Introduction
The Dubai Chocolate Bar has become a viral sensation, captivating dessert lovers worldwide. This luxurious treat, often called the Pistachio Chocolate Bar or Kunafa Chocolate Bar, combines smooth milk chocolate with a crispy, nutty filling, creating an unforgettable flavor experience.
What makes this chocolate bar special is its contrast of textures and flavors—the sweetness of chocolate perfectly complements the crunch of kunafa and the rich, nutty taste of pistachios. Inspired by Middle Eastern flavors, this dessert has taken social media by storm, making it one of the most sought-after treats today.
The good news? You don’t need to travel to Dubai to enjoy this indulgent dessert! With this simple homemade recipe, you can recreate the viral Dubai Chocolate Bar in your own kitchen using easy-to-find ingredients. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or just looking to try something new, this recipe will guide you step by step to make your own version of this decadent and delicious treat.
Want to learn more about the rise of Dubai’s famous desserts? Check out this detailed article on BBC Good Food to explore more about Middle Eastern-inspired sweets and how they’ve gained global popularity.
So, are you ready to experience the magic of Dubai’s most talked-about dessert? Let’s get started!
Dubai Chocolate Bar
Recreate the viral Dubai Chocolate Bar sensation at home! This recipe combines creamy milk chocolate with a crunchy pistachio-kunafa filling for an unforgettable treat.
Ingredients:
- 400g milk chocolate
- 1/2 cup shredded kunafa pastry
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup pistachio paste
- 1 tbsp tahini
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions:
- Melt milk chocolate in a double boiler or microwave.
- Fry shredded kunafa in butter until golden brown and crispy.
- Mix fried kunafa with pistachio paste, tahini, and sea salt.
- Spread a layer of melted chocolate in a silicone mold.
- Add the kunafa-pistachio filling.
- Cover with another layer of melted chocolate.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
- Remove from mold and enjoy.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this recipe lies in the balance of textures and flavors. The creamy, smooth chocolate provides a comforting sweetness that complements the crunchy, nutty, and slightly salty kunafa filling.
Frying the kunafa in butter is crucial. It creates a wonderfully crispy texture and adds a rich, buttery flavor that enhances the overall taste profile. Don’t skip this step! The tahini in the filling adds a subtle earthy note that balances the sweetness of the chocolate and pistachio paste. A pinch of sea salt further enhances the flavors and prevents the dessert from being overly sweet.
A common mistake is not allowing the chocolate to set completely in the refrigerator. This can result in a messy, melty chocolate bar. Be patient and let it chill for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight.
- Key Point 1: Frying the kunafa properly is essential for achieving the desired crunch.
- Key Point 2: Allowing the chocolate to set fully prevents a melty mess.
Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and texture. It makes a big difference!
Ingredient Spotlight
- Milk Chocolate: The foundation of our Dubai Chocolate Bar! Use a good-quality milk chocolate with a cocoa content around 30-40% for the best balance of sweetness and chocolate flavor. You can also substitute with dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet experience.
- Shredded Kunafa Pastry: This Middle Eastern pastry is the key to the crunchy texture. You can find it at Middle Eastern grocery stores or online. If you can’t find kunafa, you can substitute with kataifi pastry, which is similar.
- Butter: Used to fry the kunafa pastry, adding a rich, buttery flavor and enhancing its crispiness. Unsalted butter is recommended.
- Pistachio Paste: This adds a distinct nutty flavor and a vibrant green color to the filling. Make sure to use a high-quality pistachio paste made with real pistachios, not artificial flavorings.
- Tahini: Adds a subtle earthy and nutty flavor to the filling, balancing the sweetness of the chocolate and pistachio paste.
- Sea Salt: A pinch of sea salt enhances the flavors and prevents the dessert from being overly sweet.
Experiment with different flavors by adding spices like cardamom or rose water to the filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own Dubai Chocolate Bar at home! Each step is designed to guide you through the process from start to finish, ensuring your chocolate bar turns out perfect every time.
- Step 1: Melt the Chocolate: In a double boiler or microwave, melt the milk chocolate until smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can burn. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted.
- Step 2: Fry the Kunafa: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the shredded kunafa pastry and fry until golden brown and crispy, stirring frequently. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 3: Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine the fried kunafa, pistachio paste, tahini, and sea salt. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
- Step 4: Assemble the Chocolate Bar: Spread a layer of melted chocolate in a silicone mold. Make sure the chocolate is evenly distributed and covers the bottom and sides of the mold.
- Step 5: Add the Filling: Add the kunafa-pistachio filling on top of the chocolate layer. Gently press the filling down to create an even layer.
- Step 6: Cover with Chocolate: Cover the filling with another layer of melted chocolate, making sure to spread it evenly and completely cover the filling.
- Step 7: Refrigerate: Refrigerate the chocolate bar for at least 2 hours, or until set.
- Step 8: Remove and Enjoy: Remove the chocolate bar from the mold and enjoy!
