Dubai Chocolate Bars

Dubai Chocolate Bars

The viral sensation taking over social media — these indulgent Dubai chocolate bars feature a crispy, golden kataifi (shredded phyllo) and pistachio filling encased in a thick shell of rich dark chocolate. Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch against creamy, nutty filling, finished with a swirl of white chocolate for that signature look. No baking required and surprisingly simple to make at home.

6 servings · Prep 25 min · Cook 15 min · Total 100 min

Middle Eastern · Dessert

Chocolate Coating

  • 14 oz dark chocolate 60–70% cacao, roughly chopped or high-quality chips
  • high-quality chips
  • 1 tsp coconut oil helps thin chocolate for smooth coating
  • 2 oz white chocolate chopped or chips, for decorative swirl
  • chips

Pistachio Filling

  • 3 oz kataifi (shredded phyllo dough) thawed if frozen, pulled apart into loose strands
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter for toasting the kataifi
  • 1 cup pistachio cream or pistachio butter smooth, unsweetened preferred; store-bought or homemade
  • pistachio butter
  • 2 tbsp tahini adds depth and creaminess
  • 0.5 tsp fine salt
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Topping

  • 3 tbsp crushed pistachios roughly chopped, for topping
  • 1 pinch flaky sea salt for finishing

Equipment

  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Saucepan
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Skillet
  • Airtight Container
  • Freezer
  • Toothpick
  • Double Boiler
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Fridge
  • Pastry Brush
  • Spatula
  • Saucepan (1 Quart)
  • Mixing Bowl (4 Quarts)
  • Ziploc Bag (Pint Size)

Instructions

  1. Melt the @[Butter] in a #[Skillet] over ^[medium heat]. Add the shredded @[Kataifi], breaking it apart with your fingers as you add it. Toast, stirring frequently, for ~[5–7 minutes] until deeply golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Once cool, roughly chop or crumble into smaller pieces.
  2. In a #[Mixing Bowl], combine the @[Pistachio Cream], @[Tahini], @[Vanilla Extract], and @[Salt]. Stir until smooth and well combined. Fold in the cooled, toasted @[Kataifi] until evenly distributed. The mixture should be thick and scoopable — if it's too stiff, warm it gently for ~[20 seconds] in the #[Microwave].
  3. Melt the @[Dark Chocolate] with the @[Coconut Oil] in a heatproof #[Mixing Bowl] set over a #[Saucepan] of barely simmering water (double boiler), stirring until completely smooth. Remove from heat. If using @[White Chocolate] for decoration, melt it separately in a small #[Mixing Bowl]. Spoon a thin layer of @[Dark Chocolate] into the bottom of each silicone bar mold, then use a #[Pastry Brush] or the back of a spoon to coat the sides evenly. If desired, drizzle a small amount of melted @[White Chocolate] into the mold first and swirl with a toothpick for the signature marbled look. Freeze the molds for ~[5 minutes] to set the shell.
  4. Remove the molds from the freezer. Spoon the pistachio-@[Kataifi] filling into each mold, pressing it down gently and leaving about 3–4 mm of space at the top. Pour the remaining melted @[Dark Chocolate] over the filling to seal each bar completely, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Tap the molds gently on the counter to release any air bubbles. Sprinkle crushed @[Pistachios] and a pinch of @[Flaky Sea Salt] over the top if desired.
  5. Transfer the filled molds to the #[Fridge] and chill for at least ~[45–60 minutes], or until the @[Dark Chocolate] is fully set and firm to the touch. Once set, gently flex the silicone molds and pop the bars out. Store in an #[Airtight Container] in the #[Fridge].