The Viral Dubai Chocolate Bar: Make This Luxurious Treat at Home

The blend of crispy, buttery kataifi pastry, rich pistachios, and smooth chocolate creates a magical combination that has taken social media by storm. The Dubai Chocolate Bar, originally created by Fix Dessert Chocolatier, has captivated chocolate lovers worldwide with its unique textures and Middle Eastern-inspired flavors. While it might look complex, this indulgent treat is actually quite easy to make in your own kitchen.

What Makes the Dubai Chocolate Bar Special?

The Dubai Chocolate Bar is notable for its perfect blend of textures and flavors. The exterior features a glossy chocolate shell decorated with artistic splashes of pink and green, while the inside reveals a surprise: a crunchy, buttery kataifi pastry filling enriched with pistachio paste and tahini. This combination creates a multi-sensory experience with each bite—the snap of the chocolate shell giving way to the crispy, nutty filling.

As someone who has spent years perfecting dessert recipes, I can confidently say this chocolate bar brings together traditional Middle Eastern ingredients in a contemporary, Instagram-worthy presentation that’s worth the effort.

Essential Tips for Dubai Chocolate Success

Before we jump into the recipe, here are a few essential tips to make sure your homemade Dubai Chocolate Bars turn out just right:

Perfect Your Kataifi: Toasting the kataifi pastry thoroughly is crucial for achieving that signature crunch. Take your time with this step; the golden color and crispy texture are well worth the extra minutes.

Strike the Perfect Sweetness: Adding a tiny pinch of salt to the filling can work wonders, balancing the chocolate’s sweetness and bringing out the rich flavor of the pistachios.

Choose the Right Mold: Deep chocolate molds work best for this recipe. Choose molds that are at least 1 inch deep to comfortably hold the filling.

Chocolate Selection Matters: The original recipe calls for dark chocolate, but feel free to swap it with milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste. Make sure to use high-quality chocolate with at least 55% cocoa solids for the best melting results.

Improve Chocolate Workability: Adding a small amount of coconut oil to your melted chocolate improves its fluidity and creates a thinner, more even coating.

Where to Find Kataifi Pastry: You can find kataifi in Middle Eastern grocery stores, specialty food markets, or order it online. If you can’t find it, finely shredded phyllo dough can serve as a good substitute in a pinch..

Pistachio Alternatives: If pistachio paste is unavailable, Biscoff spread mixed with a few drops of almond extract can provide a similar nutty flavor profile.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For approximately 6 chocolate bars:

• 3.5 oz (100g) kataifi pastry
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons pistachio paste
• 1 tablespoon tahini
• Pinch of sea salt
• 1 oz (30g) pink chocolate (white chocolate with pink food coloring)
• 1 oz (30g) green chocolate (white chocolate with green food coloring)
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil, divided
• 10.5 oz (300g) dark or milk chocolate

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Kataifi Filling

1. Begin by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the kataifi pastry to the skillet, gently breaking it up with your fingers as you add it.
3. Cook the pastry, stirring frequently, until it becomes golden brown and crispy—this should take around 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Transfer the toasted kataifi to a mixing bowl and let it cool for a few minutes.
5. Once cooled, mix in the pistachio paste, tahini, and salt. Stir until evenly combined.
6. The mixture should stick together when pressed, while still keeping some of the kataifi’s signature texture.

Step 2: Decorate the Chocolate Molds

1. Melt the pink chocolate with ½ teaspoon coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl, using 15-second intervals and stirring between each until completely smooth.
2. Repeat the process with the green chocolate and remaining coconut oil.
3. Using a small spoon or pastry brush, splash or flick small amounts of the colored chocolates inside your molds to create an artistic splatter effect.
4. Place the molds in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes to allow the decorations to set completely.

Step 3: Coat the Molds with Chocolate

1. Melt two-thirds of your dark or milk chocolate using a double boiler or microwave. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second bursts, stirring after each interval.
2. Once melted, remove from heat and add the remaining third of chocolate, stirring until smooth to temper the chocolate.
3. Using a pastry brush or spoon, evenly coat the inside of each decorated mold with a thick layer of chocolate.
4. Ensure the coating is thick enough to support the filling but not so thick that it overwhelms the final product.
5. Place the molds back in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to allow the chocolate coating to set.

Step 4: Assemble and Finish

1. Once the chocolate coating has hardened, fill each mold about three-quarters full with the kataifi pistachio mixture.
2. Press the filling down gently to compact it slightly, leaving room at the top for the final chocolate layer.
3. If needed, reheat the remaining chocolate and pour it over the filling to seal the chocolate bars.
4. Use an offset spatula to smooth the tops, ensuring they’re level with the molds.
5. Carefully tap the molds on the counter to release any air bubbles.
6. Refrigerate the filled molds for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to ensure they set completely.
7. Carefully unmold your chocolate bars by gently flexing the molds or turning them upside down on a clean surface.

Serving and Storage

For the best experience, let the chocolate bars sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. This enhances the flavor and lets the textures stand out..

Store any leftover Dubai Chocolate Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for up to three months—just wrap each bar individually in parchment paper and place in a freezer-safe container.

Creating these viral Dubai Chocolate Bars at home allows you to customize the flavors to your preference while impressing friends and family with your chocolate-making skills. The combination of crunchy kataifi, nutty pistachio, and smooth chocolate creates a dessert experience that rivals anything you’d find in a high-end chocolate shop—and now you can enjoy it whenever the craving strikes!

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