The viral Dubai chocolate bar has taken the world by storm with its unique combination of creamy pistachio filling, crunchy kataifi, and a luxurious chocolate shell. Want to make your own at home? Here’s a detailed guide to recreating these indulgent treats in your kitchen.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pistachio Nut Butter
- What it does: Provides the creamy, sweet pistachio base for the filling.
- Where to find it: Available in the peanut butter aisle at most grocery stores, including Walmart.
- Substitutes: Can’t find pistachio butter? Use Nutella or Biscoff spread for a similar texture and sweetness. Feeling adventurous? Make your own by blending pistachios in a food processor until smooth.
Tahini
- What it does: Balances the sweetness of the pistachio cream with its nutty, slightly bitter flavor.
- What to use instead: If tahini isn’t available, almond or cashew butter can work, but the flavor balance might differ.
Kataifi (Shredded Filo Pastry)
- What it does: Adds an irresistible crunch to the chocolate bars.
- Where to find it: Look for it in the freezer section of international or Middle Eastern stores. In Sacramento, try KP International Market in Rancho Cordova.
- Substitutes: If kataifi is unavailable, crispy cereal or crushed wafers can mimic the texture.
Salted Butter
- What it does: Toasts the kataifi to a golden brown and adds a rich, buttery flavor.
- What to use instead: If using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to the kataifi for balance.
Dark Chocolate Melting Wafers
- What it does: Forms the rich, smooth shell that encases the filling.
- Best choice: Ghirardelli dark chocolate wafers are recommended for their high quality. Prefer sweeter chocolate? Opt for milk chocolate wafers.
White Chocolate Melting Wafers (Optional)
- What it does: Creates a marbled effect for a visually stunning finish.
- Optional step: Skip this if you prefer a simpler design.
Silicone Candy Bar Mold
- What it does: Shapes the chocolate bars neatly and consistently.
- Alternatives: Use a parchment-lined baking dish and cut the bars into rectangles for a DIY approach.
Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe
Step 1: Add White Chocolate (Optional)
- Melt 5 white chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl (30 seconds to 1 minute). Stir until smooth.
- Use a small spoon or chopstick to drizzle thin lines or small drops of white chocolate into the candy bar mold. Focus on the sides and base for a marbled design.
- Let the white chocolate set for about 5 minutes before proceeding to the next step.
![](https://dubaichocolatebars.us.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dubai-viral-chocolate-bar-17-300x300.jpg)
Melted White Chocolate for the Marble Effect
Step 2: Make the Dark Chocolate Shell
- Melt all the dark chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl (1 minute and 30 seconds). Stir until smooth and pourable.
- Lay parchment paper on your work surface to catch excess chocolate.
- Pour a thin layer of melted dark chocolate into each mold cavity. Tilt the mold to coat the sides evenly.
- Turn the mold upside down to let any excess chocolate drip onto the parchment paper.
- Chill the mold in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes until the shell is firm.
![](https://dubaichocolatebars.us.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dubai-viral-chocolate-bar-dark-chocolate-shell-300x300.jpg)
Now the dark chocolate layer for the shell
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- Cut the kataifi pastry into short pieces for easier handling.
- In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the kataifi and toast for about 5 minutes until golden brown and flaky.
- Turn off the heat and mix in the pistachio butter and tahini until fully combined. The filling should be smooth with bits of toasted kataifi for crunch.
Step 4: Fill the Chocolate Bars
- Remove the chocolate shells from the refrigerator.
- Spoon the pistachio filling into each cavity, pressing it gently to pack the filling evenly. Make sure the edges are fully covered with the filling.
![Pistachio Butter & Tahini Kataifi Filling – Locked and Loaded](https://dubaichocolatebars.us.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dubai-viral-chocolate-bar-filling-300x300.jpg)
Pistachio Butter & Tahini Kataifi Filling – Locked and Loaded
Step 5: Seal with More Chocolate
- Reheat the remaining dark chocolate for about 30 seconds to make it runny again.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the filling, spreading it evenly to seal the bars.
- Gently tap the mold on a flat surface to release air bubbles and create a smooth top.
- Scrape off any excess chocolate for a clean finish.
![Cover the filling with another layer of dark chocolate.](https://dubaichocolatebars.us.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dubai-viral-chocolate-bar-Cover-300x300.jpg)
Cover the filling with another layer of dark chocolate.
Step 6: Chill and Enjoy
- Place the mold back in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set.
- Carefully pop the bars out of the mold. If edges are uneven, use a knife to trim them neatly.
- These bars are large, so cut them into smaller pieces to share—or enjoy them whole for the ultimate indulgence.
![Score the edges for easier removal](https://dubaichocolatebars.us.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dubai-viral-chocolate-bar-5-3-300x300.jpg)
Score the edges for easier removal
![voilà – isn’t it a beaut?](https://dubaichocolatebars.us.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dubai-viral-chocolate-bar-6-2-300x300.jpg)
voilà – isn’t it a beaut?
Tips for Success
- Work quickly when handling melted chocolate to ensure smooth layers.
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
- Experiment with different fillings, like hazelnut cream or almond butter, to create your own variations.
Indulge in the magic of homemade Dubai chocolate bars—a perfect treat for yourself or a thoughtful gift for loved ones!
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