Pistachio Kunafa Croissant Recipe: A Perfect Fusion of Middle Eastern and French Pastry

Introduction: Chocolate Pistachio Kunafa Croissant

Imagine the buttery, flaky layers of a French croissant meeting the rich, gooey sweetness of Middle Eastern kunafa, all enhanced with the indulgent flavours of chocolate and the nutty crunch of pistachios. Sounds like a dream, right? Welcome to the world of the Chocolate Pistachio Kunafa Croissant—a dessert that’s as innovative as it is delicious.

This fusion pastry is a celebration of two iconic culinary traditions. On one hand, you have the croissant, a symbol of French baking mastery, with its golden, crispy exterior and soft, airy interior. On the other, you have kunafa, a Middle Eastern dessert beloved for its creamy cheese filling, fragrant syrup, and crunchy shredded dough. By adapting these two classics and adding a touch of chocolate and pistachio cream, we’ve created a dessert that’s truly unforgettable.

Whether you’re a fan of traditional kunafa, a croissant enthusiast, or simply someone with a sweet tooth, this recipe is for you. It’s perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or even as a luxurious treat to brighten up your day. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make Chocolate Pistachio Kunafa Croissants at home. From the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to tips, variations, and serving suggestions, we’ve got you covered.

So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that bridges cultures and flavours. Let’s create a dessert that’s as unique as it is delicious—your taste buds will thank you!

Inspiration for the Pistachio Kunafa Croissant

Firstly, what is Kunafa (also spelled Knafeh, Kanafeh, or Kunefe)? Well it is a beloved and iconic Middle Eastern dessert known for its rich, sweet, and indulgent flavours. It is made with layers of shredded phyllo dough (or semolina dough), a creamy or stretchy cheese filling, and a fragrant sugar syrup. Middle Eastern sweets are often topped with crushed pistachios or other nuts, giving it a delightful crunch and nutty flavour, kunafa is not exception to this.

I few years ago, I had kunafa for the first time whilst in a restaurant in Bradford, I wasn’t so sure about the sweet cheesy kunafa dessert. But then they developed an ice-cream version, which I loved. Kunafa now seems to have exploded across most restaurants and cafes, largely due to the Dubai kunafa chocolate sensation. This idea has now made it’s way across the world including London.

On a recent visit to London, I went to the Feya London. I ordered their pistachio kunafa croissant and I fell in love, deeply! The crispy, flaky croissant with the crunchy pistachio kunafa filling, topped with the soft melted dark chocolate, literally was just heaven on my taste buds! This is where my recipe is inspired from, I had to re-create this kunafa dessert at home. This is my super easy kunafa croissant recipe.

Ingredients List

For the Kunafa Filling:

• 100 grams kunafa dough, roughly cut (shredded phyllo dough)
• 100 grams unsalted butter
• 125 grams pistachio cream

For the Croissants:

• 4 readymade croissants
• 75 grams dark chocolate, melted
• 15 grams melted butter, for brushing (optional)

For Assembly and Topping:

• 5-6 pistachios, coarsely ground
• 10 raspberries

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Croissants:

1. Heat the oven to 180C (fan assisted oven). Cut the croissants in half.

2. Make the Kunafa Filling:

1. Add the butter to a sauce pan and melt.
2. Roughly cut the kunafa into small pieces and add to the sauce pan. Cook the kunafa for 5 minutes until golden brown on a low heat.
3. Then add the kunafa to a large mixing bowl, add the pistachio cream and gently fold it in, ensuring the kunafa is full coated with the pistachio cream. The texture should be quite solid and not runny.

3. Assemble the Croissants:

1. Place a spoonful of the kunafa filling at the bottom of each sliced croissant.
2. Brush the top of the sliced croissant with melted butter and bake for 5 minutes on 180C fan assisted oven (as per the croissant cooking instructions), or until golden brown.

4. Finish and Serve:

1. Once baked, drizzle the croissants with the melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed pistachios and raspberries.
2. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Kunafa Dessert

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh pistachios and good-quality butter makes a huge difference.
• Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can make the croissants to become overly sweet.
• Croissants: Ensure the ready made croissants you buy are high-quality for the best results.
• Mixing the kunafa with pistachio cream: When mixing the kunafa into the pistachio cream, make sure you do this whilst the kunafa is still hot. The heat helps the pistachio cream loosen as you mix it through.
• Melted chocolate: I put the chocolate in the microwave, I heat it on short blasts, and stir the chocolate through. This saves time and washing up by not doing it on the stove. But you can of course do it this way if you prefer, add the cholate to a glass/heat proof bowl. And sit it on top of a saucepan filled with boiling water and leave it to melt.

Variations and Customisations to this Middle Eastern Fusion Dessert

• Chocolate Kunafa Croissants: Add chocolate chips to the filling for a further decadent twist.
• Nut-Free Version: Use shredded coconut instead of pistachios for a nut-free alternative.

Serving Suggestions for the Pistachio Croissant

• This kunafa dessert is best served warm with the chocolate still melted. But you can prepare this dessert in advance, store it in an air tight container for up to 2 days until you are ready to serve it.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Pair with a cup of Arabic coffee for an authentic Middle Eastern experience, for more of a South Asian experience, serve with karak chai.
• Garnish with gold leaf for a luxurious touch.
• If you love pistachio dessert ideas, why not try make my pistachio cheesecake along with these croissants!

Cultural Significance of a Kunafa Dessert

Kunafa is a beloved dessert in Middle Eastern cuisine, often served during celebrations, holidays, and family gatherings. Its origins date back to the Ottoman Empire, and it has since become a symbol of hospitality and generosity. By combining it with the French croissant, this recipe bridges two rich culinary traditions, creating a dessert that’s both innovative and deeply rooted in history.

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the croissants and refrigerate them overnight. Bake them fresh the next day.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Conclusion: Chocolate Pistachio Kunafa Croissant

The Chocolate Pistachio Kunafa Croissant is a true masterpiece of fusion cuisine, blending the rich, gooey goodness of Middle Eastern kunafa with the buttery, flaky layers of a French croissant. This decadent dessert is a celebration of textures and flavours—crispy on the outside, creamy and chocolatey on the inside, and topped with the nutty crunch of pistachios. It’s a treat that satisfies both traditional dessert lovers and adventurous foodies alike.

Whether you’re serving it at a special occasion, enjoying it as a luxurious breakfast, or simply indulging in a sweet craving, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of chocolate and pistachios adds a modern twist to the classic kunafa, making it a dessert that’s both familiar and excitingly new.

So, why not bring a taste of the Middle East and France to your kitchen? Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself to a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family—or snap a photo and tag us on social media. For more delicious recipes and culinary inspiration, subscribe to our newsletter. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite of your Chocolate Pistachio Kunafa Croissant!

See my video on Youtube, Instagram or TikTok to see how to make this dish.