Viral Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe (Dairy Free)
Jun 24, 2024 • Updated Jan 07, 2025
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The viral Dubai chocolate bar recipe is loved for its pretty layers and unique flavors, so I had to try it and of course, make it dairy-free! This crispy kataifi pastry blends creamy pistachio, and smooth dairy-free chocolate for an irresistibly yummy pistachio chocolate bar.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Dubai Chocolate Bar
This viral chocolate bar originates from Dubai and recently gained viral fame thanks to social media, where its fun layers and visual appeal captivated literally everyone. The crispness of kataifi (or shredded phyllo dough) adds a crunch that makes it different from traditional chocolate treats. Pistachio cream brings a rich flavor that is delicious with the chocolate, while tahini adds a very subtle sesame undertone, making it the perfect indulgent treat.
If you enjoy this chocolate bar, you might also love my chocolate banana quinoa crunch bites, which have a similar crunch and chocolatey goodness. For a nutty twist, try my chocolate peanut butter vegan Easter eggs, combining the classic pairing we all love of chocolate and peanut butter. All of these chocolate recipes are the perfect sweet snack and, as a bonus, are made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients
What is Kataifi?
Kataifi (or phyllo dough) is a delicate ingredient popular in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Balkan cuisines. Made from the same dough as traditional phyllo but processed into fine, thread-like strands that are used in desserts like baklava and kunafa for their crisp snap and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Neutral oil: Helps the phyllo dough crisp up beautifully without overpowering the flavors – use grapeseed, avocado, or vegetable oil.
- Dairy-free butter: Helps the shredded dough hold together. To make this vegan, use coconut oil.
- Kataifi (shredded phyllo dough): The star of the show! Kataifi makes that crunchy pistachio filling that really makes this treat what it is. Find it at Middle Eastern or specialty grocery stores.
- Tahini: Almond butter or cashew butter can be substituted if needed or preferred.
- Pistachio cream (dairy-free): Pistachio butter or cream is available at Middle Eastern stores, and online, or you can make your own!
- Dairy-free chocolate: The heart of the recipe! You can use any dark or semi-sweet vegan chocolate you love.
See the full recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and instructions.
How to Make This Dubai Chocolate Bar
Step 1: Prepare the pistachio kataifi filling. Add kataifi to a large pan over medium heat, with neutral oil and butter. Cook, stirring frequently, until the dough is golden brown and crisp, about 5-8 minutes. Feel free to break up the pieces!
Step 2: Transfer the mixture into a large bowl, then stir in the tahini and pistachio cream until well combined and smooth. Set it aside for now.
Step 3: Melt the chocolate in a large microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop until smooth. Then coat your chocolate mold with a thin layer of the melted chocolate, ensuring you cover the edges to form a sturdy shell. Spoon the pistachio kataifi mixture into the center, taking care not to overfill, and finish with the remaining melted chocolate to seal everything in.
Step 4: Let the bars sit in the fridge or freezer for 2-3 hours or until fully set and enjoy!
Secrets to Success
- If you end up with any leftover kataifi pistachio mixture, stir in any remaining dark chocolate and scoop tablespoons of this mixture onto a lined baking sheet. Chill until completely cool and enjoy as little chocolate bites!
- Kataifi can be found in Middle Eastern or specialty grocery stores.
- Opt for high-quality dairy-free chocolate to ensure a smooth and rich shell.
Serving Tips
- I recommend serving this chocolate bar chilled.
- Serve alongside fresh fruit.
- Enjoy with a cup of matcha latte!
- Create a dessert platter and arrange the bars with matcha madeleines and pecan pie bliss balls.
- Sprinkle crushed pistachios or almonds over the bars before the chocolate sets.
Storage Tips
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week to maintain freshness and texture.
Recipe FAQs
Kataifi is often available at Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, or specialty grocery stores. You can also purchase it online. If you’re unable to find it, shredded phyllo dough can work as an alternative, though the texture may differ slightly.
Fill the molds with the pistachio kataifi mixture only up to three-quarters of the way, leaving enough room for a top chocolate layer to seal the bars properly.
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If you make this recipe, be sure to let me know what you think with a star rating and comment below! Follow me on Instagram for more delicious recipes!
Viral Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe
Equipment
- 3-piece chocolate molds
- saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
- 2 tbsp dairy free butter
- 4 oz kataifi (shredded phyllo dough)
- 1 oz tahini
- 8 oz pistachio cream dairy free
- 3 cups chocolate dairy free
Instructions
- Start by preparing the pistachio kataifi filling. Add kataifi to a pan over medium heat along with neutral oil and butter. Cook, stirring frequently, until the dough becomes golden brown and crisp, about 5-8 minutes. Don't be afraid to break up the pieces!
- Transfer this mixture to a bowl along with tahini and pistachio cream and mix until smooth. Set aside.
- Melt down your chocolate and then line your chocolate mold with a thin layer of chocolate. Be sure to get the edges of the mold as well, so you create something like a shell to contain the pistachio kataifi mixture. Add the pistachio mixture in the center, being sure not to overfill it too much, and cover with more chocolate to seal.
- Let the bars sit in the fridge or freezer for 2-3 hours or until fully set and enjoy!
- Pro tip: if you end up with any leftover kataifi pistachio mixture, stir in any remaining dark chocolate and scoop tablespoons of this mixture onto a lined baking sheet. Chill until completely cool and enjoy as little chocolate bites!
Notes
- If you end up with any leftover kataifi pistachio mixture, stir in any remaining dark chocolate and scoop tablespoons of this mixture onto a lined baking sheet. Chill until completely cool and enjoy as little chocolate bites!
- Kataifi can be found in Middle Eastern or specialty grocery stores.
- Opt for high-quality dairy-free chocolate to ensure a smooth and rich shell.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
