Description
Dubai Chocolate Balls with Pistachio Kunefe Filling are a no-bake dessert filled with crispy kunefe, toasted pistachios, and wrapped in rich chocolate ganache. This Middle Eastern-inspired chocolate treat is perfect for special occasions, gifts, and satisfying sweet cravings.
Ingredients
1 cup kunefe dough (kataifi), shredded
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 cup chopped pistachios
2 tablespoons sugar syrup
8 ounces dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional)
1 ounce white chocolate for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
1. Melt butter in a pan and add the shredded kunefe dough. Toast over medium heat until golden and fragrant.
2. Add chopped pistachios and drizzle with sugar syrup. Stir until the mixture becomes sticky and well combined. Let it cool slightly.
3. Roll the cooled kunefe mixture into 12–14 small balls and place them on a lined tray. Chill until firm.
4. In a separate bowl, heat heavy cream until just simmering. Pour it over chopped chocolate and let sit for a minute, then stir until smooth to make the ganache.
5. Once the ganache is cool and thick, scoop a tablespoon into your hand, flatten it, and wrap it around a kunefe ball. Smooth it into a round shape.
6. Repeat the process for all balls, then refrigerate until fully set.
7. Optionally drizzle with melted white chocolate or top with sea salt or crushed pistachios before serving.
Notes
This dessert is perfect for make-ahead entertaining.
You can freeze them for up to a month and thaw overnight.
For a floral twist, add a few drops of rose water to the kunefe mixture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 12mg