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Dubai Kunafa Chocolate Gelato is the ultimate Middle Eastern-inspired frozen dessert you can make right at home with your Ninja Creami. This recipe fuses the irresistible flavors of dark chocolate, crunchy kunafa pastry, sweet pistachio paste, and honey — all spun into a smooth, indulgent gelato.

Perfect for those seeking a unique dessert experience, this recipe brings Middle Eastern flavors to your Ninja Creami.

Equipment Required for Dubai Kunafa Chocolate Gelato

Ninja Creami machine
Medium saucepan
Whisk
Baking sheet + parchment paper
Fine mesh strainer
Mixing bowls

Ninja Cream Dubai Kunafa Chocolate Gelato

Course: DessertCuisine: Dubai styleDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Freezing time

Hours

Churning Time

Minutes

Indulge in this rich and unique Dubai Kunafa Chocolate Gelato, blending Middle Eastern flavors with creamy chocolate delight.

Ingredients

4 large egg yolks 🥚
80g caster sugar 🍚
15g unsweetened cocoa powder 🍫
230ml double cream 🥛
100ml whole milk 🥛
50g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped 🍫
1 tsp vanilla extract 🌿
Kunafa Mix-In:
100g kataifi pastry (shredded phyllo) 🥮
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted 🧈
100g pistachio paste 🟢
1 tbsp tahini (optional) 🌰
1 tbsp honey 🍯

Directions

Prepare the Gelato Base: In a saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cocoa powder until smooth.
Add Dairy: Stir in double cream and whole milk.
Cook the Mixture: Place over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture reaches 75°C (165°F). Remove from heat.
Incorporate Chocolate: Add chopped dark chocolate and vanilla extract to the hot mixture. Stir until the chocolate melts completely.
Strain and Cool: Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into the Ninja Creami pint. Allow to cool to room temperature, then seal and freeze for 24 hours.
Prepare Kunafa Mix-In: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Toss kataifi pastry with melted butter, spread on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy. Let cool.
Combine Mix-In Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the cooled kataifi with pistachio paste, tahini (if using), and honey until well combined.
Process Gelato: After 24 hours, remove the pint from the freezer. Install the pint into the Ninja Creami and select the ‘Gelato’ setting.
Add Mix-In: Create a well in the center of the gelato and add the kunafa mixture. Use the ‘Mix-In’ setting to incorporate.
Serve: Scoop the gelato into bowls or cones. Garnish with crushed pistachios or a drizzle of honey if desired.

Notes

Ensure the gelato base is completely cooled before freezing to achieve a smooth texture.
If the gelato is crumbly after processing, use the ‘Re-Spin’ function on the Ninja Creami.
For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream and almond milk for the dairy components.
Cool kunafa completely before mixing to keep it crunchy.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: Approx. 450 kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 30g
Allergens: Eggs, dairy, nuts (pistachio), gluten (kataifi pastry)
Dietary Compliance: Vegetarian

Serving Suggestions

Pairing: Serve with a cup of Turkish coffee or mint tea.
Garnishing: Top with crushed pistachios or a drizzle of honey.
Plating Tips: Use a chilled bowl to keep the gelato from melting quickly.
Reprocessing Instructions: If storing leftovers, allow the gelato to soften slightly before serving again.

Seasonal Recommendation: Perfect for spring and summer, especially for festive occasions like Eid or garden parties.

Kunafa (or kataifi), a shredded phyllo pastry soaked in syrup and often layered with cheese or nuts, is beloved across the Middle East. We pair this crispy treat with velvety dark chocolate gelato, adding pistachio cream and honey for extra indulgence. Perfect for Ramadan feasts, Eid parties, or any summer night when you want something rich, crunchy, and creamy all at once.

This recipe is also a conversation starter—people will ask: “Wait, you made THAT at home?!” Yes, you did—with the help of your trusty Ninja Creami.

Related Recipes:

Ninja Cream Dubai Kunafa Chocolate Gelato

Equipment Required for Dubai Kunafa Chocolate Gelato