If you have ever dreamed of sinking your teeth into a luscious, nutty, and texturally exciting chocolate treat, the Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe is here to make that dream come true. This homemade delight combines the crunch of kataifi pastry with the creamy richness of pistachio butter and tahini, all encased in a silky smooth chocolate shell that gleams with colorful, candy-drizzled artistry. It’s a stunning, gourmet-inspired chocolate bar that’s surprisingly simple to create, perfect for impressing friends or treating yourself to a taste of something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe lies in its uncomplicated yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in balancing texture and flavor, from the crisp kataifi pastry adding crunch to the silky pistachio and tahini combo creating a rich, nutty heart.
- Colored or white melting candy: Adds a fun, decorative top layer and a pop of color to your chocolate bar.
- Melting chocolate (2 cups): The main structure of your bar, providing that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth chocolatey goodness.
- Kataifi pastry (1 cup): Shredded phyllo dough, chopped finely and toasted for a crispy, flaky texture.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup, melted): Essential for toasting the kataifi, ensuring a golden, buttery crunch.
- Pistachio butter (½ cup): Brings a rich, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the chocolate’s sweetness.
- Tahini paste (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle, earthy depth that enhances the overall flavor, balancing the nuts and chocolate beautifully.
How to Make Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe
Step 1: Create the Colorful Candy Design
Begin by melting your colored or white melting candy according to the package instructions. Drizzle this melted candy into your clean and dry candy bar mold in a random or designed pattern—whatever sparks your creativity. This drizzle will be the eye-catching top of your chocolate bar. Once decorated, pop the mold into the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to let the candy harden solidly. When you take the mold out, handle it gently, especially if it’s silicone, to avoid cracking or crumbling.
Step 2: Form the Chocolate Shell Base
Next, melt 1 cup of your melting chocolate. Using a pastry brush or simply by tilting the mold, coat the entire bottom and sides of your mold with this melted chocolate to create a sturdy shell. Flip the mold upside down briefly to drain any excess chocolate off, then use a flat knife or scraper to remove any extra chocolate for a smooth finish. Refrigerate your mold again for at least 15 minutes to allow the chocolate shell to set firmly.
Step 3: Toast the Kataifi Pastry
While waiting on the chocolate shell, toast your kataifi pastry. Toss it in the melted unsalted butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Keep an eye on it to ensure it toasts evenly without burning, as this pastry adds the signature crunch your bar will crave. Once browned and aromatic, set it aside to cool before mixing with your other ingredients.
Step 4: Mix Pistachio, Tahini, and Kataifi
In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the pistachio butter and tahini paste until smooth and well integrated. Then fold in the cooled toasted kataifi, ensuring every shred is coated with this luscious nutty mixture. This filling brings the texture contrast and depth of flavor that elevate the Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe to something truly special.
Step 5: Assemble the Filling Layer
Spread your pistachio, tahini, and kataifi filling evenly over the set chocolate shell in the mold. Be careful to leave a small border around the edges free of filling—this will allow the top chocolate layer to seal the sides completely, encasing the filling securely within your bar.
Step 6: Seal with the Final Chocolate Layer
Finally, melt the remaining cup of chocolate and pour it gently over the filling, making sure to cover the entire surface and seal the sides. Use a flat knife or scraper to even out the bottom by removing any excess chocolate that may spill beyond the edges. Refrigerate until the bar is fully set and firm to touch.
How to Serve Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Dubai Chocolate Bar even further, consider garnishing with crushed pistachios or a light dusting of edible gold flakes. Fresh rose petals scattered around the serving plate add a Middle Eastern-inspired flair that dazzles both the eyes and the palate.
Side Dishes
This decadent bar pairs beautifully with light accompaniments like a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of rosewater ice cream. These sides add refreshing contrasts that balance the richness of the chocolate and nutty filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your chocolate bar into elegant rectangles or fancy bite-sized squares and serve on a slate board alongside sprigs of mint and small bowls of chopped nuts. Wrapping individual pieces in clear cellophane tied with a colorful ribbon also makes charming homemade gifts that showcase the Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe’s beauty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Dubai Chocolate Bar stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve its texture and freshness. It will stay perfect for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy a sweet bite whenever the craving hits.
Freezing
If you want to save your creation for longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and seal in a freezer bag before freezing. When stored this way, the bar can last for up to 3 months without losing its deliciousness.
Reheating
Chocolate bars like this one are best enjoyed cold, so rather than reheating, allow the bar to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and bring out its rich flavors.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pistachio butter with another nut butter?
Absolutely! Almond or cashew butter make great alternatives, though the flavor will shift slightly. Pistachio offers a distinct nutty note traditional to the Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe, so try to use that if you can for the authentic taste experience.
Is kataifi pastry difficult to find, or can it be replaced?
Kataifi pastry is becoming easier to find in specialty or Middle Eastern grocery stores. If unavailable, finely shredded phyllo dough or very thinly chopped toasted filo can work in a pinch to provide similar texture.
What type of chocolate should I use?
High-quality melting chocolate in milk, dark, or semi-sweet varieties will work beautifully. Choose based on your preferred sweetness level, but avoid low-quality chocolate, as it can affect the final texture and flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use dairy-free melting chocolate and substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative. Ensure the pistachio butter and tahini are vegan-friendly as well, and you’ll have a fabulous vegan Dubai Chocolate Bar.
How long does it take to prepare this chocolate bar?
Active preparation takes around 20–25 minutes, but with chilling times included, expect about 40 minutes to complete your Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe. The wait is definitely worth it for this luxurious treat!
Final Thoughts
Your homemade Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe is not just a dessert; it is a celebration of textures, flavors, and colors wrapped into one elegant bar. Once you try making it yourself, you’ll find it’s a delightful project that rewards you with a uniquely satisfying and show-stopping chocolate creation. Don’t hesitate to dive in and treat yourself to this deliciously textured and nutty adventure next time you want a sweet escape!
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Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe
Dubai Chocolate Bar is a luxurious, layered treat featuring a crispy kataifi pastry filling blended with rich pistachio and tahini butters, all enveloped in smooth melting chocolate and topped with decorative candy drizzles. This no-bake chocolate bar combines crunchy textures with nutty flavors, delivering an elegant dessert perfect for special occasions or indulgent snacking.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
Ingredients
Chocolate and Candy Layer
- 3 tablespoons colored or white melting candy
- 2 cups melting chocolate, divided
Filling
- 1 cup kataifi pastry (shredded phyllo dough, chopped into tiny pieces)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup pistachio butter
- 1 tablespoon tahini paste
Instructions
- Melt Candy Design: Melt your colored or white melting candy according to package instructions. Drizzle it into a clean, dry candy bar mold in a random pattern or design of your choice to form the decorative top of the candy bar. Refrigerate the mold for about 15 minutes to harden the candy layer. When removing from the refrigerator, avoid bending the mold to prevent cracking or crumbling.
- First Chocolate Layer: Melt 1 cup of melting chocolate as per package directions. Spread evenly over the bottom and sides of the candy bar mold using a pastry brush or by tilting the mold to coat all sides. Invert the mold to let excess chocolate drip out; then scrape off surplus chocolate to create a neat edge. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to set.
- Toast Kataifi Pastry: In a non-stick skillet, combine the chopped kataifi pastry with melted butter. Toast over medium heat until golden and fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes.
- Prepare Filling Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix pistachio butter and tahini paste until smooth. Fold the toasted kataifi pastry into this nutty mixture until well incorporated.
- Assemble Filling: Spread the filling mixture evenly over the set chocolate layer in the mold, leaving a small gap around the edges to enable the chocolate to fully encase the filling.
- Final Chocolate Layer: Melt the remaining cup of chocolate and spread it over the filling to fill the mold completely. Use a flat knife or scraper to remove excess chocolate and flatten the bottom of the chocolate bar for a clean finish. Refrigerate until firmly set before removing from the mold.
Notes
- Be careful not to overheat the kataifi pastry as it can burn quickly during toasting.
- When handling the mold, especially if silicone, do not bend or twist to avoid damaging the delicate candy and chocolate layers.
- This recipe uses two types of nut butters for a layered flavor profile; substitute with almond or cashew butter if desired.
- Ensure each chocolate layer is fully set before adding the next to maintain clean layers.
- Store the finished chocolate bars in a cool place or refrigerator to preserve texture and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern