How to Make Dubai Chocolate
Last updated on Aug 26, 2025Kayla NelsonDubai chocolate has taken the dessert world by storm and for good reason. This rich, textural, and visually stunning chocolate bar is a perfect addition to plated desserts, high-end gift boxes, or luxury events. We’ll walk you through how to recreate this viral sensation with our elevated version, featuring 24K edible gold and silky dark chocolate.
Shop All Dubai Chocolate IngredientsWhat Is Dubai Chocolate?
Dubai chocolate is a luxurious confection that blends Middle Eastern flavors with chocolate-making techniques. It features a rich, nutty filling made from pistachio cream, tahini, and crispy toasted kataifi (shredded phyllo dough), all enrobed in a glossy chocolate shell. The result is a textural, flavor-forward experience that’s nutty, crunchy, creamy, and decadent.
Fix Dessert Chocolatier, a Dubai-based brand, is the original creator of the iconic chocolate bar. Inspired by the beloved Middle Eastern dessert knafeh, this unique treat quickly captured attention, going viral on TikTok and sparking a global trend. Since its rise to fame, countless creators and confectioners have tried to replicate the bar, some adding their own creative flair to the treat.
What Special Equipment Is Needed?
To achieve the clean, professional finish of Dubai chocolate, the right tools make a difference:
- Chocolate bar molds: Ensure a professional look with chocolate bar molds. Our recipe uses a mold to produce two large chocolate bars, but the recipe can be adapted to scale the size up or down.
- Offset spatula: For smoothing and spreading.
- Plating tweezers: Essential for applying delicate garnishes like gold leaf.
- Plating or pastry brush: For gently pressing and smoothing gold leaf in the mold.
Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe
Our version of Dubai chocolate is made for visual impact and luxurious flavor, featuring high-quality dark Belgian chocolate and delicate sheets of edible 24K gold.
Yield: 2 large chocolate bars
Total Time: 1 hour (plus chilling)
Ingredients
- 150 grams shredded kataifi fillo dough
- 60 grams unsalted butter, softened
- 360 grams pistachio butter
- 20 grams tahini paste
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 500 grams dark chocolate, tempered
- Edible 24K gold leaf (optional)
Directions
- In a non-stick pan, toast shredded kataifi in softened butter over medium heat until golden brown and crisp. Transfer to mixing bowl and let cool slightly.
- In separate bowl, mix pistachio butter, tahini, and salt until smooth. Fold into kataifi until fully combined.
- Using tweezers, gently place gold leaf in chocolate mold on the side that will form the top of the finished bars. Press gently with a pastry brush to flatten and adhere.
- Pour tempered chocolate into mold, rotating to coat bottom and sides evenly. Tap out excess leaving a thin layer for the outer shell. Freeze until chocolate is set (about 5-7 minutes).
- Spoon pistachio filling into each mold. Press and level using back of spoon or offset spatula to create a smooth, compact layer.
- Pour more tempered chocolate over filling to cover completely. Smooth surface with offset spatula and scrape away excess.
- Refrigerate bars until fully set (about 20-30 minutes). Carefully remove from molds and trim edges if needed for a polished finish.
Dubai Chocolate FAQs
We've put together answers to some common questions you might have about the ingredients in Dubai chocolate.
Best Chocolate for Dubai Chocolate Bars
For the best results when making Dubai chocolate, using high-quality couverture chocolate is essential. This dessert is all about richness and indulgence, so starting with premium chocolate ensures a smooth texture, deep flavor, and a luxurious mouthfeel. We recommend professional brands such as Callebaut (our recipe uses their Belgian dark chocolate Callets™), Guittard, or Ghirardelli for consistent, high-end results.
Both milk chocolate and dark chocolate work beautifully in Dubai chocolate, each offering a unique flavor profile. Milk chocolate brings a creamy sweetness and a softer, more mellow finish, while dark chocolate delivers a more intense cocoa flavor and a slightly bitter edge that enhances the dessert’s depth. Offering both versions is a great way to broaden your appeal and meet a range of customer preferences.
What Is Kataifi?
Kataifi, pronounced ka-ta-EE-fi, is finely shredded phyllo dough, often used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern desserts like baklava and knafeh. It’s typically sold frozen and needs to be thawed before toasting. It adds a delicate crunch to the filling that sets Dubai chocolate apart.
Is Dubai Chocolate Gluten-Free?
Because traditional kataifi dough contains wheat, most Dubai chocolate bars are not gluten-free, including our recipe. If you’re wanting to offer a gluten-free version to clients, you will need to make a gluten-free kataifi dough.
Dubai Chocolate Bar Tutorial
Watch our step-by-step video tutorial on how to make the viral Dubai chocolate from scratch.
Dubai chocolate is more than a trending food, it’s a statement piece. Whether you’re preparing an elegant dessert course or crafting bespoke chocolate bars for clients, this recipe delivers visual impact and unforgettable flavor. Experiment with flavor add-ins like cardamom, orange zest, or rose water to customize your filling and make the bars your own.
