How to Make a Dubai Chocolate Bar

Dubai chocolate bars are a new dessert trend that recently took TikTok by storm. They consist of crunchy kataifi pastry filled with pistachio and tahini, all encased in rich chocolate.

This viral recipe came from a company called Fix Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai. It has since become a hit around the world, and it’s not hard to see why!

1. Kataifi

Kataifi, also known as kadayif or kunafa dough, is an extremely versatile and delicate Middle Eastern pastry. This fluffy shredded dough is used in desserts, baklava, and savory dishes, and it can add an exquisite texture to any dish it is added to. Its fine, hair-like strands look daunting to work with at first, but with a little patience and a few tips, you can master the art of working with kataifi from the comfort of your own home.

The most important thing when working with kataifi is to make sure that it doesn’t dry out. Cover it in plastic wrap when not in use and try to keep it away from too much exposure to air. Also, it is very helpful to work on a large flat surface or over the sink, so that you don’t end up with a kitchen covered in kataifi crumbs. Finally, a piping bag is essential for creating those thin, crispy strands that are so characteristic of kataifi.

To begin making your Dubai chocolate bars, start by preparing the pistachio filling. You’ll need a bit of pistachio paste or butter, tahini, and coconut oil or butter. The tahini and butter are optional, but I highly recommend them because they add a great nutty, savory flavor that balances out the sweetness of the chocolate and pistachios.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pistachio paste or butter with the tahini. If the tahini isn’t creamy enough, you can stir in a bit of milk to make it smoother. Then, use a spoon to distribute the pistachio mixture evenly into the chocolate molds.

Lastly, add the melted chocolate over the pistachio mixture and let it set in the fridge for at least an hour. Once the chocolate has set, you can serve the pistachio Dubai chocolate bars. Enjoy!

These delicious, nutty, chocolaty treats will stay fresh in an airtight container for a few days, but they’ll lose their crispiness. For the best experience, make these Dubai pistachio chocolate bars the day that you plan to eat them. This will ensure that they’re at their tastiest and most crunchy!

2. Pistachio Cream

Pistachio Cream is the creamy filling used in this chocolate bar. It is similar to the pistachio butter that took the internet by storm and you can make it at home very easily.

The ingredients for pistachio cream can be found in any supermarket and it is quite easy to make, requiring only a blender or food processor. Make sure you take the time to peel and blanch the pistachios, and toast them very briefly as this will give the cream a wonderful flavor and texture. It is also important to grind them very finely as this will help to release the oils and make it a smooth spread.

A pistachio cream spread can be used just like Nutella, it is perfect for spreading on bread or toast, you can use it to fill desserts and pastries or fold into whipped cream to make a frosting. It is also a great addition to coffee and can be served with pancakes or crepes. You can even use it to create a delicious and healthy cake batter!

You can find the full recipe for pistachio cream with exact measurements and instructions in the link to the right. The best way to make this is in a food processor but you can also do it with a blender if you don’t have one.

The reason you want to use a food processor is that it will ensure the pistachios are very fine and will also be super smooth when combined with the white chocolate. Blend the pistachios, powdered sugar, salt and vanilla bean paste together until it is as fine as possible. Then slowly add the melted white chocolate and stream in neutral oil (if needed) to achieve a smooth consistency. Once it is as smooth as you like, pour it into a clean jar and keep in the fridge until ready to use. It will thicken a bit as it sits. It can be used immediately but it is better if it has time to rest and become more unified with the white chocolate.

4. Toppings

Dubai chocolate is a luxurious dessert that has taken the internet by storm. It combines the crispy texture of kataifi (shredded phyllo dough) with creamy pistachio filling and rich chocolate. It also often features splashes of colored chocolate to add a pop of color and extra sweetness. It embodies the perfect balance of Middle Eastern flavors and modern dessert artistry.

The viral dessert is a creation of Fix Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai, UAE. The popular treat is known by the name "Can't Get Knafeh of It" because it features kataifi, a Middle Eastern pastry made with shredded filo dough, as well as pistachio and tahini paste encased in milk chocolate. It first gained popularity in the US after TikTok influencer Maria Vehera posted a video of her trying the dessert. It quickly went viral, inspiring copycats and foodies to try it for themselves.

While it is possible to purchase a Dubai chocolate bar in the US, it can be expensive. The original dessert costs around $25 and requires special equipment to make at home. It is also difficult to find kataifi in the US, making this sweet treat hard for many people to enjoy.

Trader Joe's, which is famous for its affordable grocery store finds, is attempting to solve the problem of bringing the viral treat to a wider audience. The retailer's version of the Dubai chocolate bar is expected to hit stores later this week, generating excitement among shoppers.

To recreate the viral treat at home, all you need are a few key ingredients: milk or dark chocolate, kataifi, tahini and pistachio cream. The kataifi should be toasted until golden brown and the tahini and pistachio mixture should be smooth. Once the ingredients are layered in a silicone mold and covered with more chocolate, you can decorate it however you wish. You can create a design, such as an upside-down heart, or simply leave it plain. Then, chill the chocolate bars in the fridge until they're set and ready to enjoy!