Dubai has long been known for its luxury and innovation, and now the culinary world is buzzing about a truly indulgent dessert creation: the Dubai Chocolate Bar. This chocolate bar combines rich, creamy chocolate with exotic flavors like pistachio cream and crispy kataifi pastry. In this detailed guide, we’ll show you exactly how to recreate this viral sensation at home with a unique twist, ensuring it becomes your go-to recipe for special occasions.
From sourcing authentic ingredients to step-by-step instructions, you’ll find everything you need here to make the perfect Dubai Chocolate Bar. Ready to get started?
Why is the Dubai Chocolate Bar So Popular?
The Dubai Chocolate Bar recipe stands out in the world of desserts for several reasons. It’s not just another chocolate bar; it’s a luxurious experience, combining premium chocolate, rich pistachio cream, and the unique crunch of kataifi—a shredded phyllo dough that provides an unforgettable texture. The interplay between smooth and crunchy, sweet and nutty, makes this bar a perfect treat for any occasion.
Moreover, social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have played a massive role in making this dessert go viral. Foodies and influencers have shared videos and posts of the Dubai Chocolate Bar, sparking a wave of interest around the globe. If you want to ride this wave and impress your guests with a show-stopping dessert, this guide will help you master it.
What Makes the Dubai Chocolate Bar recipe Unique?
What sets this chocolate bar apart from others is its exotic combination of ingredients. Instead of the usual chocolate fillings, this dessert uses a decadent pistachio paste, often mixed with tahini to add a velvety richness. The outer layer of the bar is made with the finest Belgian chocolate, providing a luxurious shell that encases the flavorful filling.
The addition of kataifi pastry—a staple in Middle Eastern desserts—creates a crunchy, crispy texture that contrasts perfectly with the smoothness of the pistachio and chocolate. This unique mix of textures and flavors makes the Dubai Chocolate Bar truly one-of-a-kind.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Dubai Chocolate Bar
Before diving into the steps, let’s first gather all the necessary ingredients. While some of these might be familiar, a few unique components give this dessert its distinctive flair.
Key Ingredients:
- Pistachio Paste or Pistachio Cream: This is the star ingredient in the filling. Make sure to use high-quality pistachio paste, which you can either make at home or purchase from specialty stores or online.
- Kataifi Pastry (Shredded Phyllo Dough): This adds the crispy, crunchy texture to the bar. Kataifi can often be found in Middle Eastern grocery stores or online.
- Unsalted Butter: Used for toasting the kataifi pastry to perfection.
- Belgian Chocolate: You can opt for milk, dark, or even white chocolate, depending on your preference. Belgian chocolate offers a rich, creamy taste that elevates the dessert.
- Tahini: Optional but recommended for its nutty flavor and creamy texture.
- Optional Toppings: You can also garnish your bars with chopped nuts, edible gold leaf, or extra melted chocolate for an added touch of luxury.
Equipment Needed:
- Chocolate molds (if you want to make bar-shaped chocolates)
- Double boiler (or microwave for melting chocolate)
- Pastry brush
- Baking tray and parchment paper
- Freezer for cooling and setting the bars
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Dubai Chocolate Bar
Creating the Dubai Chocolate Bar from scratch is a rewarding process, as it allows you to bring together exotic ingredients and turn them into a masterpiece of texture and flavor. Whether you’re making this dessert for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, the following steps will guide you through the process in detail, ensuring a perfect result every time.
1. Preparing the Pistachio Filling
The pistachio cream is the heart of this chocolate bar. Rich, nutty, and smooth, it contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of the chocolate and the crunch of the kataifi. Here’s how you can make the filling:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup pistachio paste (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon tahini (optional but recommended for added creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, to enhance the flavor)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
Steps:
- Step 1: Make the Pistachio Paste (if homemade): If you can’t find store-bought pistachio paste, making your own is simple. Start by roasting shelled pistachios in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, just until they’re lightly golden and fragrant. Allow them to cool. Once cooled, blend the pistachios in a food processor for several minutes until they form a smooth, creamy paste. You may need to scrape the sides of the processor a few times to ensure an even consistency.
- Step 2: Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the pistachio paste with tahini, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If you prefer a sweeter filling, feel free to add more sugar. The tahini adds a subtle nutty flavor and enhances the creaminess of the filling.
- Step 3: Adjust the Texture: Depending on the consistency of your pistachio paste, you may want to thin the filling slightly by adding a teaspoon of melted butter or a drizzle of olive oil. The filling should be thick but spreadable, with a velvety texture.
Pro Tip: If you’d like to create a more luxurious filling, you can also add a pinch of sea salt or a splash of rose water to the mixture for a Middle Eastern-inspired flavor twist.
Once the filling is ready, set it aside at room temperature while you prepare the other components of the recipe.
2. Toasting the Kataifi Pastry
Toasted kataifi gives the Dubai Chocolate Bar its signature crunch. Kataifi, a shredded phyllo dough, is often used in Middle Eastern and Greek desserts like kunafa. Toasting the kataifi brings out its nutty flavor and adds the perfect crispy element to contrast with the smooth pistachio filling.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup kataifi pastry, shredded and separated
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Steps:
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the kataifi from sticking and make for easy clean-up.
- Step 2: Prepare the Kataifi: Gently pull apart the shredded kataifi pastry to separate the strands. Place the kataifi in an even layer on the lined baking sheet.
- Step 3: Butter the Kataifi: Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan or microwave, and use a pastry brush to lightly coat the kataifi with the melted butter. Make sure every strand gets a bit of butter to ensure even toasting.
- Step 4: Toast the Kataifi: Bake the kataifi in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it toasts evenly. The pastry should turn a golden-brown color and become crispy. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the tray. Cooling will allow the kataifi to firm up even more, creating the ultimate crunch.
Pro Tip: Be sure to watch the kataifi closely as it toasts, as it can burn quickly. Stirring every few minutes helps achieve an even, golden-brown color.
3. Melting the Chocolate
The quality of your melted chocolate will greatly affect the final result of your Dubai Chocolate Bar. For this recipe, we recommend using high-quality Belgian chocolate or any premium chocolate that has a rich, creamy taste and smooth finish. Properly melted chocolate will have a glossy shine and smooth texture, which is key for achieving a professional-looking chocolate bar.
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces Belgian milk chocolate (or dark/white chocolate, depending on your preference)
Steps:
- Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate: Chop the chocolate into small, even-sized pieces. This helps the chocolate melt more evenly and quickly.
- Step 2: Melt the Chocolate:
- Using a Double Boiler: Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl and set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir the chocolate frequently until it’s completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to let any water come into contact with the chocolate, as this can cause it to seize.
- Using a Microwave: If you prefer a faster method, you can melt the chocolate in the microwave. Place the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Step 3: Temper the Chocolate: For a glossy finish and the perfect snap, it’s important to temper the chocolate. This involves heating and cooling the chocolate to stabilize its crystals. If you’re new to tempering, you can use a simple seed method: melt about two-thirds of the chocolate and then stir in the remaining third, which will help cool it down evenly.
Pro Tip: If you don’t want to temper the chocolate yourself, you can use pre-tempered chocolate or chocolate chips designed for easy melting. This ensures a smooth texture without the need for advanced techniques.
4. Assembling the Dubai Chocolate Bars
The assembly process is where all your hard work comes together. This step requires a little patience and precision to ensure each layer is perfect, but the end result will be well worth it!
Steps:
- Step 1: Layer the First Chocolate Coating: Pour a thin layer of melted chocolate into your chocolate mold or onto a parchment-lined baking tray (if you don’t have a mold). Use a spoon or spatula to spread the chocolate evenly. This will form the bottom layer of your chocolate bar.
- Step 2: Chill the Chocolate: Place the mold or tray in the freezer for about 5-10 minutes to allow the chocolate layer to set slightly, but not completely harden.
- Step 3: Add the Pistachio Filling: Once the chocolate has set a bit, spoon the pistachio filling over the chocolate layer. Spread it evenly using a spatula, ensuring it reaches the edges of the mold or tray. The filling should be about 1/4 inch thick, but you can adjust the amount to your preference.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the Toasted Kataifi: After spreading the pistachio filling, sprinkle the toasted kataifi pastry evenly over the top. Press the kataifi gently into the pistachio layer to ensure it sticks well.
- Step 5: Add the Final Chocolate Layer: Pour another layer of melted chocolate over the kataifi and pistachio filling, making sure to cover the filling completely. Use a spatula to smooth the top layer and ensure there are no gaps.
- Step 6: Tap to Remove Air Bubbles: Gently tap the mold or tray on the counter to release any air bubbles trapped in the chocolate. This will also help the chocolate settle evenly.
- Step 7: Chill and Set: Place the assembled chocolate bars in the freezer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set and hardened.
Pro Tip: If you’re feeling creative, you can add extra toppings like chopped pistachios or edible gold leaf to the top of the bars while the final layer of chocolate is still setting. This adds a decorative touch and an extra layer of indulgence.
5. Cooling and Storing the Dubai Chocolate Bars
Once your Dubai Chocolate Bars have set, it’s time to take them out of the mold and prepare them for serving or storing.
Steps:
- Step 1: Remove from Mold: If you used a chocolate mold, gently tap the mold on a hard surface to release the bars. If you used a baking tray, lift the parchment paper and carefully slice the bars into individual portions using a sharp knife.
- Step 2: Store the Bars:
- For short-term storage, place the bars in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to two weeks. Make sure the bars are wrapped well or separated by parchment paper to prevent them from sticking to each other.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen Dubai Chocolate Bars will last up to three months.
- Step 3: Bring to Room Temperature Before Serving: If you’ve stored the bars in the fridge or freezer, let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Pro Tip: Avoid leaving the bars in warm or humid environments, as this can cause the chocolate to melt or develop a white coating (bloom), which occurs when the cocoa butter separates from the chocolate.
To find creative ideas on how to serve this unique dessert, explore Creative Dessert Recipes for some inspiration.
Variations and Creative Twists for Your Dubai Chocolate Bar recipe
The classic Dubai Chocolate Bar is already an impressive dessert, but there’s always room to experiment and add your own creative flair.
1. Adding Extra Flavors and Toppings
You can easily customize your chocolate bars by adding different flavors or toppings:
- Chopped Nuts: Add a layer of chopped pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts for extra crunch.
- Dried Fruits: Mix in dried cranberries or apricots for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Gold Leaf: For a touch of luxury, add edible gold leaf to the top of the bars after they’ve set.
2. Using Different Types of Chocolate
While Belgian milk chocolate is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other types of chocolate for a new flavor profile:
- Dark Chocolate: For a more intense, bitter-sweet taste.
- White Chocolate: To contrast the nutty filling with a creamy, sweet exterior.
- Ruby Chocolate: To create a visually striking and fruity version of the bar.
How to Serve and Store Your Dubai Chocolate Bars
1. Serving Suggestions
When serving Dubai Chocolate Bars, presentation is key. Here are a few creative ways to serve them:
- On Elegant Trays: Place the bars on a decorative tray with gold accents to enhance the luxurious vibe.
- Wrapped as Gifts: Wrap individual bars in foil or decorative paper and tie them with a ribbon for a beautiful edible gift.
2. Pairing with Drinks
Pair your Dubai Chocolate Bars with beverages that complement their rich flavors:
- Coffee: A strong espresso pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the chocolate.
- Mint Tea: A refreshing mint tea offers a lovely contrast to the richness of the dessert.
- Dessert Wine: If you want to elevate your serving experience, pair the bars with a sweet dessert wine like Moscato.
3. Storing the Bars
To store your Dubai Chocolate Bars, follow these simple guidelines:
- Refrigeration: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the bars for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer.
FAQs About the Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe
Here are some frequently asked questions about making and serving Dubai Chocolate Bars.
What’s the Best Way to Melt Chocolate Without Burning It?
The best way to melt chocolate without burning it is by using a double boiler or microwaving in short intervals. Stir frequently to ensure even melting.
Can I Use Other Nut Pastes Instead of Pistachio?
Yes! While pistachio cream is traditional, you can experiment with other nut pastes like hazelnut, almond, or cashew.
How Long Can I Store Dubai Chocolate Bars?
These bars can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to three months.
Conclusion
The Dubai Chocolate Bar recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s a statement. With its luxurious flavors and unique texture, it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. By following this step-by-step guide, you can create your own version of this viral treat and put your own spin on it with different flavors and presentations.
So gather your ingredients, get creative in the kitchen, and enjoy making this one-of-a-kind dessert! For more dessert inspiration, check out this guide on Ultimate Cake Pops for easy cake pops that will complement your chocolate bar treats.
