The Dubai Chocolate Bar is a chocolate bar that became viral on social media thanks to its irresistible combination of crunchiness from kataifi pastry, creaminess from pistachio paste or butter, and intense Middle Eastern flavors assured by tahini or sesame seed paste. Inspired by the famous “Can’t Get Knafeh of It” by FIX Dessert Chocolatier, this bar has become quite a phenomenon thanks to social media.
What makes it so special is its layered structure: a glossy shell of milk or dark chocolate, crunchy on the first bite, enclosing a heart of toasted knafeh, velvety tahini, and pure pistachio paste, or alternatively pistachio butter that we can make at home. With these 5 ingredients is born a chocolate bar that perfectly and evenly combines sweet and salty taste and a double creamy and crunchy texture. The dark chocolate combined with creamy pistachio and the crunch of kataifi pastry sautéed with butter make these Dubai chocolate bars incredibly delicious!
To prepare it, coarsely chop the kataifi pastry and toast it in a pan with butter until it is golden and crunchy. Transfer it to a bowl to cool and then add the tahini and pistachio paste or butter. Melt the chocolate, coat two silicone molds with a layer of chocolate and let solidify in the fridge. Fill with the pistachio filling, cover with more melted chocolate, and let solidify completely.
Making Dubai chocolate at home may seem like a challenge, but with this step-by-step recipe, you will be able to create a faithful version of the original. It can be prepared in advance, stored for days, and customized in many ways, for example, marbling with white chocolate and food coloring for colorful and even more inviting bars. It is ideal for impressing guests with a refined and scenic dessert, perfect for making delicious gifts on any occasion, or simply to eat whenever we want for a sweet indulgent break.
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- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Medium
- Rest time: 1 Hour
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 2Pieces
- Cooking methods: Microwave, Double boiler
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Seasonality: All seasons, Christmas
Ingredients to make the Dubai Chocolate
- 14 oz milk chocolate (or dark chocolate)
- 4 oz kataifi pastry
- 7 oz pistachio paste (or pistachio butter)
- 2 oz tahini
- 2 oz butter
Tools
- Pan
- Bowl
- Microwave oven
- Molds
How to prepare the Dubai Chocolate
Start preparing the Dubai Chocolate by making the crunchy filling: break the kataifi pastry into pieces using your hands or a knife.
In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat and add the kataifi.
Toast for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until golden and crunchy.
Transfer to a bowl and let cool.
Once cooled, combine the toasted kataifi with the tahini and pistachio paste. Mix well until a homogeneous mixture is obtained.
Melt half of the chocolate in a double boiler or microwave (30 sec at a time).
Pour some chocolate into the molds and spread it over the edges with the back of a spoon or a brush.
Put it in the fridge for 5-10 minutes until solidified.
Add the pistachio and kataifi filling inside the mold, pressing lightly.
Cover with more melted chocolate and seal the edges well.
Slightly tap the mold on the table to remove air bubbles.
Let cool in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Gently remove the bars from the molds. They are ready to enjoy!
Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks.
Useful tips
Use quality chocolate: this will enhance both the texture and the flavor.
Cool the chocolate well before adding the filling, so the chocolate bars will be perfect!
Delicious Variants
Hazelnut and gianduja: replace pistachio paste with hazelnut spread.
Coconut and almond paste: try a filling with grated coconut and almond paste.
Without tahini: omit it for a sweeter and more delicate taste.
Ruby or colored chocolate: for a stunning visual effect!
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
What is pistachio paste?
It is a thick and smooth cream made from roasted pistachios. It gives an intense flavor and creamy texture to desserts. You can replace it with pistachio butter.
Where can I find kataifi pastry?
In Middle Eastern or well-stocked grocery stores, or online.
Can I freeze the bars?
It is not recommended: the chocolate might spoil in texture.
