The Dubai chocolate bar is the latest dessert craze, taking social media by storm, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. This luxurious, sweet treat combines traditional Middle Eastern ingredients with rich, modern flavours, creating an indulgence that’s as visually stunning as delicious. But what exactly is this Dubai chocolate bar made of?
In this detailed guide, we’ll uncover the key ingredients of the Dubai chocolate bar, explain how to make it at home and explore why this viral dessert has captured the hearts of food lovers worldwide.
Introduction: The Viral Sensation of the Dubai Chocolate Bar
The Dubai chocolate bar isn’t your average chocolate bar. It’s a beautiful fusion of classic Middle Eastern flavours with decadent European-style chocolate. Featuring a combination of pistachios, tahini, kataifi dough or phyllo dough, and high-quality Belgian chocolate, this dessert offers a unique mix of flavours and textures that make it impossible to resist.
This dessert has gone viral thanks to its beautiful presentation and irresistible layers. The crunchy dough, creamy chocolate, and nutty pistachios create a treat that looks as good as it tastes. As more food bloggers and influencers recreate the dessert in their kitchens, people ask: What is Dubai chocolate bar made of, and how can I make it at home?
What Is Dubai Chocolate Bar Made Of?The Dubai chocolate bars is made from several key ingredients, each bringing a unique flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown of its essential components:
Kataifi or Phyllo Dough
The base of the dessert features kataifi dough, a shredded, crispy dough popular in Middle Eastern sweets like knafeh and baklava. It turns golden and crunchy when baked, adding a satisfying contrast to the smooth chocolate and rich fillings. Alternatively, phyllo dough can be used for a different texture, becoming flaky and buttery when baked, providing a delicate crunch.
Pistachios
Pistachios are a crucial ingredient, offering both flavor and texture. Their rich, nutty, and slightly salty taste pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the chocolate and sugar syrup. Additionally, their vibrant green color contrasts beautifully with the dark chocolate and golden dough, adding visual appeal.
Tahini
Tahini, a sesame seed paste, adds complexity by balancing the dessert’s sweetness. Its slightly bitter, nutty flavor complements the chocolate and syrup, while its creamy texture enhances the dessert’s richness.
Chocolate
The star of the Dubai chocolate bar is high-quality Belgian chocolate, prized for its creamy texture and rich flavor. It’s melted and layered or drizzled over the dessert, creating a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth experience. You can customize the flavor with dark, milk, or white chocolate, each adding a unique taste.
Flavor Enhancers and Sweeteners
The Dubai chocolate bar is more than just its main ingredients. A few key additions enhance the overall flavour and elevate the dessert to a new level of indulgence.
- Sugar Syrup
Like many traditional Middle Eastern desserts, the Dubai chocolate bar is often drizzled with sugar syrup to add sweetness and moisture.
- Purpose: The sugar syrup soaks into the dough, making it moist and flavorful while keeping the texture crispy. The syrup can also be infused with flavours like rosewater or lemon zest for an extra aromatic touch.
- Simple Syrup Recipe: Sugar syrup is made by boiling sugar, water, and lemon juice until it thickens slightly. It’s then poured over the dessert after baking, allowing it to soak in while it cools.
- Sweet Cheese or Pistachio Cream
Some versions of the Dubai chocolate bar feature a layer of sweet cheese or pistachio cream, which adds richness and creaminess to the dessert.
- Sweet Cheese: Similar to the cheese used in knafeh, sweet cheese adds a soft, creamy texture that balances the dough’s crispiness and the chocolate’s richness.
- Pistachio Cream: Some recipes include pistachio cream for an extra indulgent twist. This smooth filling enhances the nutty flavour and makes the dessert even richer.
- Rosewater and Orange Blossom Water
Some recipes include a hint of rosewater or orange blossom water for a traditional Middle Eastern touch.
- Floral Fragrance: A few drops of rosewater or orange blossom water can add a subtle, floral fragrance to the dessert, elevating its flavour and aroma.
- Authentic Flavor: These fragrant waters are commonly used in Middle Eastern desserts, adding a layer of authenticity to the Dubai chocolate bar.
How to Make Dubai Chocolate Bar at Home
Now that you know what the Dubai chocolate bar is made of, let’s walk through how to recreate this viral dessert in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 200g kataifi dough (or phyllo dough)
- 100g crushed pistachios
- 50g tahini
- 200g high-quality Belgian chocolate (dark, milk, or white)
- 100ml sugar syrup (made from sugar, water, and lemon juice)
- Optional: sweet cheese or pistachio cream
- A few drops of rosewater or orange blossom water (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish and spread the kataifi dough evenly across the bottom. Press down to create a firm base for the dessert.
- Add Pistachios and Tahini:
- Sprinkle the crushed pistachios generously over the dough. Drizzle tahini on top to add a nutty, savoury flavour.
- Melt and Pour the Chocolate:
- Melt the Belgian chocolate in a microwave or double boiler until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the pistachios and tahini.
- Bake the Dessert:
- Bake the dough for 15-20 minutes or until it turns golden brown and crispy.
- Drizzle with Sugar Syrup:
- While the dessert is still warm, pour the sugar syrup over the top. Let the syrup soak into the dough, enhancing the sweetness without making the dessert soggy.
- Optional Cream Layer:
- Add a layer of sweet cheese or pistachio cream between the dough and the chocolate before baking. This adds extra richness and a creamy texture to the dessert.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the Dubai chocolate bar to cool completely before cutting it into squares or bars. Garnish with extra pistachios and a drizzle of melted chocolate for an elegant finish.
Variations of the Dubai Chocolate Bar
The Dubai chocolate bar is highly customizable, allowing you to adapt the recipe to your preferences. Here are some variations you can try.
- Vegan Dubai Chocolate Bar:
To make a vegan version of this dessert:
- Use vegan chocolate instead of regular chocolate.
- Replace butter in the dough with a plant-based alternative.
- Opt for coconut or cashew cream as a substitute for the sweet cheese.
- Nut Substitutes:
While pistachios are traditional, you can experiment with different nuts:
- Almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts can be used for a different flavour and texture.
- Hazelnuts pair exceptionally well with chocolate, adding a rich, nutty flavour.
- Different Chocolate Types:
You can also change the type of chocolate used in the recipe:
- Dark chocolate adds a rich, intense flavour that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the syrup and nuts.
- White chocolate provides a creamier, sweeter alternative that complements the nutty flavours.
Why Has the Dubai Chocolate Bar Gone Viral?
The Dubai chocolate bar has taken over social media, but why has this dessert become so popular?
- Visual Appeal:
The Dubai chocolate bars is a stunning dessert. The layers of crispy dough, vibrant green pistachios, and rich chocolate make it visually appealing, making it a favourite for Instagram posts and TikTok videos.
- Unique Flavor Fusion:
The Dubai chocolate bars blends traditional Middle Eastern flavours like tahini and pistachios with modern European elements like Belgian chocolate. This fusion creates a familiar and sophisticated dessert, appealing to a broad audience.
- Versatility:
One of the best things about the Dubai chocolate bars is its versatility. You can customize the dessert with different nuts, chocolates, and flavourings to suit your preferences, making it a hit with everyone from vegans to traditional dessert lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Dubai chocolate bar made of?
The Dubai chocolate bars is made with kataifi dough (or phyllo dough), pistachios, tahini, Belgian chocolate, and sugar syrup. Some variations also include sweet cheese or pistachio cream.
2. Can I make the Dubai chocolate bar vegan?
Yes! Use vegan chocolate and substitute butter with a plant-based alternative. Coconut cream or cashew cream can replace sweet cheese with a dairy-free version.
3. How long does the Dubai chocolate bar stay fresh?
The Dubai chocolate bars stays fresh for up to five days when stored in an airtight container, but it’s best to keep it fresh within two days for optimal crispiness.
4. Why is the Dubai chocolate bar so popular?
The Dubai chocolate bars has gained popularity due to its blend of Middle Eastern flavours and modern dessert elements. Its visual It’sal and versatility make it a favourite for social media sharing.
5. Where can I buy the Dubai chocolate bar?
You can find the Dubai chocolate bars at select cafes and dessert shops in Dubai or make it at home using the recipe provided above.
Conclusion
The Dubai chocolate bar is more than just a dessert—it’s a fusion of Middle Eastern tradition and modern indulgence. Its crispy kataifi dough, rich Belgian chocolate, nutty pistachios, and creamy tahini offer a delightful mix of textures and flavours that’s hard to resist.
Whether you try making it at home or purchase it from a cafe, the Dubai chocolate bars is a must-try dessert that combines the best of both worlds.