Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate Cake and Cupcakes Recipe

Authentic Saudi Arabian Dessert recipe — Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate Cake and Cupcakes. Imported from TheMealDB.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

4

servings

Medium

Difficulty

Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate Cake and Cupcakes Recipe

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 cup fine semolina
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 cup pistachios (chopped)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup heavy cream (for frosting)

Instructions

5 steps

  1. Prepare the Kunafa

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix semolina and melted butter until well combined.

    Ensure the butter is fully melted for even mixing.
  2. Make the Cake Batter

    In a large bowl, combine sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and baking powder. Mix until smooth.

    Use a whisk for a lighter batter.
  3. Layer the Kunafa and Batter

    In a greased baking pan, layer half of the kunafa mixture, followed by the chocolate batter, then top with the remaining kunafa.

    Spread evenly to ensure even baking.
  4. Bake the Cake

    Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

    Check for doneness a few minutes early.
  5. Cool and Frost

    Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting with heavy cream and garnishing with chopped pistachios.

    Chill the heavy cream for better whipping.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Use fresh pistachios for the best flavor. Chill the cake before serving for enhanced taste. Experiment with different frostings to customize your cake.

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 international 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 Recipe is a beloved dish from International cuisine.

International 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 medium difficulty and uses 10 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

It's best to use unsalted butter for balanced flavor.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories350kcal
Total Fat15gg
Sodium150mgmg
Total Carbohydrates50gg
Dietary Fiber3gg
Total Sugars25gg
Protein8gg

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

Recipe Details

CategoryDesserts