Can I use a different filling if I don’t have pistachio cream?

Absolutely. Almond or hazelnut cream make excellent substitutes, as well as a tablespoon of plain nut butter mixed with honey for a quicker fix. The texture will shift, but the flavor is still delightful.

What if I don’t have kataifi?

No worries! Shredded phyllo works well, or you can simply omit it for a creamier filling. The kataifi just gives that signature knafeh crunch.

How far ahead can I assemble these?

For the freshest texture, assemble up to two hours in advance. If you plan to serve much later, keep the filling and rolls separate until close to serving time to ensure the kataifi stays crisp.

Can I make these with regular dinner rolls?

Yes, but opt for the soft, sweet kind for the best results. The light sweetness and airy texture of Hawaiian rolls really make this dessert shine, but feel free to experiment with what you have!

Dubai Chocolate Donut Rolls Recipe

Description

Dubai Chocolate Donut Rolls are a fusion dessert featuring sweet Hawaiian rolls filled with a luscious pistachio knafeh mixture, glazed with rich chocolate, and optionally topped with a silky icing for extra decadence. This recipe is inspired by the vibrant dessert culture of Dubai and offers a unique, indulgent treat perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Pistachio Knafeh Filling

3 cups kataifi (100g)
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (56g)
3/4 cup pistachio cream (210g)
Pinch of salt

Chocolate Glaze

100g chocolate of choice (e.g., semi-sweet)
100g heavy cream (1/3 cup + 1 tbsp)
1 tbsp oil

Assembly

12 King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (1 pack)

Optional Icing

1 cup powdered sugar
2–4 tbsp heavy cream

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Instructions

Prepare the Pistachio Knafeh Filling: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roughly chop the kataifi pastry and toss with the melted butter and a pinch of salt until well mixed. Spread it in a thin layer on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway, until lightly golden and crisp. Set aside to cool, then mix gently with the pistachio cream to create a uniform filling.
Prepare the Chocolate Glaze: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until just simmering. Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl and pour the hot cream over it. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes, then add the oil and stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Set aside.
Assemble the Donut Rolls: Slice each King’s Hawaiian roll horizontally, keeping the bottoms and tops together as sets. Fill the bottom half of each roll with a generous layer of the pistachio knafeh mixture. Place the top half of each roll back on.
Glaze the Rolls: Spread or drizzle the prepared chocolate glaze generously over the filled rolls, ensuring an even coating.
Prepare Optional Icing (if using): In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2-4 tbsp heavy cream, adding the cream gradually until you reach a pourable consistency. Drizzle the icing over the chocolate-glazed rolls for an extra touch of sweetness.
Serve: Allow the glaze (and icing, if used) to set for several minutes, then serve the Dubai Chocolate Donut Rolls slightly warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Notes

Kataifi pastry is usually found in the frozen section of Middle Eastern or specialty stores; thaw before using.
Pistachio cream is a sweet, spreadable pistachio paste; if unavailable, substitute with another nut cream or blend pistachios with white chocolate spread.
For best texture, serve the rolls the same day they are made.
Use good quality chocolate for best flavor in the glaze.
Customize the filling by adding chopped nuts or a hint of orange blossom water.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 290
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 110mg
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 27mg