, while the crispy kunafa adds a delightful textural contrast. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake is a must-try for dessert lovers who appreciate the magic of Middle Eastern flavors.
Full Recipe:
Chocolate Cake:
- 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup castor sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- ⅓ cup hot coffee
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp vinegar
Pistachio Buttercream Frosting:
- ¾ cup butter (softened)
- 1 ¼ cup icing sugar
- ¼ cup smooth pistachio butter
- 1 tbsp tahini
- 1 drop almond extract
Crunchy Kunafa:
- 1 ½ cups kunafa pastry (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp butter
Directions:
Chocolate Cake:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 7-inch round cake tin with baking paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, castor sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add oil, hot coffee, water, and vanilla extract, and whisk until smooth. Finally, add vinegar and mix again. The batter will be thin.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and bake for 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pistachio Buttercream Frosting:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and pistachio butter until creamy (about 2 minutes).
- Add the icing sugar and beat for another 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Mix in tahini and almond extract until well combined. Refrigerate until needed.
Crunchy Kunafa:
- Heat a sauté pan over low heat. Add the butter and kunafa pastry.
- Toast the kunafa, stirring frequently, until it turns golden and crispy (5-10 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let it cool completely before using.
Assembly:
- Slice the cooled cake horizontally into three even layers.
- Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of pistachio buttercream.
- Sprinkle toasted kunafa over the buttercream and drizzle with a tablespoon of extra pistachio butter if desired.
- Repeat with the second layer and top with the final cake layer.
- Use the remaining buttercream to frost the entire cake, smoothing it out with an offset spatula.
- Decorate with the remaining toasted kunafa around the edges.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Decoration Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: ~450 kcal per slice | Servings: 8-10
Chocolate Pistachio Kunafa Cake: A Luxurious Middle Eastern-Inspired Delight
The Chocolate Pistachio Kunafa Cake is a stunning dessert that perfectly balances rich chocolate, nutty pistachio buttercream, and the crisp texture of toasted kunafa pastry. Inspired by Dubai’s viral FIX chocolate bars, this cake brings together indulgent flavors and textures in an elegant and delicious way. Whether you are a fan of chocolate, pistachios, or Middle Eastern desserts, this cake offers a unique experience that is both visually stunning and absolutely irresistible.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
Dubai’s FIX chocolate bars have taken the world by storm, thanks to their luxurious fillings and stunning presentation. The most famous variety features a creamy pistachio filling encased in smooth chocolate with a crunchy kunafa topping. This cake translates those flavors into a layered dessert, allowing you to experience the same indulgence in a homemade version.
Kunafa, a traditional Middle Eastern pastry, is known for its crisp and golden strands that add texture and depth to many desserts. In this recipe, kunafa is toasted in butter until golden brown, bringing an irresistible crunch to every bite. Meanwhile, the pistachio buttercream mimics the nutty, velvety filling of the chocolate bar, and the eggless chocolate cake serves as the perfect base for this rich and complex treat.
Why This Cake Stands Out
One of the most exciting aspects of this cake is its contrast in textures. The soft and moist chocolate cake forms a deep and rich foundation, while the buttery pistachio frosting provides a creamy and nutty balance. The crunchy kunafa brings the perfect crispy finish, making each bite an explosion of flavors and textures.
Additionally, this recipe is eggless, making it accessible to those with dietary restrictions. The combination of buttermilk, coffee, and vinegar ensures that the cake remains fluffy and moist without the need for eggs. The chocolate base is deeply flavorful without being overpowering, allowing the pistachio and kunafa to shine.
The Magic of Pistachio Buttercream
Pistachios have a naturally buttery texture, which makes them ideal for creamy frostings. The pistachio buttercream used in this recipe is made with smooth pistachio paste, butter, icing sugar, and a hint of almond extract. The addition of tahini enhances the nutty flavor and helps balance the sweetness, making this frosting incredibly luscious yet light.
Pistachios not only add an incredible taste to the cake but also provide health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and protein, pistachios are known for their ability to support heart health and boost energy levels. This means you can indulge in a slice of this cake while also appreciating the nutritional benefits of its key ingredients.
Kunafa: The Crunchy Game-Changer
Kunafa (or kataifi) is a shredded pastry commonly used in Middle Eastern desserts such as kunafa cheesecake and baklava. In this recipe, it is lightly toasted with butter to achieve a deep golden color and a crisp texture. This step is crucial, as it transforms the kunafa into an irresistible topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pistachio frosting.
Without kunafa, this cake would still be delicious, but it would lack the textural contrast that makes it truly special. Each bite combines the crunch of kunafa with the softness of the cake and the silkiness of the buttercream, creating a multi-layered dessert experience.
Perfect Occasions for Chocolate Pistachio Kunafa Cake
This cake is perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a birthday, or looking for a unique dessert to impress your guests, this cake will be a showstopper. Its elegant presentation makes it ideal for weddings, anniversaries, and festive gatherings, while its deep and comforting flavors make it a great choice for a cozy weekend treat.
Additionally, this cake can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for entertaining. The chocolate cake base can be baked a day in advance, and the buttercream and kunafa can be prepared ahead as well. When stored properly, the cake remains fresh and delicious for several days, making it convenient for special events.
Tips for the Best Results
To achieve the perfect texture and flavor in this cake, here are a few expert tips:
- Toast the kunafa properly: Stir it constantly over low heat to ensure even browning and maximum crunch.
- Use high-quality pistachio paste: The flavor of your frosting depends heavily on the quality of the pistachio paste, so opt for a smooth and pure variety.
- Don’t overmix the cake batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the cake before slicing: Letting the cake set in the fridge for at least 15-30 minutes before serving will help the layers hold their shape.
- Add extra crunch: If you love texture, sprinkle some chopped pistachios on top along with the kunafa.
Variations and Customization Ideas
While this recipe is already a perfect fusion of flavors, you can customize it in different ways:
- Vegan Version: Replace the butter with plant-based butter, use a dairy-free buttermilk alternative, and toast the kunafa in oil instead of butter.
- Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: For an extra decadent touch, drizzle some dark chocolate ganache over the top of the cake.
- Rose Water Twist: A few drops of rose water in the frosting can enhance the Middle Eastern flavors.
- Nutty Variation: If you love nuts, add a mix of chopped pistachios and hazelnuts between the cake layers for extra crunch.
Storage and Shelf Life
This cake stores well in the refrigerator for up to a week when kept in an airtight container. The kunafa will stay crunchy for the first few days, but over time, it may soften slightly due to the moisture from the frosting. If you want to maintain the crunch, keep extra toasted kunafa separately and sprinkle it on just before serving.
If you need to store the cake for a longer period, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. To serve, thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
Conclusion
The Chocolate Pistachio Kunafa Cake is a luxurious and unique dessert that perfectly captures the essence of Middle Eastern flavors while embracing the richness of chocolate. Its combination of textures, from the soft and moist cake to the silky pistachio buttercream and the crispy kunafa, makes it an unforgettable treat.
Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a pistachio enthusiast, or someone who enjoys trying viral dessert trends, this cake is worth making. It is an impressive yet simple recipe that brings together the best of different dessert traditions in one stunning cake. Try it for your next celebration, and experience the magic of chocolate, pistachio, and kunafa in every bite!