Introduction

The Dubai chocolate bar has become an international sensation, captivating the taste buds of dessert lovers everywhere. This decadent chocolate bar, first introduced by Fix Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai, combines rich flavors and textures that make it stand out. The viral appeal of the recipe lies in its use of Middle Eastern ingredients, such as kataifi pastry, pistachio paste, and tahini, making this dessert both unique and irresistible. But guess what? You can easily make it at home!

This recipe blends the crispy crunch of kataifi pastry with the creamy richness of pistachio and tahini, all wrapped in smooth chocolate. The best part? You don’t have to be a chocolatier to create this masterpiece!

History and Origin of Dubai Chocolate Bar

Dubai has long been a hub for culinary innovation, drawing inspiration from both Middle Eastern and global food trends. The Dubai chocolate bar is a prime example of this fusion, crafted by Fix Dessert Chocolatier. The chocolatier named this creation “Can’t Get Knafeh of It,” paying homage to the beloved Middle Eastern dessert, knafeh.

The recipe features kataifi pastry, which is commonly used in knafeh. The pastry’s stringy texture brings a delightful crispness to the chocolate bar. Over time, food bloggers and influencers from around the world caught on to this treat, making it go viral. It wasn’t long before people were trying to recreate the magic of the Dubai chocolate bar in their own kitchens.

For more about Middle Eastern desserts, click here.

What Makes Dubai Chocolate Bar Special?

The Dubai chocolate bar stands out not just because of its viral status but also because of the careful thought that went into the selection and combination of ingredients. The unique blend of kataifi pastry, pistachio paste, and tahini makes this dessert more than just a chocolate bar—it’s an experience of contrasting flavors and textures that keeps people coming back for more.

Kataifi Pastry

One of the defining features of this dessert is the use of kataifi pastry. Kataifi is a type of filo dough that’s been shredded into thin strands, giving it a unique, thread-like texture. When toasted, it becomes incredibly crispy, offering a crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, rich pistachio filling inside the bar. Kataifi is most commonly used in Middle Eastern desserts like knafeh or baklava, but its incorporation into chocolate bars is what sets the Dubai chocolate bar apart.

Toasting the kataifi properly is key to achieving the right texture. The process involves gently frying the shredded dough in butter until it turns a golden brown color. This toasting step is crucial because it enhances the flavor and ensures that the pastry remains crispy even when encased in chocolate. Without this crispiness, the Dubai chocolate bar would lose one of its most distinctive qualities. The crispy exterior combined with the creamy filling provides the perfect textural balance.

Pistachio Paste

The filling of the Dubai chocolate bar primarily consists of pistachio paste. Pistachios are widely used in Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly in desserts, due to their subtle sweetness and rich, nutty flavor. In this recipe, pistachio paste is made by grinding roasted pistachios into a smooth, creamy consistency. You can find pre-made pistachio paste in specialty stores, but for a more authentic touch, making your own at home is relatively simple.

The pistachio filling not only provides a smooth contrast to the crispy kataifi but also adds a luxurious flavor that elevates the entire dessert. The richness of the pistachios pairs perfectly with the dark or milk chocolate, adding complexity to the overall taste. In addition to pistachio paste, some variations of the Dubai chocolate bar also include other Middle Eastern flavors such as rosewater or orange blossom, which can enhance the aromatic qualities of the dessert.

For those who have difficulty sourcing pistachio paste, there are alternatives. Biscoff spread, for instance, offers a similarly creamy consistency and rich flavor, although it will change the overall taste profile of the bar. Other nut butters like almond or hazelnut can also be used, but they will lack the characteristic taste that pistachios bring.

Tahini

Another key ingredient is tahini, a smooth paste made from ground sesame seeds. Tahini is widely used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes, most commonly in savory dishes like hummus or baba ganoush, but it also works beautifully in desserts. The slight bitterness and earthiness of tahini balance out the sweetness of the chocolate and pistachio, adding depth to the flavor profile of the bar.

In this recipe, tahini helps to prevent the dessert from becoming overly sweet. The nutty, slightly bitter taste of tahini pairs excellently with the rich flavors of chocolate and pistachio, creating a balanced bite. For those looking for variations, almond butter or cashew butter can be substituted for tahini, though they will slightly alter the final taste of the dessert.

Chocolate

When it comes to the chocolate component of the Dubai chocolate bar, there’s some room for personalization. The traditional version uses either dark or milk chocolate, depending on your preference. Dark chocolate provides a more intense, slightly bitter taste that contrasts well with the sweetness of the filling. On the other hand, milk chocolate is creamier and sweeter, making it a good option for those with a sweet tooth.

To make the chocolate coating, the chocolate is melted down and poured into molds, forming the shell of the bar. Some versions of the recipe even call for splashes of colored chocolate—like pink or green—to add an extra decorative element. Whether you prefer dark chocolate or milk chocolate, the key is to use high-quality chocolate for the best results.

How to Make Dubai Chocolate Bar at Home

Making the Dubai chocolate bar at home is surprisingly straightforward, even if it looks elaborate. With the right ingredients and some patience, you can recreate this viral sensation in your own kitchen.

1. Preparation of Kataifi Pastry

Toasting the kataifi pastry is an essential step in this recipe, and it’s important to get it just right. Start by melting butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. You’ll want to use a large pan with high sides because the kataifi tends to expand and move around as you stir. Once the butter is melted, add the kataifi pastry to the pan, ensuring that it’s well separated and not clumped together.

The key here is to toast the kataifi until it turns a deep golden brown. This process usually takes about 10 minutes, but it’s important to stir the pastry continuously to ensure even toasting. The butter helps to give the kataifi a rich, nutty flavor, while also aiding in the crisping process. If you skip this step or don’t toast the pastry thoroughly, it will lose its crunch once it’s mixed with the filling.

For those who can’t find kataifi pastry, regular filo dough can be used as a substitute. Simply cut the filo dough into thin strips to mimic the texture of kataifi, but be aware that it won’t have the same fine, crispy texture that makes the original so special.

For those interested in a more unique approach to cooking, you might also enjoy this Easy Bibibop Copycat Chicken Recipe that delivers flavors with a satisfying crunch.

2. Making the Pistachio Filling

While the kataifi pastry is cooling, it’s time to move on to the filling. The filling of the Dubai chocolate bar is a rich, creamy mixture of pistachio paste, tahini, and salt. If you’re using store-bought pistachio paste, the process is quick—just mix the paste with the tahini and a generous pinch of salt. However, if you prefer to make your own pistachio paste, it’s relatively simple.

To make pistachio paste, roast unsalted pistachios in the oven until they are fragrant. Then, using a food processor, blend the roasted pistachios with a little bit of neutral oil, such as vegetable or grapeseed oil, until you have a smooth, creamy consistency. You can add sugar or honey to sweeten the paste slightly, but be careful not to overdo it, as the chocolate coating will add plenty of sweetness.

Once the pistachio paste and tahini are combined, taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Some people prefer a slightly saltier filling to balance out the sweetness of the chocolate, while others may prefer a sweeter filling.

3. Molding and Assembling the Bar

With the kataifi toasted and the filling prepared, it’s time to start assembling the bars. First, melt your chocolate of choice—either dark or milk chocolate—in a microwave or double boiler. Stir frequently to ensure the chocolate melts evenly and doesn’t burn. For a smoother texture, you can add a small amount of coconut oil to the chocolate.

Once the chocolate is melted, pour a layer of it into a chocolate mold, making sure the sides are fully coated. This will form the outer shell of your Dubai chocolate bar. Let the chocolate set in the fridge for about 10 minutes, just long enough for it to harden slightly.

Next, fill the mold with the kataifi and pistachio mixture. Make sure to press the filling down firmly to avoid any air pockets. Once the filling is in place, pour another layer of melted chocolate over the top to seal the bar. Use a spatula to smooth out the top layer and ensure that the edges are clean.

Let the bars chill in the fridge for at least an hour, or until the chocolate is completely set.

4. Final Chocolate Layer and Setting

Ensure the chocolate bars properly set and achieve a smooth finish as the final step in the process. After the bars have been in the fridge for about an hour, gently remove them from the molds. If the chocolate has set properly, the bars should pop out easily and have a glossy finish.

If you want to add a decorative touch, you can drizzle melted white or colored chocolate over the top of the bars. Some versions of the Dubai chocolate bar include splashes of pink or green chocolate, which not only add visual interest but also give the bars a fun, playful look.

Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Dubai Chocolate Bar

While the recipe is relatively simple, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you take your Dubai chocolate bar to the next level:

• Toast the kataifi thoroughly: The key to getting the perfect crunch is to toast the kataifi until it’s deep golden brown. Stir the pastry continuously to avoid burning, and ensure you evenly coat all the strands with butter..
• Experiment with fillings: While people traditionally fill it with pistachio paste and tahini, there’s plenty of room for creativity.. Try using almond butter, hazelnut spread, or even peanut butter for a different flavor profile. You can also add spices like cardamom or cinnamon for an extra layer of complexity.
• Use high-quality chocolate: The quality of the chocolate you use will significantly impact the final result. Choose a chocolate with a high cocoa content for a rich, smooth texture. If you’re using milk chocolate, look for one that’s not overly sweet, as the filling already has plenty of sweetness.
• Add coconut oil to the chocolate: If you’re having trouble getting the chocolate to melt smoothly, try adding a small amount of coconut oil. This will help the chocolate melt more evenly and give it a glossy finish.

For a smoother finish on your chocolate bars, try techniques similar to those used in this Homemade Eskimo Pie Recipe, which ensures perfect chocolate layering.

FAQs About Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe

What is kataifi pastry, and where can I find it?

Kataifi pastry is a type of filo dough shredded into thin strands.. People commonly use it in Middle Eastern desserts like knafeh and baklava. You can typically find kataifi pastry in the refrigerated or frozen section of Middle Eastern or Mediterranean grocery stores. If you’re unable to find it, you can substitute it with shredded phyllo dough, but the texture won’t be exactly the same.

Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios?

Yes, you can substitute the pistachios with other nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, or cashews. Keep in mind that this will alter the flavor of the filling, but it can be a fun way to experiment with different tastes. If you’re using a different nut, you may also need to adjust the sweetness of the filling by adding a bit more sugar or honey, depending on your preference.

What kind of chocolate works best for this recipe?

Both dark and milk chocolate work well for this recipe, but the choice depends on your personal taste. Dark chocolate offers a more intense, slightly bitter flavor that balances out the sweetness of the filling, while milk chocolate is creamier and sweeter. For the best results, use high-quality chocolate with a high cocoa content. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, go for dark chocolate, but if you have a sweet tooth, milk chocolate is the way to go.

Can I use an alternative to tahini?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of tahini, you can substitute it with other nut butters like almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter. Each of these options will slightly change the flavor of the filling, but they all work well in this recipe. Keep in mind that tahini has a slightly bitter, nutty flavor that balances the sweetness of the filling, so using a sweeter nut butter may make the dessert more sweet overall.

How can I store the chocolate bars after making them?

Once you’ve made the bars, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge. You can keep them for up to two weeks.. Be sure to keep the container away from direct sunlight, as the chocolate can melt if it gets too warm. If you prefer, you can also freeze the bars for up to a month. Just be sure to let them thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. This will help you get the best texture.

For those who enjoy experimenting with different ingredients, this Honey Butter Cornbread Cookies Recipe could offer an interesting twist to your filling choices.

Conclusion

The Dubai chocolate bar is more than just a viral sensation—it’s a delightful fusion of Middle Eastern flavors and classic chocolate indulgence. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just as a treat, this recipe offers a unique blend of textures and flavors. You’ll want to recreate it again and again.. Try it out, and feel free to experiment with different fillings and flavors.

Don’t forget to share your homemade creations on social media and tag your friends!