Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that has captivated dessert lovers worldwide. The Dubai Chocolate Bar, an exquisite confection featuring a luxurious Belgian milk chocolate shell generously filled with crispy Kataifi (shredded phyllo pastry) and a decadent pistachio cream, is more than just a sweet treat—it’s an experience. This viral sensation masterfully fuses the deep, aromatic flavors of traditional Middle Eastern sweets with the familiar, beloved texture of premium Belgian chocolate, creating a symphony for the senses that has rightfully taken the dessert world by storm.
For those eager to elevate their homemade version, consider utilizing a Homemade Pistachio Cream Recipe. Crafting your own pistachio cream ensures unparalleled freshness and allows you to perfectly adjust the sweetness to your liking, offering a superior taste profile compared to many store-bought alternatives. This attention to detail will undoubtedly make your Dubai Chocolate Bar truly unforgettable.
The journey of this dessert to global stardom is a testament to its unique appeal. Exploding in popularity throughout 2024, the original “Can’t Get Knafeh of It” chocolate bar was first created by Dubai’s renowned Fix Dessert Chocolatier. However, acquiring one of these sought-after bars often comes with a hefty price tag, typically ranging from $25-30 per bar—a cost that can quickly add up for true dessert aficionados. This viral sensation, celebrated across social media platforms, proved that luxury doesn’t have to break the bank when you know how to recreate it yourself.
The exciting news for dessert enthusiasts is that making this viral Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Bar at home is far simpler than one might imagine. Bypass the high prices and the hunt for exclusive treats by crafting this opulent chocolate creation right in your own kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and approximately 30 minutes of your time, you can indulge in this luxurious chocolate bar, fresh and customized to your taste preferences. This recipe offers a delightful and economical alternative to satisfy your craving for one of the most talked-about desserts of the year.
The Allure of the Dubai Chocolate Bar
What exactly makes the Dubai Chocolate Bar so incredibly irresistible? It’s a masterful blend of contrasting textures and complementary flavors that come together in perfect harmony. The initial snap of premium Belgian chocolate gives way to a fascinating crunch from the toasted Kataifi, followed by the smooth, rich embrace of a luscious pistachio cream infused with the subtle depth of tahini. This multi-layered experience is a sophisticated twist on traditional Middle Eastern sweets, encapsulated within a globally recognized form factor.
The phenomenon behind its viral success can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the visual appeal of a perfectly crafted chocolate bar revealing such an intriguing interior is highly shareable. Secondly, the element of surprise and discovery as one bites into the bar adds to its charm. Lastly, it taps into a desire for unique, gourmet experiences that are both exotic and comforting. By bringing this recipe into your home, you’re not just making a dessert; you’re creating a piece of edible art that tells a story of cultural fusion and innovative confectionery.
Key Ingredients for Your Homemade Dubai Chocolate Bar
Crafting the perfect Dubai Chocolate Bar begins with selecting high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the desired taste and texture that makes this dessert so exceptional.
Milk or Dark Chocolate: The foundation of your chocolate bar. While I personally adore the superior quality and melt of Callebaut Belgian Chocolate, you can certainly achieve excellent results with other good-quality, affordable brands. The key is to choose chocolate that melts smoothly and tastes delicious on its own, as it forms the majority of the bar’s exterior. High-quality chocolate ensures a satisfying snap and a rich, creamy mouthfeel. Consider your personal preference for sweetness and intensity when choosing between milk or dark chocolate.
Kataifi Dough: Also known as shredded phyllo dough, this is the secret behind the delightful crisp texture of the filling. Kataifi can typically be found in the frozen section of most Middle Eastern grocery stores or specialty food markets. Its fine, noodle-like strands, when toasted, provide an unparalleled crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth chocolate and creamy pistachio filling.
Butter: Essential for toasting the Kataifi dough to a beautiful golden brown. Butter not only adds flavor but also helps achieve that perfect crispness, preventing the dough from burning and ensuring an even toast. Unsalted butter is usually preferred to control the overall saltiness of the dessert.
Tahini Paste: This rich, earthy paste made from pureed sesame seeds introduces a distinct depth of flavor to the pistachio filling. Tahini adds a subtle savory note that balances the sweetness of the chocolate and pistachio, enhancing the complexity of the bar’s taste profile. It’s a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and can be found in most large supermarkets or international food sections.
White Chocolate: While optional, white chocolate can be used for decorative purposes, allowing you to create vibrant, colored swirls or patterns on the exterior of your bars. Mixing it with food coloring gives you artistic freedom. Alternatively, colored cocoa butter can be used by more experienced chocolatiers for a professional finish.
Coconut Oil: A crucial ingredient when working with white chocolate (or any chocolate) to prevent it from seizing during melting. Adding a small amount of coconut oil helps the chocolate melt into a smooth, pliable consistency, making it easier to work with, especially when drizzling or coating molds. It also contributes to a slightly smoother texture in the final chocolate shell.
Pistachio Cream: The heart of the Dubai Chocolate Bar! This rich, velvety cream delivers the signature pistachio flavor. You have the option to use a high-quality store-bought pistachio cream for convenience, or for an even more exquisite and customizable experience, prepare your own Homemade Pistachio Cream. Homemade versions often boast a fresher, more intense pistachio flavor and allow for control over sweetness and consistency.
Food Coloring: (OPTIONAL) Used in conjunction with white chocolate, food coloring allows you to transform the visual appeal of your bars. Experiment with vibrant greens, pinks, or blues to add a touch of personal flair and make your Dubai Chocolate Bars even more eye-catching. Ensure you use oil-based food colorings designed for chocolate to prevent seizing.
Crafting Your Own Viral Dubai Chocolate Bar: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this trending dessert at home is a rewarding experience. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a flawless and delicious Dubai Chocolate Bar.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Dubai Chocolate Bar
- Choose Premium Chocolate: For the best flavor and a satisfying snap, always opt for high-quality Belgian chocolate. Its superior cocoa butter content ensures a smooth melt and a professional finish.
- Balance the Filling Ratio: To ensure a creamy, moist filling rather than a dry one, use a slightly higher proportion of pistachio cream compared to Kataifi. This creates a luxurious texture that truly shines.
- Homemade Pistachio Cream is Key: Whenever possible, prepare your own pistachio cream. This allows you to control the sweetness, avoid unnecessary preservatives, and achieve a richer, more authentic pistachio flavor. It makes a significant difference.
- Serving Temperature Matters: If you’ve stored your Dubai Chocolate Bars in the fridge, remove them about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the pistachio cream filling to soften slightly and become wonderfully creamy, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
- Invest in Quality Molds: Using a silicone mold is highly recommended for effortless removal of the finished chocolate bars. Silicone’s flexibility prevents breakage and ensures your bars maintain their pristine shape.
- Temper Your Chocolate (Optional but Recommended): For a truly professional sheen and crisp snap, consider tempering your chocolate. This process stabilizes the chocolate’s crystals, preventing bloom and ensuring a smooth, glossy finish that lasts.
- Don’t Rush the Setting: Ensure each layer of chocolate is adequately set in the fridge before proceeding to the next step. Rushing can lead to messy layers or bars that fall apart.
- Storage Best Practices: Store your chocolate bars in an airtight container to protect them from moisture and odors, preserving their freshness and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dubai Chocolate Bar
When properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your homemade Dubai Chocolate Bar can maintain its freshness and deliciousness for at least a month. For optimal flavor and texture, it’s best enjoyed within the first two weeks.
To preserve its quality, keep your Dubai Chocolate Bar in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and strong odors. For the absolute best flavor experience and to allow the filling to achieve its ideal creamy texture, it’s recommended to enjoy the bar at room temperature. If it has been stored in the refrigerator, allow it to thaw for about 30 minutes before indulging to let the chocolate and filling soften slightly.
While pistachio is traditional and provides the signature flavor, you can certainly experiment! Almond cream or hazelnut cream could offer interesting variations. However, the unique flavor profile and vibrant green color of pistachio are what define the original Dubai Chocolate Bar.
Achieving a vegan version would require careful substitutions. You would need to use dairy-free chocolate, a plant-based butter for toasting the Kataifi, and a vegan pistachio cream. While possible, the taste and texture may vary slightly from the traditional recipe.
Silicone candy bar molds are highly recommended for their flexibility and ease of demolding. Standard chocolate bar molds, typically 1-inch deep, work best to achieve the authentic shape and thickness. Ensure your molds are clean and completely dry before use.
More Irresistible Pistachio Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the vibrant flavor of pistachio in this chocolate bar, explore more Middle Eastern desserts that highlight this magnificent nut:
- Authentic Pistachio Baklava
- Pistachio Maamoul Recipe
- Bird Nest Baklava with Pistachio
- Pistachio Short Bread Cookies
With just a few quality ingredients and a straightforward process, you can easily create this stunning and viral Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Bar at home. It’s a perfect dessert for gifting to loved ones, impressing guests at your next gathering, or simply indulging in a moment of pure, luxurious pleasure. Its unique blend of textures and flavors guarantees a memorable treat that tastes as exquisite as it looks.
If you try this delightful recipe or any of my other culinary creations, please consider leaving a star rating and a comment in the section below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps other home cooks discover delicious new recipes. Don’t forget to follow Cookin’ With Mima on Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest to stay updated with all my latest social posts, kitchen tips, and mouth-watering recipes!
Dubai Chocolate Bar
Equipment
- 2 (1-inch deep) large candy bar molds
Ingredients
- 1½ cup milk chocolate, melted
- 2 tbsps tahini paste
- 1½ cup pistachio cream (see post for homemade version)
- 2 cups shredded Kataifi dough, chopped
- ¼ stick unsalted butter
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- ¼ cup white chocolate, separated in mini bowls for coloring (optional)
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Chop the Kataifi dough into smaller pieces.
- In a pan over medium heat, melt some butter and toast the Kataifi dough until golden brown. Once golden, add in the tahini and pistachio cream.
- Mix until well combined and turn off the heat.
- Melt the white chocolate with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil. Separate into mini bowls (however many colors you want to make) and add food coloring if desired. Drizzle the colored or white chocolate into the mold for decoration.
- Melt the main milk or dark chocolate using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Pour some of the melted chocolate into the mold and completely cover the bottom and sides. Use a brush if needed. Refrigerate briefly to set.
- Next, add in the pistachio Kataifi filling and smooth it down to make sure the filling gets to all the corners.
- Top with more melted chocolate and spread to completely cover the pistachio Kataifi filling. Let it set in the fridge for about 15 minutes, just until the chocolate hardens.
- Once set, remove from the mold and slice into bars or break into pieces.
Video
Notes
- Use Belgian chocolate if possible for the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure you use more pistachio cream than Kataifi for a creamy, not dry, filling.
- Homemade pistachio butter is highly recommended for better sweetness control and fewer preservatives.
- If storing in the fridge, remove the bar about 30 minutes before serving to allow the filling to become creamier.
- A silicone mold makes for easy and clean removal of the chocolate bars.
Nutrition
Calories: 705 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 63 g |
Protein: 16 g |
Fat: 47 g |
Saturated Fat: 13 g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 8 g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 23 g |
Trans Fat: 0.1 g |
Cholesterol: 8 mg |
Sodium: 300 mg |
Potassium: 519 mg |
Fiber: 8 g |
Sugar: 22 g |
Vitamin A: 92 IU |
Vitamin C: 0.2 mg |
Calcium: 191 mg |
Iron: 5 mg