Knafeh, a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with shredded phyllo dough and sweet cheese, is transformed into a modern, indulgent treat with this Knafeh Chocolate Bar recipe. This version combines the crispy texture of knafeh with rich, creamy chocolate, creating a dessert bar that’s both unique and delicious.
Knafeh Chocolate Bar Recipe
Knafeh Chocolate Bars are a decadent, creative dessert that marries the traditional flavors of knafeh with rich chocolate. This fusion dessert is perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to indulge in something truly unique.
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Phyllo Dough Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded phyllo dough with the melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well until the phyllo is evenly coated.
Form the Base:
- Press half of the phyllo mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pressing it down firmly to form an even layer.
Make the Cheese Filling:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese (or sweet cheese), mascarpone cheese, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. If using, add the orange blossom or rose water for an extra layer of flavor.
Add the Filling:
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the phyllo base.
Top with Chocolate:
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips, stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the cheese layer.
Add the Remaining Phyllo:
- Sprinkle the remaining phyllo mixture over the chocolate layer, pressing it down lightly.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Cool and Garnish:
- Allow the knafeh chocolate bar to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, sprinkle with crushed pistachios or hazelnuts for added crunch and flavor.
Serve:
- Cut into squares or bars and serve. Enjoy this delightful fusion of knafeh and chocolate!
Note
- Phyllo Dough: Make sure the phyllo dough is finely shredded for the best texture.
- Cheese: Traditional knafeh uses sweet cheese, but a combination of ricotta and mascarpone works well in this modern twist.
- Storage: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bars can be served cold or at room temperature.