If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram or TikTok lately, you might have stumbled upon the Viral Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe—a decadent treat that’s a beautiful fusion of crispy kataifi dough, rich pistachio butter, smooth tahini, and layers of luscious chocolate. It’s dessert magic that’s surprisingly simple to make, yet so impressively delicious that everyone can’t stop raving about it!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Irresistibly Crunchy Meets Creamy: The crispy kataifi dough gives each bite a satisfying crunch that perfectly balances the silky pistachio and tahini filling.
A Flavor Celebration: Pistachio butter and tahini lend a nutty, slightly savory depth that transforms this from just another chocolate bar into an unforgettable experience.
Impress with Minimal Effort: Don’t let the fancy look fool you—this recipe is straightforward and perfect for home cooks of any skill level.
Great for Gifting or Sharing: These bars look luxurious and taste gourmet, making them a fabulous handmade gift or a crowd-pleaser for gatherings.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The beauty of the Viral Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe is how each ingredient plays a starring role in its perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the buttery kataifi to the indulgent blend of pistachio butter and tahini, these simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary.
- Salted butter: Adds a rich, savory note and helps toast the kataifi dough to crisp perfection.
- Kataifi shredded dough: This shredded phyllo pastry provides the signature crunch – if unavailable, finely chopped phyllo sheets could be a substitute.
- Pistachio butter: The creamy, nutty heart of this bar; if you can’t find pistachio butter, a smooth pistachio paste or even almond butter with a touch of pistachio essence can work.
- Tahini paste: Adds a subtle earthiness that deepens the nutty flavor profile.
- White chocolate: Used for a decorative drizzle to brighten the bars visually and offer a sweeter contrast.
- Dark chocolate: The bold flavor anchors the bar with intense cocoa notes and holds it all together gorgeously.
How to Make Viral Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Kataifi Dough
Start by melting the salted butter in a medium pan over medium heat. Once melted, toss in the kataifi shredded dough, stirring frequently as it toasts. Keep an eye on it, as it needs to turn golden brown and beautifully crispy in about 10 minutes—this step unlocks the irresistible texture that sets these bars apart!
Step 2: Mix in Pistachio Butter and Tahini
Remove the pan from heat, then stir in the pistachio butter and tahini paste. The mixture will look thick and luscious. Set it aside for about 10 minutes to cool, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up slightly for easier layering later on.
Step 3: Prepare the White Chocolate Drizzle
Melt the white chocolate in the microwave using short 20-second bursts, stirring after each, until it’s silky smooth. Drizzle it over the bottom of your silicone chocolate bar molds, then pop them in the freezer for 5 minutes to set. This adds a gorgeous touch and a bit of sweetness to the finished bars.
Step 4: Coat with Dark Chocolate
Next, melt the dark chocolate in the microwave, again heating in 20-second intervals and stirring until glossy. Pour half of this chocolate into your molds, spreading it across the bottom and up the sides. Let it rest at room temperature for about 5 to 10 minutes—then refrigerate for 10 minutes to create a sturdy shell for your filling.
Step 5: Assemble and Chill
Fill the molds evenly with your kataifi and nut butter filling, smoothing the surface gently. Pour the remaining melted dark chocolate over the filling. Tap the mold lightly on the counter a few times to eliminate any air pockets and create an even finish. Freeze the bars for 15 to 20 minutes until solid, then transfer to the fridge to keep their perfect structure until you’re ready to indulge.
How to Serve Viral Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra wow factor, sprinkle some crushed pistachios or edible gold leaf on top of the bars just before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few toasted sesame seeds can also complement the tahini’s nutty flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
This chocolate bar pairs wonderfully with a cup of rich espresso or a glass of chilled rose tea, both balancing its richness. For a more decadent spread, include fresh berries or a tangy yogurt dip to cleanse the palate and highlight the dessert’s nutty notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these bars on a wooden board lined with parchment, surrounded by fresh mint sprigs or edible flowers for a striking presentation. You can also create mini versions in small mold cavities, perfect for elegant dessert buffets or party favors that guests will remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Viral Dubai Chocolate Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the kataifi’s crispness and the chocolate’s glossy texture for up to one week—perfect if you want to savor a little bit every day!
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for longer, freeze the bars flat in a single layer, then stack them with parchment paper between layers inside a sealed container. They’ll keep well for up to two months without losing their delightful crunch or flavor.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat these chocolate bars; they’re best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you want to soften the chocolate slightly, let them sit out for about 10 minutes before digging in—it makes the flavors even more luscious.
FAQs
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Can I use regular butter instead of salted butter?
Yes! If you only have unsalted butter, just add a pinch of salt to the pan as the kataifi dough toasts to keep the balance of flavors perfect.
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What is kataifi dough, and where can I find it?
Kataifi dough is shredded phyllo pastry commonly used in Middle Eastern and Greek desserts. You can usually find it in the frozen section of Middle Eastern or Mediterranean grocery stores. If you can’t find kataifi, shredded phyllo nests or finely chopped phyllo sheets can be a substitute.
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Can I make the Viral Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap butter for a dairy-free alternative, use vegan dark and white chocolate, and ensure your tahini and pistachio butters contain no animal-derived ingredients.
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How long does it take to make these bars from start to finish?
From prepping and toasting to chilling and setting, the recipe takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes total, including passive chilling time.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Viral Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s taken the dessert world by storm. The crunchy texture, nutty fillings, and rich chocolate layers create a treat that feels both luxurious and homemade. So grab your ingredients, have fun, and get ready to share a truly unforgettable sweet delight with your loved ones!
Print
Viral Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (each serving is ½ bar) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern/Dubai
Description
This Viral Dubai Chocolate Bar recipe features a crunchy kataifi shredded dough base infused with rich pistachio butter and tahini, enveloped in layers of silky white and dark chocolate. Perfectly balanced between flaky texture and creamy nutty flavors, this decadent treat is ideal for sharing or gifting.
Ingredients
For the Kataifi Filling
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter
- 4 ounces kataifi shredded dough, chopped
- 1 (7-ounce) jar pistachio butter
- 1 Tablespoon tahini paste
For the Chocolate Layers
- 1 ounce white chocolate
- 12 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
Instructions
- Toast the kataifi: Melt the butter in a medium pan over medium heat. Add the chopped kataifi shredded dough and cook, stirring occasionally, until toasted and crispy, about 10 minutes.
- Mix the filling: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the pistachio butter and tahini paste until well combined. Set aside and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Melt and drizzle white chocolate: Melt the white chocolate in the microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring in between until smooth. Drizzle evenly over the bottom of a silicone chocolate bar mold. Freeze for 5 minutes to set.
- Melt and coat with dark chocolate: Melt the dark chocolate similarly in short intervals until smooth. Spread half of the dark chocolate over the bottom and up the sides of the mold. Allow to rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes, then freeze for 10 minutes to firm up.
- Assemble the bars: Spoon the kataifi filling into the mold and smooth into an even layer. Pour the remaining melted dark chocolate on top. Tap the mold gently on the counter a few times to remove air bubbles and level the surface.
- Set the bars: Freeze the assembled bars for 15-20 minutes until completely firm. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- This recipe yields about 4 servings, each serving being half a bar. Due to its richness, it can easily be shared among 8 people.
- Storage: Keep bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week for optimal crispness and sheen.
- Freezing: Freeze bars in a single layer initially, then transfer to a sealed container separated by parchment paper between layers; they can be kept up to 2 months frozen.
- Make Ahead: The bars can be prepared a few days ahead and stored in the fridge wrapped until ready to enjoy.
