Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Bar - This viral Dubai chocolate bar recipe is made with a creamy, crunchy pistachio filling surrounded by smooth, melt-in-your-mouth milk chocolate. Let’s make an easy and cost-effective version together!
I am sure by now you’ve heard of the viral Dubai chocolate that has been making the rounds on social media. And for good reason, it’s unreal! If you haven’t yet heard of this delicacy, I’m excited to be the one to introduce it to you. You’ll thank me later 🙂
Originally created at the FIX chocolatier in Dubai, it’s name “Can’t get knafeh of it” is a play on “can’t get enough of it,” and knafeh is a Middle Eastern dessert made with pastry dough, the same kind used in this insanely delicious filling!
When the best smashed tacos, Crunch Wrap Supreme and tik tok salmon bites went viral, I made them and loved them, so I knew I didn’t stand a chance with chocolate. I just had to do the same for this tasty treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The chocolate factory in Dubai has started to import it, but it’s not always easy to find!
- If you do find it, it’ll cost you about $15-$20, so making it at home is much cheaper!
- You’ll love the cracking open the chocolate to expose the filling that is both creamy and crunchy all at once.
- It’s so easy to make! You’ll learn to become your own chocolatier.
Success Tips
- Everyone’s chocolate bar mold is going to be different. You can make one giant chocolate bar or a number of smaller ones. It works either way!
- Do not spray your molds. They’re usually silicone, which is already nonstick, so they should come out easily once set in the fridge.
- Using spray may also change the finish of the chocolate, and we don’t want that!
- Use good-quality chocolate. Ghirardelli is one of my favorites.
- If your chocolate has hardened before you are able to add the top layer, you will need to gently warm it again until smooth.
- Do not burn the chocolate, or it will seize. At this point, you usually have to start again.
- Get creative with the toppings, or leave them plain. It’s up to you!
Dubai Chocolate Bar Ingredients
- Kataifi pastry: Also known as string pastry, it’s made from shredded phyllo pastry. It gets cooked until golden and crispy and gives the filling its signature crunch.
- Butter: Used to crisp up the pastry strands.
- Pistachio paste: Adds a deliciously nutty flavor to the filling.
- Tahini: Made from ground sesame seeds, this is what gives the filling its creamy texture and an earthy, nutty flavor.
- Sea salt: This is an important addition to the filling to help bring out the flavors.
- Milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips: For the chocolate portion of the chocolate bar. You can also use chocolate melting wafers.
- Optional toppings: Chopped pecans, hazelnuts, almonds, coarse sea salt.
How to Make Dubai Chocolate Bar
Step 1: Melt butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. As the butter starts to melt, add the kataifi pastry to the pan and break it apart as you go.
Step 2: Cook the pastry for about 5-7 minutes, ensuring it’s toasted and golden all over; however, be careful not to burn it! Avoid any temptation to turn up the heat. Once it is toasted, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool completely.
Step 3: Once the pastry has cooled, stir in the pistachio paste, tahini and sea salt. Mix to combine.
Step 4: If you want to add any topping to your chocolate, like nuts or coarse salt for a nice crunch, add some to the bottom of each mold. When you remove the chocolate from the molds, the bottom becomes the top.
Step 5: To prepare the chocolate for the molds, melt the milk chocolate in the microwave using a microwave-safe dish at 30-second intervals, stirring between each one. My preference is to use the double boiler to control the heat a bit better.
Step 6: Once the chocolate is smooth and creamy, spoon an even amount into the molds and use a brush or back of a spoon to spread the chocolate all the way up the sides. Scrape off any excess chocolate off the sides.
Step 7: Place the chocolate molds into the fridge to set and harden for at least 30 minutes. Then, add some of the filling into each mold and smooth it out evenly with a spatula.
Step 8: Add the remaining chocolate on top and spread it out nicely. If you have a chocolate scraper, this is a great way to remove any excess on top of the mold so that you have nice, tidy edges.
Step 9: Let the chocolates set in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes before you gently unmold them.
Enjoy your homemade Dubai pistachio chocolate bar with a cup of tea or coffee. Enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
When it first came out, it was hard to get your hands on one; however, it is now more widely available.
You can check out your local boutique candy and pastry shops; some Walmarts carry it, and you can also find it on Amazon.
It’s a milk chocolate bar filled with a pistachio cream filling with crispy golden strings of pastry (kataifi pastry).
The filling is a nice flavor balance to the sweet chocolate, but it’s also a texture balance as it contains both creamy and crunchy elements.
No, Dubai chocolate isn’t overly sweet. In fact, the only part of this recipe that contains added sugar is the chocolate itself.
You can keep it at room temperature for about a day, but if you have more leftover, you’ll want to keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
More Chocolate Recipes
- Chocolate Thumb Print Cookies
- Microwave Peanut Butter Brittle with Chocolate
- Molten Lava Cake
- Chocolate Rugelach Cookies
When YOU make this pistachio Dubai chocolate bar recipe please tag us @munchkintimeblog on Instagram, we would LOVE to see your creation!
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Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Bar
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cup Kataifi Pastry dried & chopped kataifi
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6.3 oz pistachio butter or cream
- ½ tablespoon Tahini
- 10 oz chocolate chips semi sweet or milk chocolate
- 1 pinch sea salt
Instructions
How to Make Pistachio Filling
- Let’s start by preparing the delicious kataifi filling! Grab a large frying pan and melt some butter over medium heat. As the butter melts, add in the kataifi pastry, breaking it up as you go. Toast that pastry well, stirring often until it's nice and golden all over—this should take about 5-7 minutes. This step is super important for that delightful crunchy texture!
- Once it’s toasted, let it cool completely, then mix in yummy pistachio paste, a touch of tahini, and a sprinkle of sea salt.
How to Make Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Bars
- Now, let’s get those molds ready! Next, melt chocolate (see instructions below) in the microwave or using a double boiler until it’s all smooth and creamy. Spoon the melted chocolate into the molds, and use a brush or the back of a spoon to spread it all the way up the sides—try not to let too much pool in the corners. Scrape off any excess chocolate from the sides, and let them set in the fridge until the chocolate is nice and hard.
- Spoon your kataifi pistachio mixture into each mold and smooth it out evenly with a spatula. Then, add the remaining chocolate on top and spread it out nicely. If you have a chocolate scraper, give those edges a little tidy.
- Let everything set completely in the fridge. When it's ready, gently unmold and enjoy your tasty creations with a cup of tea or coffee! You did it! Enjoy every bite!
How to Melt Chocolate
- Here's how to melt chocolate in the microwave properly: First, choose high-quality chocolate that is designed for melting, such as chocolate chips or a chocolate bar chopped into small, uniform pieces.
- Next, prepare a microwave-safe bowl by placing the chocolate in a clean, dry bowl. It's best to avoid plastic bowls that may not withstand heat.
- Microwave the chocolate in short intervals of 20-30 seconds. After each interval, carefully remove the bowl and give the chocolate a stir.
- Continue this process of heating and stirring until the chocolate is mostly melted. It’s fine if a few small lumps remain; the residual heat will help to melt them as you stir.
- Keep an eye on the chocolate to prevent it from overheating. If you notice it looking shiny or starting to smoke, stop microwaving immediately.
- Once the chocolate is smooth and fully melted, let it cool slightly before using it in your recipe.
Notes
- Start with high-quality chocolate, preferably dark, milk, or white chocolate that you enjoy. The flavor of your chocolate will greatly influence the final product.
- After pouring your melted chocolate into molds, you can chill the chocolate in the refrigerator to speed up the setting process. Just be careful not to let it become too cold, as this can lead to a dull finish.
- If you're using sweet chocolate, consider adding a pinch of sea salt or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios on top to enhance flavor and contrast.
Nutrition
Happy Cooking!
My family love this recipe!
Thank you, I am so happy your family loves these Dubai chocolate bars!!!