Dubai Chocolate Balls with Pistachio Kunefe Filling
These Dubai Chocolate Balls with Pistachio Kunefe Filling are a delightful combination of a crisp chocolate shell, a crunchy kunefe base, and a creamy pistachio filling. An impressive dessert that is surprisingly easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 60 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 75 mins
- Yield: 18-20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
200 g Kataifi pastry (kunefe dough)
1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted
1 cup Shelled pistachios, unsalted
1/4 cup Powdered sugar
4 oz Cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons Heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
12 oz Good quality dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa), chopped
1 tablespoon Coconut oil (optional)
2 tablespoons Crushed pistachios
Edible gold dust (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the kunefe crunch by shredding kataifi pastry and tossing it with melted butter. Bake for 10-15 minutes until golden and crisp
- Prepare the pistachio filling by processing shelled pistachios and powdered sugar, then mixing in cream cheese, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth
- Assemble the balls by combining the cooled kunefe with pistachio filling and shaping into balls
- Chill the balls in the refrigerator for at least 30-60 minutes to firm them up
- Melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil, and then dip each ball to coat thoroughly
- Garnish with crushed pistachios and return to the fridge to set the chocolate
- Enjoy your Dubai Chocolate Balls chilled or at cool room temperature
Notes
These can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
Feel free to experiment with different nuts or adjust sweetness to your liking.