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.

Expert
Updated March 14, 2026

20

Prep Time (min)

180

Cook Time (min)

4

servings

400

Calories/serving

Expert

Difficulty

Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate Cake and Cupcakes

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 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

  1. 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 minutes
    Taste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually — you can always add more but can't take it away.
  2. Step 2

    Grease a loose bottomed tin. Pour a 1cm thick layer of the batter.

    3 minutes
  3. Step 3

    Bake in a preheated oven @160°C for 7-8 minutes or until the knife comes out clean. Cool on wire rack.

    25 minutes
    Always preheat your oven fully before baking for even cooking.
  4. 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 minutes
    Use a large pot to prevent boiling over. Add salt to the water for extra flavor.
  5. 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 minutes
  6. Step 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 minutes
    Don't open the oven too often — each time lets heat escape and extends cooking time.
  7. Step 7

    Lip smacking Kunafa is ready. Spread a 2 cm layer on the cooled chocolate cake.

    3 minutes
  8. Step 8

    Melt dark chocolate and strained malai and prepare the chocolate ganache. Cool and pour on the Kunafa layer.

    5 minutes
    Save some of the cooking liquid — it can be used to adjust sauce consistency.
  9. 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 minutes
    Keep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.
  10. 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 minutes
    Keep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.
  11. Step 11

    Cross sectional view of the Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate Cake.

    3 minutes
  12. Step 12

    Enjoy with a new sweet delicacy this festive season with family and friends.

    3 minutes
    Taste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually — you can always add more but can't take it away.

💡 Tips & Tricks

This Saudi Arabian recipe for Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate Cake and Cupcakes is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of Saudi cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

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:

A cup of espresso or café au lait
🍦Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side
🍓Fresh berries or seasonal fruit

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

Serving size1 serving
Calories400kcal
Total Fat18g
Sodium693mg
Total Carbohydrates44g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein48g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineSaudi
CategoryDesserts
CountrySaudi Arabia