How to Make Dubai Chocolate Bar: A Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

The Dubai chocolate bar, a luxurious treat combining rich chocolate, crunchy kataifi, and creamy pistachio filling, has taken the dessert world by storm. Originating from the innovative kitchens of FIX Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai, this indulgent confection has captivated sweet tooths globally. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of this delectable dessert, delve into its unique ingredients, and provide a step-by-step guide to crafting your own Dubai chocolate bar at home. Whether you’re a seasoned chocolatier or a curious beginner, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and inspiration to recreate this viral sensation in your own kitchen.

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A Sweet Memory: Discovering the Dubai Chocolate Bar

My journey to mastering how to make a Dubai chocolate bar began in the middle of a bustling dessert expo in downtown Dubai. I wasn’t there looking for trends—I was looking for stories. That’s when I saw it: a small, beautifully molded chocolate bar with a pistachio-green hue peeking through its center. One bite, and I was hooked. The crunch of toasted kataifi, the rich pistachio filling, and the silky chocolate shell came together in a way that was both nostalgic and brand new.

It took me right back to my childhood in Asheville, North Carolina, where I first learned that food could be emotional. My grandmother’s baklava came to mind—the same nutty aroma, the crisp textures, the kind of flavor that lingers and makes you wonder, “How did they do that?”

That was the moment I knew I had to bring that taste home.

Just like my takes on Rose Pistachio Turkish Delight and Chocolate Maamoul Bites, this Dubai chocolate bar recipe is about combining deep tradition with bold creativity.

The Rise of the Dubai Chocolate Bar

If you’ve seen the viral videos online, you already know the Dubai chocolate bar has taken over social media. Originally crafted by Sarah Hamouda of FIX Dessert Chocolatier, this decadent treat gained traction thanks to its irresistible visuals and unexpected textures. Everyone wanted to know how to make a Dubai chocolate bar, and for good reason.

It’s more than a pretty dessert—it’s a brilliant mix of Middle Eastern ingredients and European technique. The kataifi offers crunch, the pistachio filling delivers smooth luxury, and the tempered chocolate shell gives it that professional snap. It’s no wonder this chocolate bar has joined the ranks of modern classics.

In the next section, I’ll show you exactly what ingredients you need—and how to prepare them—to recreate this viral sensation in your own kitchen.

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The Core Ingredients You’ll Need

When diving into how to make Dubai chocolate bar treats at home, your ingredient selection is everything. This indulgent dessert earns its reputation through bold, high-quality components that layer flavor and texture in every bite. If you want your version of the Dubai chocolate bar to taste as luxurious as the original, don’t cut corners on what goes in.

Here’s what you’ll need to master how to make Dubai chocolate bar from scratch:

• Premium Chocolate (Milk or Dark) – This is the foundation. Choose couverture chocolate for a smooth melt and a crisp, glossy snap. It’s essential to achieving that perfect outer shell when making a Dubai chocolate bar.
• Kataifi Pastry – These delicate, shredded phyllo threads deliver the crunch that makes each bite unforgettable. Toasted in butter, kataifi adds a signature texture found in every authentic Dubai chocolate bar recipe.
• Pistachio Cream – The rich, nutty core of the filling. It’s what sets the Dubai chocolate bar apart. Use high-quality ready-made pistachio cream, or blend roasted pistachios with powdered sugar and a splash of milk or oil.
• Tahini Paste – A secret ingredient in learning how to make Dubai chocolate bar filling pop. It balances sweetness with a subtle sesame depth, adding complexity to the dessert.
• Butter or Coconut Oil – Used to toast kataifi evenly and bind the filling, this ingredient enhances texture and helps hold everything together when making your own Dubai chocolate bar at home.

If you’ve made my Tahini Pistachio Swirl Brownies or Chocolate Filo Crunch Bars, you’ve already seen these flavors shine in other forms.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Dubai Chocolate Bar at Home

1. Toast the Kataifi
   Chop the kataifi finely. In a skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter or coconut oil. Add the kataifi and toast over medium heat until golden and fragrant. Let cool.
2. Mix the Filling
   In a bowl, combine the cooled kataifi with pistachio cream and 1–2 teaspoons of tahini. Mix until it forms a thick, spoonable filling.
3. Melt the Chocolate
   Break your chocolate into small pieces and melt it gently over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave. Stir until smooth.
4. Mold and Layer
   Pour melted chocolate into silicone molds, coating the bottom and sides evenly. Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes. Add a spoonful of filling, flatten slightly, then cover with more melted chocolate to seal.
5. Chill and Set
   Refrigerate for 1–2 hours, or until the bars are completely firm. Carefully pop out and store in a cool, dry place.

This method is forgiving and fun, especially once you get the hang of handling the kataifi. In Part 3, we’ll dive into variations, flavor swaps, and pro tips to make your version of the Dubai chocolate bar even more irresistible.

Creative Twists on the Dubai Chocolate Bar

Once you’ve nailed the classic, it’s time to get creative. The Dubai chocolate bar is already a showstopper, but there’s plenty of room for personal flair. Learning how to make Dubai chocolate bar variations will keep this recipe fresh and exciting.

Flavor Variations to Try

• Hazelnut and Chocolate: Swap the pistachio cream for a rich hazelnut spread, and use roasted chopped hazelnuts in place of kataifi for a Ferrero-style twist.
• White Chocolate & Rose: Use white chocolate for a creamy shell and add a few drops of rose water to the filling for an aromatic, floral vibe. Top with edible rose petals.
• Spicy Dark Chocolate: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the chocolate shell. It brings heat and contrast that’s unexpectedly addictive.
• Salted Caramel Core: Add a layer of salted caramel on top of the pistachio mixture before sealing with chocolate for a gooey surprise.

You can find similar creative fusions in my Saffron Rose White Chocolate Bites and Cardamom Date Chocolate Truffles, which also combine classic flavors with modern presentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple process, a few details can make or break your batch:

• Over-toasting Kataifi: If it gets too dark, it’ll taste bitter. Keep it golden and stir constantly.
• Overheating Chocolate: Chocolate can seize or lose its shine. Melt slowly and avoid water contact.
• Loose Filling: If your pistachio-tahini mix is too runny, add more kataifi or chill it before filling. You want it thick, not dripping.
• Skipping Tempering: If you want that glossy, pro finish and satisfying snap, temper your chocolate before molding.
• Improper Molding: Don’t skimp on chilling between layers—it keeps everything neat and layered.

By making these adjustments and experimenting with flavors, you’ll not only learn how to make Dubai chocolate bar correctly, but elevate it into your signature creation.

Serving Ideas & Pairings for the Dubai Chocolate Bar

Once you’ve learned how to make Dubai chocolate bar at home, the final touch is knowing how to serve it. Whether it’s a dinner party dessert or a personal indulgence, presentation and pairing make this treat unforgettable.

How to Serve the Dubai Chocolate Bar

Knowing how to serve the Dubai chocolate bar elevates the entire experience. Whether you’re planning a special occasion or a casual treat, these presentation ideas add a thoughtful and luxurious touch.

• Chilled & Sliced: Slightly chill the bars before slicing them into elegant rectangles or squares. Arrange on a marble platter and garnish with finely chopped pistachios or a light dusting of edible gold leaf for a luxe finish.
• Gift-Ready Presentation: Wrap each Dubai chocolate bar in gold foil and place in custom dessert boxes. Perfect for holidays, weddings, or Eid, especially when paired with a printed ingredient card or a personal note.
• Dessert Grazing Board: Feature the bars on a dessert board alongside dried fruits, roasted nuts, and other Middle Eastern-inspired treats like Fig Walnut Stuffed Dates or Orange Blossom Halva Fudge for a beautiful, themed spread.
• Mini Bar Bites: Use smaller silicone molds to create bite-sized versions. These are ideal for parties, after-dinner treats, or chocolate platters.

Perfect Pairings for the Dubai Chocolate Bar

Pairing the Dubai chocolate bar with the right drink can intensify flavors and round out the dessert moment.

• Mint Tea: Moroccan mint tea offers a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate and highlights the richness of the chocolate and pistachio.
• Espresso or Turkish Coffee: The bold, slightly bitter taste pairs beautifully with the bar’s sweetness and enhances the depth of tahini in the filling.
• Dry Red Wine: Opt for a medium-bodied Grenache or Shiraz. These wines carry dark fruit notes that harmonize with both dark chocolate and pistachio.
• Spiced Chai or Milk Tea: The warming spices in chai—cardamom, cinnamon, and clove—bring out the Middle Eastern essence in every bite of your Dubai chocolate bar.

Conclusion

Now that you know exactly how to make Dubai chocolate bar from scratch, you’re fully equipped to recreate this viral sensation in your own kitchen. With its buttery kataifi crunch, creamy pistachio center, and smooth chocolate shell, every element of the Dubai chocolate bar delivers a rich, unforgettable flavor.

Once you learn how to make Dubai chocolate bar recipes your own, you’ll discover just how versatile and rewarding this dessert can be. Whether you’re gifting them, sharing over mint tea, or simply enjoying a piece after dinner, this bar is more than a trend—it’s an experience.

From that first bite in Dubai to countless variations at home, knowing how to make Dubai chocolate bar versions that reflect your style means you’re not just following a recipe—you’re creating something meaningful. And that’s the real magic of dessert.

Want more dessert inspiration? Check out the Pistachio Honey Nougat Bars and Sesame Tahini Caramel Slices—they’re every bit as addictive.

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