Dubai chocolate bar

5 hours
Cooking time 45 min
Dubai chocolate bar

Ready to make treats that taste like they belong in a luxury Dubai dessert shop? This Dubai chocolate bar recipe combines rich milk chocolate, crispy golden kadayif, and dreamy pistachio cream – all in one bite. It is almost too pretty to share (but you totally should). This is the perfect bite-sized treat with a Middle Eastern twist.

Ingredients

ingredients

Butter
15 g
Pistachios cream
150 g
Milk chocolate
300 g
Kadayif dough (alternatively use shredded wheat)
75 g

To set the chocolate

Chocolate moulds (2 chocolate bars)
2

Instructions

Filling

  • Melt butter in a pan and fry the kadayif dough over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until golden and crisp.
  • Place it in a bowl and mix with the pistachio cream.

Chocolate

  • Place ⅔ of the chopped chocolate in a bowl and melt it slowly to a temperature of 40–45 °C.
  • Gradually mix in the remaining chocolate until the temperature drops to 30–31 °C. Test if it is tempered by dipping a teaspoon in a thin layer of chocolate. Leave it for 2–3 minutes. If it starts to set, it is tempered and ready to use.

Assembling

  • Fill a chocolate mould completely with tempered chocolate and tap the sides of the mould to release any air bubbles.
  • Turn the mould upside down and let the excess chocolate run back into the bowl.
  • Scrape the surface of the mould free of chocolate and chill for about 10 minutes.
  • Once the chocolate has chilled, remove the mould and add the pistachio filling. Chill again for about 10 minutes to set the filling.
  • Check the temperature of the remaining chocolate. If it has dropped below 30 °C, gently heat it again to 30–31 °C.
  • Pour a layer of chocolate over the entire mould to seal in the pistachio filling. Scrape the excess back into the bowl.
  • Chill the chocolate bars until the chocolate has completely set. Once set, gently twist the mould to loosen the bar. Turn the mould upside down and gently tap or shake to release it.

Recommended information

Serving suggestion

Flat white
5 min
Flat white
(0)
Enjoy!

Create miniature chocolate bites

Make bite-sized versions of the Dubai chocolate bar. Just use smaller moulds or an ice cube tray. These mini treats are perfect for parties, offering a convenient way to share the rich flavours with everyone.

Temper the chocolate

When tempering chocolate, make sure your bowl and all utensils are completely dry. Even a small drop of water can cause the chocolate to seize, turning it grainy and unusable. For best results, use a silicone spatula and a metal or glass bowl, as these materials retain heat evenly and make it easier to control the temperature. Chocolate is very sensitive to temperature, and even a couple of degrees can make a big difference. A digital thermometer gives you quick, precise readings so you stay in that tempering sweet spot (30–31 °C for milk chocolate). If you do not have a thermometer, you can do the lip test. Well-tempered chocolate should feel slightly cool when dabbed on your lower lip. It is not perfect, but it is useful in a pinch.

Use homemade pistachio cream

While store-bought pistachio cream works well, making your own lets you control the ingredients and flavour. Simply blend shelled pistachios, almond flakes, and icing sugar into a fine powder. Add vanilla powder, neutral oil, and a pinch of salt, then blend until smooth. It is as simple as that! Store your ​​homemade pistachio cream in the fridge for 2 weeks, and you will have a delicious, fresh option ready whenever you need it.

Questions about Dubai chocolate bar

Interested in learning more about the Dubai chocolate bar? Check out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions right below.

What is a Dubai chocolate bar?

The Dubai chocolate bar is a luxurious treat inspired by flavours popular in Middle Eastern desserts. It is typically made with milk chocolate and filled with crispy, golden kadayif dough – a thin, shredded pastry often used in Middle Eastern sweets – mixed with smooth pistachio cream. This combination gives the bar a crunchy texture and creamy sweetness, like something you would enjoy in a high-end Dubai dessert shop. 

Why is it called Dubai chocolate?

It is called “Dubai chocolate” because the flavours and ingredients are inspired by the indulgent desserts popular in Dubai and throughout the Middle East. Dubai is famous for luxurious treats that often combine traditional ingredients like pistachios, crispy kadayif dough, and creamy fillings with premium chocolate. Calling it a “Dubai chocolate bar” highlights the rich, luxurious flavour Dubai desserts are famous for.

What does a Dubai chocolate bar taste like?

A Dubai chocolate bar tastes creamy, sweet, and just a little nutty, with a satisfying crunch in each bite. The first thing you will notice is the smooth milk chocolate melting on your tongue, followed by a nice, crispy texture from the buttery kadayif dough mixed with smooth, rich, and slightly nutty pistachio cream. This combination creates a distinctive flavour, combining Middle Eastern dessert elements with creamy chocolate.

What is kadayif pastry?

Kadayif pastry is a type of Middle Eastern pastry made from very thin strands of shredded dough. It looks a bit like fine noodles or shredded wheat and is traditionally used to make desserts. The pastry is usually toasted or fried until crispy and golden, then combined with ingredients like nuts, honey, syrup, or cream. It is typically used in sweet treats like baklava or kunafa, giving desserts a crunchy texture that is super satisfying to bite into.

How long can the Dubai chocolate bar be stored?

Keep the Dubai chocolate bar in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks to stay fresh. For longer storage, refrigerate the bars, but let them reach room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture. You can also freeze the bars for up to 3 months; just wrap them tightly in cling film to prevent freezer burn. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Discover the viral Dubai chocolate bar craze

We totally get why the Dubai chocolate bar went viral on social media – it is absolutely delicious! This treat captures the essence of Middle Eastern desserts with its creamy, smooth chocolate and satisfying crunch, transporting you straight to the heart of Dubai. It combines luxury and intense flavour in the most unexpected way, leaving you craving more with each bite. Once you try it, you will understand why everyone is raving about it!

Pistachio cream and crispy kadayif enrobed in sweet milk chocolate shell

This is not your average chocolate bar. It might look like a simple treat at first glance, but with one taste, you will realise it has so much more to offer. The thick, glossy shell of sweet milk chocolate hides a crunchy, nutty filling combining crispy, golden kadayif pastry with silky pistachio cream. The kadayif adds a light, buttery crunch, while the pistachio cream brings a smooth texture and a nutty, slightly earthy flavour. It is a simple idea done really well, and that is what makes it so satisfying.

A treat for all ages

The Dubai pistachio chocolate bar truly brings all ages together. With its creamy milk chocolate shell, crispy kadayif filling, and smooth pistachio cream, it hits all the right notes: sweet, crunchy, creamy, and just a little bit nutty.

Thanks to our easy Dubai chocolate bar recipe, you can make this indulgent treat on your own or with the family – it is a fun and rewarding experience either way. Once it is ready, you will all get to enjoy a delicious reward together. After all, chocolate tastes better when you have made it yourself.

For more tasty treats, try our profiteroles with cream and chocolate, smooth lemon posset, or Danish spandauer filled with vanilla cream. 

Get creative with the recipe

This recipe for the Dubai chocolate bar is just the starting point for your creativity. Add a splash of rose water or orange blossom water to the pistachio cream. These aromas are a staple in Middle Eastern desserts, with rose water bringing a floral fragrance, while orange blossom water introduces a fresh, citrusy zing and a hint of bitterness that complements the earthy pistachios.

For a nutty kick, mix in a spoonful of tahini, which is made from sesame seeds. Its savoury, slightly bitter taste deepens the pistachio cream and helps create an even creamier consistency. 

If you are in the mood for something bolder, swap the milk chocolate for dark chocolate. The bitterness of dark chocolate contrasts with the pistachio cream, making the chocolate bar even more delectable.

https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/dubai-chocolate-bar/