How to Make your Own Dubai Chocolate

Dubai Chocolate continues to take the world by storm.

If you’ve seen those glossy bars filled with crunchy green goodness all over your feed, you’re not alone.

These decadent chocolate bars are packed with bold flavours and have gone viral for good reason.

Originating in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai Chocolate combines the luxurious richness of tempered chocolate with a nutty, creamy, pistachio-laced centre, layered with golden, buttery kataifi.

They’re inspired by the textures and flavours of traditional knafeh, a beloved dessert across the Middle East.

The contrast between the crisp kataifi, silky pistachio cream, and smooth chocolate shell is what makes this sweet so addictive and what’s driven its meteoric rise in popularity.

Although the original was created by Fix Dessert Chocolatier, other brands have created their own versions of Dubai Chocolate.

You can create your own at home and this recipe by Bonni Bakery will help.

Not only is it more cost-effective, but the ingredients will go a long way, meaning you can whip up a generous batch to impress friends, gift to loved ones, or enjoy for yourself.

How to Make Dubai Chocolate

Making Dubai Chocolate at home does take a few speciality ingredients, but don’t worry, they’re all available online and once you have them, you’ll be able to make multiple batches.

The ingredients are what give this chocolate its signature flavour and luxurious texture, so it’s worth choosing them carefully.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you need and why each component matters:

Kataifi (or Kadayif)
This is shredded phyllo dough, traditionally used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean desserts.

You can find it online, and while the ideal version is dried and chopped, you can easily cut whole strands into smaller pieces if needed.

Pistachio Cream
It is important to note that this isn’t pistachio paste or pistachio butter.

Pistachio cream is a sweet, spreadable filling made from pistachios and sugar.

Using the wrong type (like the 100% nut pastes) will give you a savoury taste, far from the luxurious sweetness you’re aiming for.

Tahini
This sesame paste adds depth and richness, cutting through the sweetness of the pistachio cream for a more balanced bite.

Unsalted Butter and Salt
Butter gives the kataifi its golden, toasty crunch.

Use unsalted so you can control the saltiness. Just a pinch is needed to enhance the nutty flavours.

Chocolate
This is your outer shell, so quality matters.

Avoid chocolate chips; they contain stabilisers that mess with melting.

Go for high-quality dark or milk chocolate depending on your preference. Dark adds a rich contrast to the sweet filling, while milk brings more indulgent sweetness.

Ingredients

• 120g kataifi, dried and chopped
• 290g pistachio cream
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ tsp salt
• 450g chocolate (dark or milk)

Method

1. Melt the butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the kataifi and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and crisp – about 10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, mix the pistachio cream, tahini, and salt until smooth. Stir in the toasted kataifi, making sure it’s evenly coated. Set aside while you prepare the chocolate.
3. Melt your chocolate using a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second bursts.
4. Pour most of the melted chocolate into your moulds. Tilt and rotate them so the chocolate coats all sides evenly. Then, flip the moulds over the bowl and gently shake out any excess.
5. Refrigerate the moulds until the chocolate sets.
6. Once set, spoon the crunchy pistachio mixture into the moulds, pressing it gently into every corner.
7. Cover with the remaining melted chocolate to seal. Use a spatula or bench scraper to level the top and clean the edges.
8. If the chocolate has thickened, reheat it gently but don’t let it get too hot or you’ll ruin the temper.
9. Chill the bars until fully set, then turn them out of the moulds. Ready to impress.

Yes, some of the ingredients are a little luxe but that’s exactly what makes Dubai Chocolate so special.

This recipe blends tradition with trend in the most delicious way possible.

Once you’ve sourced your ingredients (which are all available online), you’ll find the process rewarding, surprisingly fun, and way more affordable than buying pre-made bars.

So bring a little taste of the UAE to your kitchen.

Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or just to enjoy after dinner, homemade Dubai Chocolate is guaranteed to impress.