20+ Viral Dubai Chocolate Desserts

This list of Viral Dubai Chocolate desserts collection is inspired by the Dubai chocolate bar. And, I’m also sharing the best Dubai chocolate bar recipe at the end, so keep on reading! Each of these recipes incorporates crunchy kataifi pastry, pistachio paste, and, of course, chocolate, perfect for recreating the Dubai chocolate craze right at home. These homemade Dubai chocolate dessert recipes will give you all the delicious taste and texture everyone’s been raving about.

What is Dubai Chocolate 

Dubai chocolate is a viral sensation created by Fix Desserts chocolatiers in Dubai. It is a chunky milk chocolate bar filled with a creamy mixture of pistachio paste, tahini, and shredded phyllo pastry. Every bite has the snap of milk chocolate, followed by a creamy, nutty, and crunchy filling. It is crazy delicious!

Regarding the pistachio paste, be aware that not all pistachio pastes are created equal. It’s pretty challenging to find 100% sugar-free pistachio paste with such vibrant color, like this homemade version, as manufacturers often substitute pistachios with cheaper ingredients and add sugar and other additives to the paste. Learn how to make pistachio paste at home using this homemade pistachio butter recipe.

The crispy part, Kataifi (pronounced ka-ta-EE-fi), is a type of shredded phyllo dough commonly used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean desserts. It’s similar to traditional phyllo that you would use to make baklava, but comes in fine, thread-like strands instead of sheets.

Fun fact, Dubai chocolate is actually named "Can't Get Knafeh of It". However, it is more commonly known as the Dubai chocolate bar after it rose to fame on TikTok! The name comes from the popular Middle-Eastern dessert knafeh, which is made from kataifi (spun phyllo dough), cheese, a sweet sugar syrup, and pistachios. Side note, it is one of my favorite desserts!

The original Dubai chocolate bar is only available for purchase directly from the chocolatiers in Dubai. You cannot buy it online, as they do not have a website, making it highly desirable. If you love chocolate and pistachio desserts, I'm sure you'll love this collection of recipes.

Dubai chocolate desserts 

1. Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Cake

Now let's turn Dubai chocolate into a cake with a moist chocolate sponge and the iconic filling, sandwiched between the layers. Slather it with a thick layer of rich chocolate ganache, and you can serve this to any crowd. I definitely think this could become one of my favorite layer cakes!

2. Dubai Chocolate Balls

If you want some dainty, individual-sized desserts made with Dubai chocolate, I've got you. The traditional pistachio kunefe filling is so delicious and super easy to make. Form it into balls and dip them into melted chocolate for the ultimate treat.

3. Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Cupcakes

We all know how much I love cupcakes (check out all my cupcake recipes), and I'm excited to try this Dubai chocolate cupcake with a surprise filling that promises an iconic taste and texture. But I'd recommend you bake a double batch, as no one will be able to stop eating after just one.

4. Dubai Brownies

The glossy finish on these brownies is something else! Perfectly gooey, fudgy chocolate brownies topped with a layer of creamy pistachio phyllo filling and a slab of chocolate topping. I'd take a tray of these brownies as a potluck dessert and watch as the crowds descend. Everyone is so curious about Dubai chocolate, so the brownies will surely disappear quickly!

5. No Bake Dubai Chocolate Cake

Here is an easy no-bake Dubai chocolate dessert based on an icebox cake. It has all the right vibes, but it's super simple and comes together really easily. Knafeh dough is toasted in butter and then folded into pistachio cream, before being layered with soaked cookies and topped with whipped chocolate ganache. In conclusion, it's a winner!

6. Dubai Chocolate Bar Pistachio Cookies

If you love cookies, this recipe is certainly one for you. Chocolate pistachio cookies with the signature viral filling are surely everything you could want from a dessert. This cookie recipe combines all the iconic elements of the famous Dubai chocolate bar and turns them into an entirely new (yet just as delicious) dessert.

7. Dubai Chocolate Date Bark

This recipe combines not one, but two TikTok trends! Date bark meets the Dubai chocolate bar to create a vegan, gluten-free dessert with all the taste and texture of the original. There's no need for fancy equipment or molds, and all the ingredients are readily available. All it needs is some time to chill in the fridge, and then you can break it into pieces and enjoy.

8. Dubai Chocolate Tart

Here is a Dubai chocolate dessert reminiscent of fancy French pastries. A chocolate pate sable crust is filled with the crunchy pistachio filling and topped with glossy chocolate ganache. No one will believe you baked it yourself, as it looks like you bought it in an elegant French patisserie!

9. Dubai Chocolate Dates

There is much more going on with these chocolate-dipped dates than meets the eye! Not only are the chewy, caramel-like dates covered in chocolate, but they are also wrapped around the rich and flaky Dubai chocolate knafeh filling. Top them with more crushed pistachio nuts to make them as appealing to the eyes as they are to the stomach.

10. Dubai Chocolate Crepe Cake

Certainly, here is a Dubai chocolate dessert recipe for brunch! A stack of crepes layered with shredded filo and pistachio cream filling, drizzled with chocolate, and garnished with more chopped nuts. You can stack it as high as you dare, and while homemade crepes taste better, you can also use store-bought to save time. It looks very impressive on the table and tastes even better.

11. Dubai Chocolate Cups

I love a chocolate cup recipe. They're bite-size, and the only equipment you need is a bowl, a muffin pan, and some cases! What's more, these pistachio chocolate cups are made with only four simple ingredients. I definitely think they top the list of easy Dubai chocolate desserts. Surely, it's a win-win.

12. Dubai Chocolate Donuts Rolls

Who else loves donuts? This is a dessert mash-up of dreams. Soft and fluffy brioche rolls are stuffed with the creamy pistachio knafeh filling and dipped in a chocolate glaze. There are pro tips on how to keep the toasted kataifi in the pistachio filling crispy, and you can use store-bought rolls to make it easier!

13. Dubai Chocolate & Pistachio Bars

https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/70437482510705/

I love a cookie crumb base, and this Dubai chocolate dessert with no phyllo gives you the texture you want, using graham crackers or digestive biscuits instead! It's super simple to make, but it looks and tastes refined. In conclusion, I highly recommend you try it!

14. Brown Butter Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

This dessert looks so decadent; it's unreal. Browning butter gives an added dimension to both sweet and savory dishes. The butter solids for the cookie layer are toasted, giving it a nutty and rich flavor that doubles down on the pistachios' flavor in the Dubai chocolate filling layer. Then, with added fudgy chocolate on top, it is almost obscene.

15. Dubai Chocolate Tiramisu

I love it when two desserts combine to make something new and exciting. Here's a twist on a classic tiramisu to make it one of the best Dubai chocolate desserts! The traditional mascarpone filling is layered with ladyfingers, kataifi, pistachio cream, strawberries, and is then dusted with cocoa powder. Honestly, every bite has the texture of heaven; you'll surely not regret making it!

16. Dubai Chocolate Strawberries

Looking for healthy Dubai chocolate desserts? This twist on the viral sensation gives you fresh strawberries in addition to the crispy pistachio filling and melted chocolate, making it a bit lighter. And, perfect for summer!

17. Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

I love a cheesecake bar. They have that tangy, rich taste we all love, but in a more portable package. And with very generous layers of cookie crumb base, cheesecake, pistachio kataifi filling, and chocolate! Box some of these up to take to a party, and wait as everyone rushes over to try them.

18. Dubai Chocolate Shortbread

I love the intricate design on top of this Dubai chocolate shortbread recipe. And, while it looks super fancy, it is easily achievable with just a toothpick! The shortbread cookie base gives you that crunch, with a layer of pistachio cream filling and chocolate topping. If you're looking for very elegant dessert recipes, this is certainly one for you.

19. No-Bake Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake

How stunning is this Dubai chocolate cheesecake! The chocolate cookie crumb base is topped with a crispy pistachio knafeh layer and a dreamy layer of pistachio cheesecake filling, too. Drizzle with glossy chocolate ganache and you have a winner.

20. No Bake Vegan Dubai Cheesecake Bars

Layers of chocolate cookie crust, crispy pistachio kataifi, luscious pistachio cream cheese filling, and sweet pistachio spread topping. It's made in a loaf pan, makes a small batch, and freezes beautifully! These decadent Dubai chocolate-inspired cheesecake bars have an intense pistachio flavor and the perfect balance between crunchy and creamy textures! 

21. Dubai Chocolate Brioche Buns

These Dubai chocolate brioche buns combine the light, airy texture of brioche with the rich, nutty flavor of pistachio cream and the crunch of toasted kunafa. These buns offer a unique twist on the viral Dubai chocolate bar, with a perfect balance of crispy filling and rich flavor in every bite.

22. Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

These extra decadent Dubai chocolate cheesecake bars feature a kataifi pistachio cream crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, and are topped with more kataifi pistachio, finished with a smooth and silky chocolate ganache! It's crunchy, sweet, salty, and 100% delicious! Take the same luxurious flavors from the Dubai chocolate bar and transform them into a creamy, irresistible dessert.

+1. Simplified Homemade Dubai Chocolate Recipe

Ingredients to make two thick chocolate bars:

10 oz (300g) high-quality milk chocolate e.g. Lindt or Callebaut - tip: try the chocolate with dark chocolate as well. I personally favor the less sweet version with dark chocolate.

5 oz (150g) katafi - shredded phyllo dough, available at Middle Eastern grocery stores)

2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter

10 oz (300g) pistachio paste - 100% pistachio butter, no sugar, no additives)

2 tablespoons (30g) tahini - sesame paste

How to Make Homemade Dubai Chocolate

Prepare the Katafi:

Heat the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Then, add the chopped katafi and fry it for 6-7 minutes, or until it becomes very crunchy and golden brown, stirring frequently. Set it aside to cool.

Prepare the Pistachio-Tahini Mixture:

In a separate bowl, mix the pistachio paste and tahini together until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, you can warm it slightly in the microwave to make it easier to combine. Mix in the katafi and set it aside.

Temper the Chocolate (Seeding Method):

The seeding method is a simple way to temper chocolate, ensuring it sets properly and has a shiny finish. Here’s how you do it:

• Chop the chocolate into small, uniform pieces and place about ⅔ of the chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
• Melt the Chocolate: Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (using the double boiler method). Stir gently until the chocolate is melted and reaches a temperature of 115°F (46°C) for milk chocolate.
• Seed the Chocolate: Remove the bowl from the heat and add the remaining ⅓ of the chopped chocolate into the melted chocolate. Stir constantly to help cool the chocolate and incorporate the unmelted pieces. This will lower the temperature to about 84°F (29°C).
• Bring the Chocolate Back to Working Temperature: Place the bowl over the pot of hot water for a few seconds to bring the chocolate to about 88-90°F (31-32°C). This is the perfect temperature for molding and working with the chocolate.

Now, assemble the Dubai Chocolate Bars:

The recipe makes two chocolate bars, so you will need to halve the chocolate as well as the katafi pistachio filling before assembling.

Pour the tempered chocolate into a silicone chocolate bar mold, spreading it evenly. Freeze it for 5 minutes. Then, sprinkle the pistachio katafi layer on top and gently press it with an offset spatula. Freeze it for 5 minutes again. After, pour the remaining tempered chocolate mixture over the katafi and smooth it out. Repeat with the second chocolate bar.

Chill:

Let the chocolate set in the freezer for 15 minutes. Once the chocolate is fully set, remove it from the mold and enjoy!

Homemade Dubai Chocolate may not be exactly like the Fix Dessert Shop version. However, it’s a close enough (and much cheaper) alternative that is still insanely delicious and much closer to the real thing than some low-quality copies you can usually buy.

In my opinion, Dubai chocolate is definitely worth the hype!