Kunafa Brownies Twist (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Brownie Layer

01 - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
02 - ½ teaspoon salt
03 - ½ teaspoon baking powder
04 - ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
05 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - 3 large eggs
08 - ½ cup brown sugar
09 - 1 cup granulated sugar
10 - 1 cup (2 sticks) melted unsalted butter

→ Kunafa Layer

11 - 1 tablespoon orange blossom water (optional)
12 - 1 tablespoon rose water (optional)
13 - ½ cup pistachios, roughly chopped
14 - ¼ cup granulated sugar
15 - ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
16 - 1 ½ cups shredded phyllo dough

→ Sweet Syrup

17 - 1 teaspoon orange blossom water (optional)
18 - 1 teaspoon rose water (optional)
19 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
20 - ½ cup granulated sugar
21 - ½ cup water

# Instructions:

01 - Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Either coat a 9×9-inch pan lightly with a bit of oil or line it with parchment paper.
02 - Stir together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a big bowl. Add eggs and vanilla, then whisk until smooth. Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt by sifting them, then fold into the wet mix. Gently mix in chocolate chips. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared dish.
03 - Pop it into the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. A toothpick should come out with damp crumbs when poked in the center. Set it aside to cool for 10-15 minutes.
04 - Separate and fluff the shredded phyllo dough with your hands, then toss it with butter, sugar, and pistachios. Add the rose and orange blossom waters if you like. Spread this over the cooled brownie base, pressing it gently into an even layer.
05 - Bake the pan again for about 15-20 minutes until the kunafa topping turns golden and crisp.
06 - Boil water, sugar, and lemon juice together in a small pot. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens just slightly. Turn the burner off, then mix in rose and orange blossom waters if you'd like. Let it cool a bit.
07 - Pour the syrup generously over the cooled dessert. Let it soak in before serving. Top it with pistachios or a sprinkle of shredded coconut if desired.

# Notes:

01 - This treat blends rich chocolate brownies with crispy kunafa topping for a delicious mix of American and Middle Eastern flavors.