シ
シ is a easy Middle Eastern recipe that serves 9. 300 calories per serving. Recipe by Sarah Kraffty on YouTube.
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min
Cost: $28.59 total, $3.18 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 box Brownie Mix (Ghirardelli Double Chocolate, use package directions for water, oil, and eggs)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (Half a stick, melted)
- 2 cups Kaday Caramel Spread (Store‑bought Middle Eastern caramel spread)
- 4 ounces Pistachio Butter (Approximately half a typical jar, smooth and spreadable)
- 1 tablespoon Tahini (Just a sprinkle for flavor)
- 12 ounces Semi‑Sweet Chocolate (Chopped or chips for ganache)
- 2 tablespoons Whole Milk (Adds shine to ganache)
Instructions
Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×9 baking dish with non‑stick spray.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Make Brownie Batter
Empty the brownie mix box into a mixing bowl, add the water, oil, and eggs called for on the package, and stir until just combined.
Time: PT5M
Bake Brownies
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 350°F
Prepare Pistachio‑Caramel Topping
While the brownies bake, melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in the Kaday caramel spread, then fold in the pistachio butter until smooth. Add a small sprinkle of tahini and mix briefly.
Time: PT10M
Spread Topping Over Brownies
Remove the baked brownies from the oven and let them sit for 2 minutes. Evenly spread the pistachio‑caramel mixture over the warm brownies using a spatula.
Time: PT5M
Make Chocolate Ganache
Place the chopped semi‑sweet chocolate in a microwave‑safe bowl. Add the milk, microwave in 30‑second bursts, stirring after each burst until smooth and glossy.
Time: PT5M
Add Ganache Layer
Pour the ganache over the pistachio‑caramel layer and spread it evenly with an offset spatula.
Time: PT5M
Pipe Pistachio Butter Drizzle
Fill a Ziploc bag with a small amount of pistachio butter, snip a tiny corner, and drizzle decorative lines over the ganache.
Time: PT5M
Cool & Serve
Allow the assembled brownies to cool on a rack for about 10 minutes, then cut into squares and serve.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 300
- Protein
- 4g
- Carbohydrates
- 40g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Tree nuts (pistachio), Soy (chocolate)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Brownie Mix: Any brand of brownie mix
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Kaday Caramel Spread: Dulce de leche, Caramel sauce
- Instead of Pistachio Butter: Almond butter, Tahini
- Instead of Tahini: Sesame paste
- Instead of Semi‑Sweet Chocolate: Dark chocolate
- Instead of Whole Milk: Heavy cream (use half amount), Plant‑based milk
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- 9×9 Baking Dish
- Non‑Stick Spray
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Spoon
- Saucepan
- Microwave
- Microwave‑Safe Bowl
- Spatula
- Offset Spatula (optional)
- Ziploc Bag
- Scissors
- Cooling Rack (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheat oven to the correct temperature.
- Do not over‑mix the brownie batter.
- Bake brownies just until set to keep them fudgy.
- Melt butter and combine topping ingredients over low heat to avoid burning.
- Achieve a smooth ganache without overheating.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high‑quality pistachio butter for authentic flavor and smooth texture.
- A light drizzle of sea salt on the final ganache adds a pleasant contrast.
- If you prefer a firmer ganache, add an extra tablespoon of chocolate.
Troubleshooting
Brownies are dry and crumbly.
Reduce baking time by 3‑5 minutes and check with a toothpick; the center should be slightly moist.
Ganache is grainy.
Heat the chocolate gently and stir continuously; add a splash more milk if needed.
Pistachio topping separates.
Keep the heat low and whisk continuously until the mixture is glossy and homogeneous.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 1 day if covered.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the brownies a day ahead and keep them covered; add topping and ganache just before serving.
- Ganache can be made up to 2 hours in advance and refrigerated; re‑warm slightly before spreading.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of the Dubai chocolate bar brownie in Middle Eastern dessert culture?
The Dubai chocolate bar brownie is a modern fusion dessert that combines the classic American brownie with luxurious Middle Eastern flavors like pistachio butter, tahini, and caramel spreads, reflecting Dubai’s love for indulgent, Instagram‑ready sweets.
What are the traditional regional variations of pistachio‑caramel desserts in Middle Eastern cuisine?
Traditional Middle Eastern desserts often feature pistachio and caramel or honey, such as baklava with pistachio filling, halva drizzled with caramel, and kunafa topped with sweet syrup, all highlighting the region’s fondness for nuts and rich sweeteners.
How is the Dubai chocolate bar brownie traditionally served in Dubai cafés?
In Dubai cafés the brownie is usually presented in a square pan, cut into bite‑size pieces, and served with a glossy chocolate ganache, a light drizzle of pistachio butter, and sometimes a dusting of powdered sugar or a pinch of sea salt.
What occasions or celebrations is the Dubai chocolate bar brownie associated with in UAE culture?
The dessert is popular at celebrations like birthdays, bridal showers, and festive gatherings, especially when a visually striking, shareable sweet is desired for social media sharing.
What makes the pistachio‑caramel topping unique compared to other brownie toppings in Middle Eastern cuisine?
The topping blends a smooth pistachio butter with a caramel‑like spread (Kaday) and a hint of tahini, creating a nutty‑savory depth that isn’t found in typical chocolate‑only brownie toppings, giving it a distinctive Middle Eastern flavor profile.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Dubai chocolate bar brownie?
Common errors include over‑baking the brownies, overheating the ganache which can cause graininess, and using too high heat when melting the butter and pistachio mixture, which can cause separation.
Why does this recipe use a microwave for the ganache instead of a double boiler?
The microwave method is faster and gives precise control with short 30‑second bursts, preventing the chocolate from scorching, which is especially helpful for home cooks without a double boiler.
Can I make the Dubai chocolate bar brownie ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, bake the brownies a day ahead, keep them covered at room temperature, and add the pistachio‑caramel topping and ganache just before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the pistachio‑caramel topping is ready?
The topping should be glossy, smooth, and pourable but thick enough to hold its shape when spread; it should coat the brownies evenly without pooling.
How do I know when the chocolate ganache is done cooking?
The ganache is done when all chocolate pieces have melted, the mixture is smooth, glossy, and slightly warm to the touch; it should flow easily but not be watery.
What does the YouTube channel Sarah Kraffty specialize in?
The YouTube channel Sarah Kraffty focuses on quick, trendy, and visually appealing home‑cooking recipes, often featuring viral food trends and easy adaptations for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Sarah Kraffty's approach to Middle Eastern‑inspired desserts differ from other cooking channels?
Sarah Kraffty blends authentic Middle Eastern flavors with popular Western desserts, emphasizing convenience, minimal equipment, and a playful presentation style that sets her apart from more traditional or technique‑heavy channels.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
