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Handheld photo of a slice of Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Tart on an off-white plate, highlighting the lime-green interior and gold leaf flakes.

Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Tart: The Ultimate Viral Kunafa Crunch Recipe

A luxurious Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Tart featuring a crisp cocoa shell, vibrant pistachio cream mixed with toasted kunafa crunch, and a glossy dark chocolate ganache finish.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Middle Eastern Fusion
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Tart Components
  • 1.5 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (45g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder Sifted
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter Cold, cubed
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1.5 cups (75g) shredded kunafa (kataifi) pastry Chopped
  • 1 cup (250g) pistachio paste Pure, no added sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream Whipped to stiff peaks
  • 6 oz (170g) dark chocolate Chopped fine
  • 1/4 cup (35g) roasted pistachios Finely chopped
  • Optional edible gold leaf

Equipment

  • 1 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom
  • 1 Food Processor
  • 1 Heavy-bottomed Skillet

Method
 

Prepare the Cocoa Shell
  1. Pulse flour, cocoa, and sugar in a food processor. Add cold butter until crumbs form, then add egg yolk and water until dough clumps.
  2. Press into tart pan, chill for 20 minutes, and bake at 350°F (175°C) with weights for 15 minutes, then 10 minutes without weights.
Create the Filling
  1. Sauté chopped kunafa in butter over medium heat until it reaches a deep toasted golden brown and becomes shatteringly crisp.
  2. Mix pistachio paste with toasted kunafa. Gently fold in whipped heavy cream to maintain a vibrant lime-green color and airy texture.
Assembly
  1. Spread the pistachio filling into the shell and chill. Pour the glossy dark chocolate ganache over the top, smoothing to the edges.
  2. Add a circle of chopped pistachios and flecks of gold leaf. Chill for 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Ensure the kunafa is fully toasted to a dark golden brown for the signature crunch.
Use high-quality pistachio paste for the most vibrant green interior.