This Dubai Chocolate Bar combines the richness of dark chocolate with the smoothness of milk chocolate, creating a decadent treat that’s both luxurious and satisfying. The addition of roasted almonds and dried figs provides a delightful crunch and a hint of sweetness, while the edible gold leaf gives the chocolate bar an opulent finishing touch.
Whether served at a dinner party or enjoyed as a personal treat, this chocolate bar is sure to impress. It’s a perfect gift for chocolate lovers or anyone who enjoys a refined dessert experience. The combination of textures and flavors makes each bite a true indulgence, and the golden decoration elevates the chocolate to a whole new level of sophistication.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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150g kataifi pastry, chopped and separated
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60g butter
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360g pistachio paste
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20g tahini
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Fat pinch of salt
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15g pink chocolate (such as Wilton red candy melts)
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1/2 tsp coconut oil (for pink chocolate)
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15g green chocolate (such as Wilton green candy melts)
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1/2 tsp coconut oil (for green chocolate)
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500g dark or milk chocolate (your choice)
Directions:
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In a large, high-sided frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the kataifi pastry in batches, separating the strands as you go. Toast for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and crunchy. Set aside.
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In a mixing bowl, combine pistachio paste, tahini, and salt. Stir in the toasted kataifi until fully incorporated.
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Prepare chocolate bar molds by placing them on a tray. Melt pink chocolate and coconut oil together, then flick small amounts over the mold in a decorative splash pattern. Repeat with green chocolate. Chill in fridge until set.
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Melt the dark or milk chocolate in a microwave or double boiler until smooth. Spoon into the molds, ensuring it coats all sides. Let excess drip off and refrigerate to set.
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Spoon the kataifi-pistachio filling into the molds, smoothing with a spatula. Top with remaining melted chocolate and smooth over. Chill until fully set.
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Once solid, gently unmold the bars and serve.
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus setting time) | Cooking Time: 18 minutes | Total Time: ~40 minutes + chilling
Kcal: Approx. 550 kcal per 250g bar serving | Servings: Makes 2 large 500g chocolate bars
The Origins of the Dubai Chocolate Bar
The Dubai Chocolate Bar was first introduced by Fix Dessert Chocolatier, a brand known for its innovative approach to desserts. It quickly became a viral sensation, not just because of its exquisite flavors but also due to its aesthetic appeal and high-end ingredients. Inspired by Middle Eastern flavors, this chocolate bar showcases a perfect harmony between sweet and nutty elements, making it a standout among contemporary confections.
Dubai is known for its extravagant food scene, where chefs constantly push the boundaries of culinary excellence. This chocolate bar embodies the city’s love for luxury, with its rich chocolate coating and a meticulously crafted filling. Its popularity skyrocketed when food influencers and bloggers began sharing their experiences with it, leading to a growing demand for homemade versions.
What Makes the Dubai Chocolate Bar Special?
What sets this chocolate bar apart from others is its combination of textures and flavors. The use of kataifi pastry, a fine, thread-like dough commonly used in Middle Eastern desserts, adds a crisp and airy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pistachio and tahini filling. This creates a multi-dimensional eating experience, where each bite delivers a perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and sweetness.
Pistachio and tahini are the key ingredients that define the bar’s unique taste. Pistachios bring a rich, nutty flavor with a subtle sweetness, while tahini adds a smooth, slightly bitter contrast that enhances the overall complexity. Coated in high-quality chocolate, this bar is the epitome of indulgence. The interplay of these elements makes it an extraordinary dessert that goes beyond a typical chocolate bar.
The Popularity of the Dubai Chocolate Bar
One of the reasons behind the Dubai Chocolate Bar’s rapid rise to fame is its visual appeal. The glossy chocolate coating, combined with the vibrant green hue of the pistachio filling, makes it highly Instagrammable. Social media played a significant role in boosting its popularity, with food bloggers and influencers raving about its luxurious taste and texture.
Additionally, the global trend of artisanal and gourmet chocolates has contributed to the widespread interest in this bar. As more people seek out high-quality, handcrafted treats, desserts like the Dubai Chocolate Bar gain traction due to their premium ingredients and craftsmanship. Whether purchased from Fix Dessert Chocolatier or recreated at home, it remains a sought-after treat for those who appreciate fine desserts.
Why You Should Try Making It at Home
While the original Dubai Chocolate Bar is a gourmet creation, making it at home allows you to customize the flavors and ingredients to suit your preferences. You can adjust the sweetness, experiment with different types of chocolate, or even add additional elements like crushed nuts or flavored ganache. Moreover, homemade desserts often have a fresher taste compared to store-bought options, giving you complete control over the quality of ingredients.
For those who love experimenting in the kitchen, this recipe provides an exciting challenge. The process involves toasting the kataifi pastry to achieve the perfect crunch, blending the pistachio cream and tahini to create a luscious filling, and tempering the chocolate for a professional-quality finish. Though it requires some effort, the end result is well worth it.
Tips for Perfecting Your Homemade Dubai Chocolate Bar
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: Since chocolate is the main component, opt for premium dark or milk chocolate with a high cocoa content for the best flavor.
- Toast the Kataifi Pastry Properly: Achieving a golden, crispy texture is crucial to maintaining the perfect crunch in every bite.
- Balance the Sweetness: The pistachio cream and tahini have naturally nutty flavors, so be mindful of the amount of added sugar to avoid overpowering the delicate balance.
- Ensure Proper Chocolate Tempering: Tempering the chocolate ensures a smooth, glossy finish and a satisfying snap when you bite into the bar.
- Customize Your Filling: If you enjoy additional flavors, consider adding a hint of vanilla, cardamom, or even orange zest to enhance the complexity of the filling.
Serving and Storing Your Chocolate Bars
Once your Dubai Chocolate Bars are ready, they can be enjoyed immediately or stored for later. If storing, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or refrigerate them for a longer shelf life. Serving them at room temperature enhances the flavors and ensures the chocolate maintains its perfect texture.
These bars make an excellent gift for chocolate lovers, as they exude luxury and sophistication. Whether you serve them as a dessert for special occasions or as an indulgent snack, they are sure to impress anyone who tries them.
Conclusion
The Dubai Chocolate Bar is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience of flavors, textures, and craftsmanship. With its crisp kataifi pastry, luscious pistachio-tahini filling, and decadent chocolate coating, it has rightfully earned its place as a viral sensation. While it originated from a high-end chocolatier in Dubai, making it at home allows you to enjoy its luxurious taste at your convenience. By carefully selecting quality ingredients and following the right techniques, you can recreate this indulgent treat and savor every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a chocolate enthusiast, this recipe offers a rewarding challenge that will elevate your homemade dessert game to new heights.