How to Make the Delicious Dubai Chocolate

A Viral Sensation at Home

Creamy pistachio filling, crispy layers of golden knafeh pastry, and a glossy chocolate shell—Dubai chocolate is the luxurious treat that’s taken TikTok and dessert tables by storm. Imagine biting into a bar where sweet, nutty, and buttery flavors collide with a satisfying crunch, all wrapped in smooth, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate. This Middle Eastern-inspired confection isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience that combines tradition with modern indulgence.

Did you know this viral sensation was born from a pregnancy craving? In 2021, British-Egyptian chocolatier Sarah Hamouda, founder of Dubai’s FIX Dessert, created the “Can’t Get Knafeh of It” bar while longing for a sweet that blended her favorite childhood flavors. Fast-forward to today, and her creation has amassed over 114 million TikTok views, inspired countless home bakers, and even spawned a Lidl dupe! Unlike typical chocolate bars, Dubai chocolate celebrates the textures and aromas of the Middle East—think pistachios, tahini, and shredded phyllo (knafeh)—making it a standout in the world of confections.

If you loved our homemade Nutella recipe, you’ll adore this Dubai chocolate for its similar DIY appeal but with an exotic twist. Best of all, you don’t need fancy equipment—just a silicone mold, a few premium ingredients, and a freezer. Ready to craft a dessert that’s as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious? Let’s dive into the magic of Dubai chocolate!

What is Dubai Chocolate?

Let’s clear the air: Is “Dubai chocolate” just a fancy name for a Snickers bar with a passport? 😉 Not quite! This treat is a love letter to Middle Eastern flavors, combining knafeh (a crispy, shredded pastry soaked in syrup), velvety pistachio cream, and rich chocolate into one unforgettable bite. The name pays homage to its origin in Dubai’s thriving dessert scene, where innovation meets tradition.

Why “Dubai”? Well, much like the city itself, this chocolate is opulent, multicultural, and irresistibly Insta-friendly. The viral version, dubbed “Can’t Get Knafeh of It,” plays on the wordplay of knafeh (a Levantine dessert) and “can’t get enough of it”—and trust us, you won’t! As my Lebanese aunt once joked, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach… especially if that stomach is full of knafeh!”

But here’s the kicker: Despite its luxe reputation, Dubai chocolate is surprisingly simple to make. No golden camels or desert magic required—just good ingredients and a sense of adventure. So, whether you’re a pistachio fanatic or a chocolate purist, this recipe invites you to explore a world where East meets West most deliciously.

Why You’ll Love This Dubai Chocolate

1. A Textural Masterpiece

Dubai chocolate is all about contrast: the snap of tempered chocolate, the crunch of buttery knafeh, and the creaminess of pistachio filling. Each bite is a sensory journey, making it far more exciting than standard candy bars.

2. Cost-Effective Luxury

Store-bought Dubai chocolate bars can cost $25+, but this homemade version cuts the price to under $10 for six bars. A bag of knafeh (shredded phyllo) costs about $5, and a jar of pistachio cream runs $8—both available at Middle Eastern grocers or online. Compared to our gourmet truffle recipe, this offers similar elegance with bold, unexpected flavors.

3. Endless Customization

Swap milk chocolate for dark, add rosewater to the filling, or sprinkle edible gold for extra glam. Redditors swear by mixing tahini into the pistachio layer or adding orange zest to the chocolate.

Ready to become a chocolatier? Let’s get started!

How to Make Dubai Chocolate recipe

Quick Overview

This recipe requires 1 hour of active prep and 2 hours of chilling. The process involves melting chocolate, preparing a nutty knafeh filling, and layering everything in silicone molds. No baking required!

Key Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Milk or dark chocolate	14 oz (400g)	Chopped; use high-quality (e.g., Callebaut)
Knafeh (kataifi) pastry	1 cup (50g)	Shredded phyllo; find at Middle Eastern markets
Pistachio cream	½ cup (120g)	Or make your own (see Tips)
Unsalted butter	2 tbsp	For toasting knafeh
Shelled pistachios	¼ cup (30g)	Toasted and chopped
Tahini	2 tbsp	Optional for a nutty depth
Sugar	1 tbsp	Only if using unsweetened knafeh

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Toast the knafeh:
   • Separate the shredded phyllo dough with your fingers.
   • Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add knafeh and toast for 3-5 minutes until golden and crispy. Sprinkle with sugar if desired. Let cool.
2. Melt the chocolate:
   • Chop chocolate into even pieces. Using a double boiler, melt 70% of it (reserve 30% for tempering). Stir until smooth.
3. Layer the chocolate:
   • Pour a thin layer of melted chocolate into silicone bar molds. Tap to remove air bubbles. Freeze for 10 minutes.
4. Prepare the filling:
   • Mix pistachio cream, tahini (if using), and toasted knafeh in a bowl. Fold in chopped pistachios.
5. Assemble the bars:
   • Remove molds from the freezer. Add a spoonful of filling, pressing gently. Leave a ¼-inch border.
   • Cover with remaining melted chocolate. Tap to settle.
6. Chill and set:
   • Freeze for 2 hours until firm. Pop out of molds and let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving.

What to Serve with Dubai Chocolate

• Coffee: Pair with Turkish coffee or a cardamom latte for an authentic Middle Eastern experience.
• Dessert Wines: Try a sweet Moscato or a fortified wine like Port.
• Fresh Fruit: Serve with sliced strawberries or dates for contrast.
• Ice Cream: Crumble a bar over vanilla bean ice cream.

Top Tips for Perfecting Dubai Chocolate

• Temper chocolate properly: Use a thermometer to heat dark chocolate to 118°F (48°C), cool to 82°F (28°C), then reheat to 88°F (31°C) for a glossy finish.
• Toast pistachios: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to enhance flavor.
• DIY pistachio cream: Blend 1 cup roasted pistachios, ¼ cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp neutral oil, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
• Avoid soggy knafeh: Ensure the pastry is crispy and cooled before mixing with the cream.

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: Wrap bars in parchment and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
• Serving: Let chilled bars sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly.

There you have it—the ultimate guide to crafting Dubai chocolate at home! Whether gifting these bars or savoring them solo, this recipe promises a taste of luxury with every bite. Don’t forget to tag your creations with #DubaiChocolateMagic and explore our blog for more global dessert inspirations!

Recipe Schema Markup for Dubai Chocolate

Preparation Time: PT15M (15 minutes)

Cooking Time: PT20M (20 minutes)

Total Time: PT35M (35 minutes)

Type of Recipe: Dessert

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Keywords: Dubai chocolate recipe, luxury chocolate, homemade chocolate, chocolates, eleganthand chocolate, customized chocolate

Recipe Yield: 1 chocolate bar (or 6-8 pieces, depending on mold size)

Calories: Approximately 400-500 calories per bar

Recipe Ingredients

Below is a list of ingredients and their quantities required for making Dubai Chocolate:

Ingredient	Quantity
Dark chocolate	1 cup (200g)
Milk chocolate	1/4 cup (50g)
Cocoa butter	1 tablespoon
Cocoa powder	2 tablespoons
Sugar	1 teaspoon
Salt	1/4 teaspoon
Flavor add-ins (optional):
OptionalAdditions:	Vanilla extract
OptionalAdditions:	Almond extract
OptionalAdditions:	Peppermint extract

Pros

Here are some positive aspects of making Dubai Chocolate:

1. Rich and Flavorful: The combination of dark and milk chocolate creates a well-balanced and indulgent taste.
2. Customizable: You can add various flavorings to suit your preferences, such as vanilla, mint, or nut extracts.
3. Luxurious Presentation: The polished finish and intricate designs make it an excellent gift for special occasions.
4. Cost-Effective: Making your chocolate is cheaper than buying luxury chocolate bars from stores.

Cons

Here are some potential drawbacks of this recipe:

1. Requires Precision: Melting chocolate requires careful temperature control to avoid burns or seizing.
2. Complex Setup: Creating elaborate designs or patterns can be time-consuming and requires specific molds.
3. Short Shelf Life: The chocolate should be consumed within a week to maintain optimal freshness and texture.

Recipe Instructions

Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting your own Dubai Chocolate:

1. Prepare Molds: Clean and lightly grease your chocolate molds with vegetable oil or cocoa butter.
2. Melt Chocolate:
   • In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark and milk chocolate together. Stir frequently to ensure even melting.
3. Add Cocoa Butter:
   • Once the chocolate is smooth, mix in the cocoa butter for a glossy finish.
4. Incorporate Flavors:
   • Stir in optional flavorings like vanilla or peppermint extract at this stage.
5. Pour into Molds:
   • Carefully pour the melted chocolate into the prepared molds, filling them to the top. Tap gently to release any air bubbles.
6. Cool and Set:
   • Allow the chocolate to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour or until fully set.
7. Polish Surface:
   • For a polished finish, gently rub the surface with a paper towel or fine cloth.
8. Adding Designs:
   • Optionally, use a sharp knife or needle to create intricate patterns or embossed designs on the surface.
9. Dust with Cocoa Powder:
   • Lightly coat the surface with cocoa powder for a decorative finish.
10. Trim and Wrap:
    • Once set, carefully remove the chocolate from the molds and trim any rough edges. Wrap individually in parchment paper or decorative foil for gifting.

Storage and Handling

• Storage: Keep the Dubai Chocolate in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 months.
• Handling: Avoid exposing the chocolate to direct sunlight or heat to prevent melting or discoloring.

This recipe schema markup provides a comprehensive guide to making Dubai Chocolate, ensuring both human-readability and search engine optimization for enhanced online visibility.