Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate Cake and Cupcakes
Authentic Saudi Arabian Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate Cake and Cupcakes — a delicious dessert dish with 13 ingredients. Follow our detailed step-by-step instructions for the perfect result.
20
Prep Time (min)
180
Cook Time (min)
4
servings
400
Calories/serving
Expert
Difficulty

Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons White Chocolate
- 1 cup Unsalted Pistachio
- 3 tablespoons Condensed Milk
- 5 tablespoons Milk
- 25 Oreo Cream Biscuits
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Vinegar
- 1 pinch Salt
- 150 g Sevaiiya
- 1 tablespoon Ghee
- 120 ml Dark Chocolate
- 4 tablespoons Malai
Instructions
12 steps · ~95 minutes total
Step 1
For Chocolate Cake:Ready all the ingredients. Powder the oreo biscuits, pinch salt and mix warm milk as needed and make a cake batter. Add in baking powder and vinegar and mix.
3 minutesTaste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually — you can always add more but can't take it away.Step 2
Grease a loose bottomed tin. Pour a 1cm thick layer of the batter.
3 minutesStep 3
Bake in a preheated oven @160°C for 7-8 minutes or until the knife comes out clean. Cool on wire rack.
25 minutesAlways preheat your oven fully before baking for even cooking.Step 4
For Homemade Pistachio Paste:Ready all the pistachio paste ingredients. Slightly melt white chocolate on a double boiler.(else the mixer blade may break) Coarsely powder the pistachio in mixer. Add in condensed milk.
10 minutesUse a large pot to prevent boiling over. Add salt to the water for extra flavor.Step 5
Add in slightly warmed and slightly melted white chocolate and milk as required and crush to a smooth paste.(Green food colour can be add. I haven't.)
5 minutesStep 6
For Kunafa: In a kadhaai take ghee and roast the sevaiiya on slow gas. Keep stirring until a pleasant roasted aroma releases. Cool it. Add in the Homemade pistachio paste.Mix well.
25 minutesDon't open the oven too often — each time lets heat escape and extends cooking time.Step 7
Lip smacking Kunafa is ready. Spread a 2 cm layer on the cooled chocolate cake.
3 minutesStep 8
Melt dark chocolate and strained malai and prepare the chocolate ganache. Cool and pour on the Kunafa layer.
5 minutesSave some of the cooking liquid — it can be used to adjust sauce consistency.Step 9
Garnish Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate Cake with chopped pistachio and silver balls. Keep in fridge for 2-3 hours. Then unmould the Kunafa Cake.
5 minutesKeep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.Step 10
I also prepared Kunafa cupcakes. Cut and enjoy. The cake looked so pretty that we could either save it or have it!! ☺
5 minutesKeep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.Step 11
Cross sectional view of the Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate Cake.
3 minutesStep 12
Enjoy with a new sweet delicacy this festive season with family and friends.
3 minutesTaste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually — you can always add more but can't take it away.
💡 Tips & Tricks
🔄 Variations
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Up to 5 days in an airtight container
Freezer
Up to 3 months — thaw overnight in fridge
Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
What to Serve With
Complete your saudi meal with these perfect pairings:
About This Dish
Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate Cake and Cupcakes is a beloved dish from Saudi cuisine, originating in Saudi Arabia. With a total preparation time of about 200 minutes, it is a rewarding project for when you have extra time in the kitchen.
Saudi cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.
This recipe is rated expert difficulty and uses 13 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kunafa is a traditional Middle Eastern pastry made from thin noodle-like dough or semolina. In this recipe, it's used as a base layer for the cake and cupcakes, adding a unique texture and flavor that complements the rich chocolate.
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Nutrition Facts
4 serving(s) per recipe
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.





