Indulge in the viral sensation that’s taken the world by storm! This Ultimate Dubai Chocolate Bar combines the perfect balance of rich milk chocolate, buttery kataifi pastry, and creamy pistachio filling to create an unforgettable treat. Originally popularized by Dubai’s luxury chocolate scene, this recipe brings that same premium experience right to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Ultimate Dubai Chocolate Bar delivers an extraordinary sensory experience that goes beyond ordinary chocolate treats. The combination of smooth, velvety chocolate with the distinctive crunch of kataifi pastry creates a textural masterpiece that’s both sophisticated and satisfying. The pistachio butter adds a nutty richness that perfectly complements the sweetness of the chocolate, while the tahini paste provides a subtle depth of flavor that elevates the entire confection.
What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and visual appeal. The beautiful contrast between the glossy chocolate exterior and the golden, crispy filling makes each bar Instagram-worthy, while the recipe itself is surprisingly approachable for home bakers. Whether you’re creating these for a special occasion, gifting to loved ones, or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary, this Ultimate Dubai Chocolate Bar delivers luxury in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 tablespoons green melting candy or white melting candy
- 2 cups melting milk chocolate, divided (good quality brand recommended)
- 1 cup kataifi pastry (shredded phyllo dough), chopped into tiny pieces
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup pistachio butter
- 1 tablespoon tahini paste
How to Make Dubai Chocolate Bar:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace Set up your chocolate molds or a lined baking sheet. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing. If using chocolate molds, lightly brush them with a small amount of melted chocolate to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Kataifi Filling In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped kataifi pastry pieces. Toast them gently for 2-3 minutes until they become lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and immediately drizzle with the melted butter, tossing to coat evenly. Set aside to cool completely.
Step 3: Create the Pistachio Mixture In a medium bowl, combine the pistachio butter and tahini paste. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The tahini will add a subtle nuttiness and help bind the filling together.
Step 4: Combine the Filling Once the kataifi has cooled, fold it into the pistachio-tahini mixture. The pastry should be well-coated but still maintain its crispy texture. This creates the signature crunchy center that makes the Ultimate Dubai Chocolate Bar so distinctive.
Step 5: Temper the Chocolate Melt 1½ cups of the milk chocolate using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Once melted, remove from heat and add the remaining ½ cup of chocolate, stirring until completely smooth and glossy.
Step 6: Create the Chocolate Shells Pour half of the tempered chocolate into your molds or spread it on a lined baking sheet to create the base layer. If using molds, ensure the chocolate coats the sides evenly. Refrigerate for 10 minutes until set but not completely hard.
Step 7: Add the Filling Spoon the kataifi-pistachio mixture onto the chocolate base, leaving space around the edges for sealing. Gently press the filling down to create an even layer.
Step 8: Seal and Decorate Pour the remaining melted chocolate over the filling, ensuring it covers completely and seals the edges. If desired, melt the green or white melting candy and drizzle over the top for decoration. Gently tap the molds to remove air bubbles.
Step 9: Final Setting Refrigerate the chocolate bars for at least 2 hours or until completely set. Once firm, carefully remove from molds or cut into bars if using a sheet method.
Helpful Tips:
Temperature Control is Key: Working with chocolate requires attention to temperature. If your chocolate becomes too thick while working, gently warm it again. If it becomes too thin, let it cool slightly before continuing.
Kataifi Preparation: Don’t skip the toasting step for the kataifi pastry. This crucial step ensures the pastry maintains its crunch even when mixed with the creamy pistachio filling. Make sure it’s completely cooled before mixing to prevent the filling from becoming soggy.
Quality Ingredients Matter: Since this Ultimate Dubai Chocolate Bar has relatively few ingredients, each one plays a crucial role. Invest in good-quality chocolate and pistachio butter for the best results. The difference in flavor will be immediately noticeable.
Mold Alternatives: If you don’t have chocolate molds, you can use ice cube trays, silicone baking molds, or even create bark-style bars on a parchment-lined baking sheet. The key is ensuring easy removal once set.
Details:
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Difficulty: Intermediate
The Ultimate Dubai Chocolate Bar requires some patience and attention to detail, particularly when working with the chocolate tempering process. However, the techniques involved are well within reach of home bakers who follow the instructions carefully. The most important factor is maintaining proper temperatures throughout the process to ensure a glossy finish and satisfying snap when broken.
Notes:
Kataifi Pastry: This shredded phyllo dough is available at Middle Eastern grocery stores or online. If unavailable, you can substitute with finely chopped toasted vermicelli noodles or even crushed cornflakes for a similar crunch, though the authentic flavor comes from kataifi.
Pistachio Butter: Look for high-quality pistachio butter without added sugars or oils. You can make your own by processing roasted pistachios in a food processor until smooth, though this may take 10-15 minutes of processing time.
Storage Considerations: These chocolate bars are best enjoyed within one week of making for optimal texture and flavor. The kataifi pastry may lose some crispness over time, though proper storage can help maintain quality.
Customization Options: Feel free to experiment with different nuts or add-ins. Almond butter can substitute for pistachio butter, and you can add a pinch of sea salt or rose water for additional flavor complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of melting chocolate? A: While possible, melting chocolate or chocolate specifically designed for candy making will give you better results. Regular chocolate chips contain stabilizers that can make tempering more difficult and may result in a less glossy finish.
Q: What if I can’t find kataifi pastry? A: Kataifi pastry is essential for the authentic Dubai chocolate bar experience, but you can substitute with finely shredded wheat cereal, crushed phyllo dough, or even toasted angel hair pasta broken into small pieces.
Q: How do I know if my chocolate is properly tempered? A: Properly tempered chocolate will have a glossy finish, snap cleanly when broken, and not develop white spots (bloom) when stored. It should feel smooth and not sticky to the touch.
Q: Can I make these without tahini? A: Tahini adds depth of flavor and helps bind the filling, but you can omit it if necessary. You might want to add a small amount of honey or maple syrup to help bind the mixture.
Q: Why are my chocolate bars not releasing from the molds? A: This usually indicates the chocolate wasn’t properly tempered or the molds weren’t prepared correctly. Try placing the molds in the freezer for 10 minutes, then gently flex the molds to release the bars.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Ultimate Dubai Chocolate Bar in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Properly stored, these bars will maintain their quality for up to one week at room temperature. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks, though bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor experience.
Avoid storing in humid environments, as this can cause the chocolate to develop bloom or the kataifi to lose its crispness. If you live in a particularly warm climate, refrigeration may be necessary to maintain the chocolate’s structure.
For gift-giving, wrap individual bars in parchment paper or place them in small gift boxes. The bars can be frozen for up to one month, though the texture of the kataifi may change slightly upon thawing.
Related Recipes:
Expand your Middle Eastern-inspired dessert repertoire with these complementary recipes from Run of Life:
- Pistachio Baklava Cheesecake – Combines the flaky pastry textures you love with creamy cheesecake
- Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies – Perfect for tahini lovers who want to explore more uses for this versatile ingredient
- Middle Eastern Chocolate Truffles – Another elegant chocolate treat with regional flavors
- Honey Phyllo Cups with Nuts – Great for practicing your phyllo pastry skills
Conclusion:
This Ultimate Dubai Chocolate Bar recipe brings the luxury and sophistication of Dubai’s famous chocolate scene directly to your kitchen. The combination of premium chocolate, crunchy kataifi pastry, and rich pistachio filling creates a treat that’s not just delicious but also visually stunning and conversation-worthy.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests, create memorable gifts, or simply indulge in something special, this recipe delivers on all fronts. The techniques involved, while requiring some attention to detail, are well within reach of home bakers willing to take their time and follow the process carefully.
The beauty of this Ultimate Dubai Chocolate Bar lies not just in its taste but in its ability to transport you to the world of luxury confections with every bite. Once you’ve mastered this recipe, you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again, perhaps experimenting with different flavor combinations or presentation styles.
Take your time, enjoy the process, and prepare to be amazed by the professional-quality results you can achieve in your own kitchen. This Ultimate Dubai Chocolate Bar is more than just a recipe – it’s an experience that celebrates the art of fine chocolate making and the joy of sharing exceptional food with others.