Dubai Chocolate – The Viral Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate Bars

If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably seen the famous Dubai Chocolate Bar taking over Instagram. This luxurious chocolate treat combines silky milk chocolate, crispy toasted kunafa pastry, and a creamy pistachio filling for a dessert that’s both elegant and incredibly satisfying.

I had to try it out myself, I and was blown away. It is absolutely delicious and super easy to make. The contrast between crunchy kunafa and the smooth chocolate shell makes every bite unforgettable. I love to temper the chocolate which will give it a perfect snap when you bite into it, and I always use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor usually Lindt. Make sure to toast the kunafa until deeply golden for maximum crunch. Aahh it’s just so good.

I couldn’t get myself to spend over 14$ for a small Dubai chocolate bar from the store so I had to make it myself. Which was the best decision ever. I got the chocolate molds from amazon which worked perfectly. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion, gifting it to friends, or simply treating yourself, this homemade version is guaranteed to impress.

In this blog post I will show you exactly step-by-step how you can accomplish the viral pistachio kunafa chocolate bars. Don’t be intimidated, it is really easy to make once you know what you’re doing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Easy to make at home
  • Beautiful enough for gifting
  • Rich and creamy pistachio filling
  • Crispy texture from toasted kunafa
  • No baking required
  • Perfect for holidays and celebrations

Ingredient Notes You’ll Need for the Dubai Chocolate Bars:

  • Pistachio Cream – This creamy paste is nutty and slightly sweet. I always get mine from costco or amazon if it’s on sale.
  • Tahini – Sesame seed paste that adds nutty and slightly bitter flavor. I get mine from amazon.
  • Kataifi – This add crunchy texture to the inside of these Dubai chocolate bars. I get the shredded ones from amazon.
  • Butter – If using salted butter omit the salt if not add a pinch or 2 of sea salt, this will help to balance out the sweetness.
  • Milk Chocolate – I use the big giant Lindt chocolate bar. Use only high-quality chocolate for this recipe.

How to Make Dubai Chocolate Bars:

  • Prep the Chocolate: Melt half of your milk chocolate in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl. Temper your chocolate by not letting it go past 90F to achieve a clean snap when the chocolate sets.
  • Fill the Mold: Pour a layer of melted chocolate into your chocolate bar mold. Tilt the mold to coat the sides evenly. Place it in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes until firm.
  • Toast the Kunafa: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and fry the shredded kunafa, stirring frequently until it becomes golden brown and crispy. Allow it to cool completely.
  • Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine the pistachio cream, tahini, and a pinch of salt if not using salted butter. Fold in the cooled toasted kunafa until evenly coated.
  • Fill the Chocolate: Spread the pistachio-kunafa mixture evenly over the hardened chocolate layer, leaving a small border around the edges.
  • Seal the Bar: Cover the filling with the remaining melted chocolate. Smooth the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least one hour, or until completely set.
  • Unmold and Enjoy: Carefully remove the chocolate bar from the mold. Decorate with chocolate drizzle or chopped pistachios if desired.

Tips for Success:

  • Toast the kunafa until deeply golden for maximum crunch.
  • Allow the kunafa to cool before mixing with the pistachio cream.
  • Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
  • Silicone molds make removing the bars much easier.
  • Store chilled to maintain the perfect texture.

Storage:

  • Store the chocolate bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • What is kunafa and where can I buy it? Kunafa is a finely shredded pastry commonly used in the Middle Eastern desserts. When toasted, it becomes wonderfully crispy and adds the signature crunch to Dubai chocolate. I buy it from amazon.
  • Can I make this without tahini? Yes. Tahini adds a subtle nutty depth, but the recipe is still delicious without it.
  • Can I use chocolate chips? Yes, although baking chocolate or couverture chocolate melts more smoothly and creates a shinier finish.

Serving Suggestions:

The viral Dubai Chocolate Bar lives up to the hype. Its rich chocolate shell, creamy pistachio filling, and crispy toasted kunafa create an unforgettable dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. You can enjoy it with coffee, after a meal, and with other desserts for a delicious treat.

If you have tried out this recipe leave a comment below, I would love to hear your feedback.

Recipe inspired from simplyhomecooked.

Latest posts:

Dubai Chocolate – The Viral Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate Bars

Dubai Chocolate is a luxurious dessert that combines rich, smooth chocolate with a crispy pistachio-kataifi filling for the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and nutty flavors. Inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate bare, this homemade version is surprisingly easy to make and is perfect for gifting, special occasions, or whenever you're craving an indulgent treat.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Middle Eastern-inspired
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 Cup Pistachio cream
  • 1 Tbsp Tahini
  • 1 1/2 Cup Kataifi shredded phyllo dough
  • 3 Tbsp Salted butter
  • 1/8 tsp Salt if using unsalted butter
  • 16 oz Milk chocolate, melted

Equipment

  • 2 Silicone chocolate bar molds
  • 1 Double boiler pot

Method
 

  1. Prep the Chocolate: Melt half of your milk chocolate in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl. Temper your chocolate by not letting it go past 90F to achieve a clean snap when the chocolate sets.
  2. Fill the Mold: Pour a layer of melted chocolate into your chocolate bar mold. Tilt the mold to coat the sides evenly. Place it in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes until firm.
  3. Toast the Kunafa: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and fry the shredded kunafa, stirring frequently until it becomes golden brown and crispy. Allow it to cool completely.
  4. Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine the pistachio cream, tahini, and a pinch of salt if not using salted butter. Fold in the cooled toasted kunafa until evenly coated.
  5. Fill the Chocolate: Spread the pistachio-kunafa mixture evenly over the hardened chocolate layer, leaving a small border around the edges.
  6. Seal the Bar: Cover the filling with the remaining melted chocolate. Smooth the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least one hour, or until completely set.
  7. Unmold and Enjoy: Carefully remove the chocolate bar from the mold. Decorate with chocolate drizzle or chopped pistachios if desired.

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