Viral Dubai Kunafa Chocolate Recipe – A Fusion Dessert Masterpiece
If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram or TikTok lately, chances are you’ve seen the Viral Dubai Kunafa Chocolate making waves. This luxurious twist on the classic Middle Eastern dessert takes the delicate, buttery strands of kunafa and fills them with molten chocolate, creating a treat that’s crispy on the outside and rich, gooey, and irresistible on the inside.
In Dubai’s modern dessert scene, this kunafa variation is a must-try for every sweet lover. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a festive occasion, or simply craving something extraordinary, this chocolate kunafa will steal the show.
Let’s dive into this indulgent recipe and make your kitchen smell like a premium dessert café in Downtown Dubai!
⭐ What is Kunafa?
Kunafa (also spelled Knafeh, Kanafa, or Konafa) is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with shredded filo dough (kataifi), soaked in sugar syrup, and layered with creamy fillings like cheese or custard. It’s famously crunchy, buttery, and sweet.
In this viral Dubai-style version, the kunafa is stuffed with rich melted chocolate—usually Nutella, milk chocolate, or ganache—and topped with crushed pistachios or chocolate drizzle.
🍫 Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Kunafa
✨ Golden and crispy outside
🍫 Rich, oozing chocolate center
🍯 Sweet sugar syrup to balance flavors
💫 Crowd-pleasing, Instagram-worthy dessert
🍽 Perfect fusion of tradition and trend
📝 Ingredients
For the Kunafa:
250g kunafa dough (kataifi pastry) – available in Middle Eastern or specialty stores
100g unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons ghee (optional, for richness)
1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to crisp it up)
For the Chocolate Filling:
1 cup chocolate spread (like Nutella or melted milk chocolate)
Optional: Add a handful of chocolate chips for extra gooeyness
For the Sugar Syrup (Ater):
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup water
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon rose water or orange blossom water (optional, for fragrance)
For Garnish:
Crushed pistachios
Extra chocolate drizzle or ganache
Edible gold leaf (optional, for the Dubai luxury feel)
🥄 Tools You’ll Need
Non-stick frying pan or baking dish (8–10 inches)
Pastry brush
Silicone spatula
Mixing bowls
Sharp knife or pizza cutter
👨🍳 How to Make Viral Dubai Kunafa Chocolate
Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Syrup
In a saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat.
Stir until sugar dissolves. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add lemon juice and rose/orange blossom water.
Remove from the heat and let it cool.
🔥 Tip: Prepare the syrup so it’s cool when you drizzle it over the hot kunafa.
Step 2: Prepare the Kunafa Dough
If frozen, thaw the kunafa dough. Then, gently pull it apart into short strands using your hands or kitchen scissors.
Place the dough in a bowl and pour melted butter and ghee over it.
Use your hands to mix well until every strand is coated. Add sugar if you want extra crispness.
✅ Make sure the strands are not soggy but well-lubricated to turn crispy when baked or pan-fried.
Step 3: Layer and Fill the Kunafa
Grease your pan lightly with butter or ghee.
Add half of the kunafa dough to the pan. Press it down firmly and evenly.
Spread a thick layer of chocolate spread over the bottom crust.
Top with the remaining kunafa dough and press again to seal the edges.
🍫 Optional Twist: Add a surprise element like chopped Ferrero Rocher, Bounty bars, or chocolate chunks inside.
Step 4: Cook or Bake the Kunafa
Option 1: Stovetop (Traditional Way)
Cook on low-medium heat for 7–10 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown.
Place a plate over the pan, flip the kunafa carefully, and cook the other side.
Option 2: Oven Method
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy.
Broil for 1–2 minutes for an extra golden finish.
Step 5: Syrup & Garnish
While hot, drizzle the cooled sugar syrup all over the kunafa.
Let it soak in for 5–10 minutes.
Garnish with crushed pistachios, chocolate drizzle, and gold leaf if desired.
💡 Pro Tip: Serve warm to enjoy the full chocolate meltiness!
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Pair it with vanilla ice cream for an epic hot-and-cold contrast
Serve with Arabic coffee or Moroccan mint tea
Add a scoop of whipped cream and fresh berries for a luxe finish
📦 Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Do not microwave as it may soften the texture.
🌟 Recipe Tips for Success
Always press the kunafa tightly for even layers and proper filling hold.
Don’t skip the syrup—it adds necessary sweetness and moisture.
For extra richness, use a combo of butter + ghee.
Want it extra chocolatey? Add a layer of ganache before serving.
🧁 Variations to Try
White Chocolate Kunafa: Use white chocolate spread or melt your own.
Lotus Biscoff Kunafa: Replace chocolate with Biscoff spread.
Cheese-Chocolate Kunafa: Layer chocolate on top of mozzarella or sweet cream cheese.
Mini Kunafa Bites: Make them in muffin tins for party servings.
📸 Make It Viral
Want your kunafa to go viral like in Dubai cafes?
Plate it with gold leaf and pistachios
Cut it while hot for that melted chocolate pull shot
Use slow-motion video to capture the syrup drizzle
Add Arabic background music for authentic vibes
💬 Final Thoughts
This Viral Dubai Kunafa Chocolate is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of cultures and indulgence. It combines Middle Eastern tradition with modern flair, making it the perfect show-stopping treat for any occasion.
So what are you waiting for? Grab that kunafa dough, melt your favorite chocolate, and bring a little Dubai luxury into your home kitchen. ✨