Description
In recent years, knafeh chocolate bars have taken the world by storm, blending the traditional flavors of knafeh with the indulgent richness of chocolate. This modern twist on a classic Middle Eastern dessert has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of food enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you’ve seen it on social media or tasted it in a local bakery, this fusion dessert is a treat that’s here to stay.
Ingredients
- Kataifi Dough: The crispy base of the dessert, similar to shredded phyllo dough.
- Cheese: Traditionally, a mild cheese like Nabulsi or Akkawi is used.
- Chocolate: Choose between dark, milk, or white chocolate, depending on your preference.
- Butter or Ghee: Used to achieve that golden, crispy texture.
- Sugar Syrup: A sweet syrup made from sugar, water, and a hint of rose water or orange blossom water.
- Pistachios: Crushed pistachios for garnish, adding a nutty flavor and crunch.
- Optional Add-ins: Nutella, Lotus Biscoff, or caramel for extra indulgence.
Instructions
Making a knafeh chocolate bar at home may seem daunting, but with the right steps, you can recreate this delicious dessert. Here’s a detailed guide:
- Prepare the Kataifi Dough:
- Begin by thawing the kataifi dough and shredding it finely.
- Mix the shredded dough with melted butter or ghee until it’s fully coated.
- Layer the Dough and Cheese:
- Press half of the dough mixture into the bottom of a baking dish.
- Add a layer of mild cheese, ensuring it covers the dough evenly.
- Top the cheese layer with chocolate (dark, milk, or white) to your liking.
- Add the Top Layer:
- Cover the cheese and chocolate with the remaining dough mixture.
- Press down firmly to ensure even layers.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake the dessert in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Prepare the Sugar Syrup:
- While it bakes, make the sugar syrup by boiling sugar and water together with a splash of rose water or orange blossom water.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Once the knafeh is out of the oven, drizzle the sugar syrup generously over the top.
- Garnish with crushed pistachios and serve warm.
Notes
Regional Variations and Creative Twists on Knafeh Chocolate Bars
While the original dessert is delicious on its own, various regions have put their twist on this dessert. Some popular variations include:
- Pistachio Knafeh Chocolate Bar: Adding a layer of pistachio paste or crushed pistachios for an extra nutty flavor.
- Nutella Knafeh Chocolate Bar: Replacing the traditional chocolate with Nutella for a hazelnut twist.
- Baklawa-Inspired Knafeh: Combining elements of baklava, such as walnuts and honey, with the knafeh for a fusion dessert.