Dubai Chocolate Bar From Scratch! @happytummy_702
Dubai Chocolate Bar From Scratch! 🍫 @happytummy_702 is a medium Middle Eastern recipe that serves 8. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Rosanna Pansino on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 35 min
Cost: $48.45 total, $6.06 per serving
Ingredients
- 200 g Kataifi Pastry (pre‑cut, shredded phyllo strands)
- 100 g Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes, melted)
- 150 g Pistachio Cream Spread (store‑bought or homemade, room temperature)
- 2 Tbsp Tahini (smooth, sesame paste)
- 100 g Green Candy Melts (melted, for decorative criss‑cross pattern)
- 100 g Yellow Candy Melts (melted, for decorative criss‑cross pattern)
- 200 g Milk Chocolate (good melting chocolate, chopped)
Instructions
Melt Butter
Place the butter cubes in a medium saucepan over low heat and stir until fully melted, about 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Low heat
Toast Kataifi
Add the pre‑cut kataifi to the melted butter, stirring constantly. Cook until the strands turn a light golden brown and become fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Cool and Transfer
Remove the pan from heat and pour the toasted kataifi into a large heat‑safe bowl. Let it cool for 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Fold In Filling
Add the pistachio cream spread and tahini to the cooled kataifi. Gently fold with a silicone spatula until evenly incorporated, about 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Melt Candy Melts
In two separate microwave‑safe bowls, melt the green and yellow candy melts. Heat in 30‑second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth (total ~5 minutes per color).
Time: PT10M
Melt Milk Chocolate
Place the chopped milk chocolate in a third microwave‑safe bowl and melt using the same 30‑second interval method until glossy, about 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Create Candy‑Melt Criss‑Cross Pattern
On a parchment‑lined tray, drizzle the green melt in one direction, then the yellow melt perpendicular to create a criss‑cross design. Allow the pattern to set for 1 minute.
Time: PT2M
Coat Base and Sides with Milk Chocolate
Pour the melted milk chocolate over the patterned tray, tilting the tray to coat the bottom and sides evenly. Gently tap to release excess chocolate.
Time: PT5M
Set Chocolate Shell
Let the coated tray sit at room temperature until the chocolate hardens (about 30 minutes).
Time: PT30M
Add Filling and Seal
Scoop the pistachio‑tahini kataifi mixture onto the set chocolate base, spreading evenly. Drizzle a thin layer of melted milk chocolate over the top to seal the bar. Allow the seal to set for 5 minutes.
Time: PT7M
Cut and Serve
Once fully set, lift the slab from the parchment, place on a cutting board, and cut into 8 equal bars with a sharp knife. Serve at room temperature.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Tree nuts (pistachio), Sesame, Wheat (kataifi)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Kataifi Pastry: Shredded phyllo, Crispy rice cereal
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Coconut oil
- Instead of Pistachio Cream Spread: Nutella (hazelnut), Almond butter
- Instead of Tahini: Sesame butter, Sunflower seed butter
- Instead of Green Candy Melts: White chocolate tinted green, Melted white chocolate + green food coloring
- Instead of Yellow Candy Melts: White chocolate tinted yellow, Melted white chocolate + yellow food coloring
- Instead of Milk Chocolate: Dark chocolate, White chocolate
Equipment Needed
- Medium Saucepan
- Heat‑Safe Mixing Bowl
- Silicone Spatula
- Candy‑Melting Double Boiler or Microwave‑Safe Bowl
- Silicone Pastry Brush (optional)
- Parchment Paper
- Cooling Rack (optional)
- Sharp Knife or Bench Scraper (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Melt butter without browning.
- Toast kataifi to a light golden color.
- Fold pistachio spread and tahini gently to keep the mixture airy.
- Melt candy melts and milk chocolate carefully to avoid scorching.
- Coat the base and sides evenly with milk chocolate before it sets.
- Seal the filled bar with a final layer of milk chocolate.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high‑quality pistachio cream spread for authentic flavor; a homemade version with ground pistachios, sugar, and a touch of rose water is even better.
- For a glossy finish, temper the milk chocolate instead of simply melting it.
- A light dusting of crushed pistachios on top adds texture and visual appeal.
Troubleshooting
Chocolate coating is grainy or blooms.
Re‑melt the chocolate gently over a double boiler, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil, and stir until smooth before coating.
Filling is too wet and slides out of the bar.
Toast the kataifi a little longer to reduce moisture, and add an extra tablespoon of butter to bind the mixture.
Candy‑melt pattern smears.
Allow each color to set for at least 30 seconds before adding the next, and work in a cool room.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Room temperature: Can be kept at room temperature for 2‑3 days if humidity is low.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the toasted kataifi filling up to step 4 and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Chocolate shells can be made a day ahead; keep them covered at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Dubai chocolate bars in Emirati cuisine?
Dubai chocolate bars are a modern twist on traditional Emirati sweets that combine crunchy kataifi pastry with rich nut pastes, reflecting the region’s love for pistachios and sesame. They have become popular as a festive treat during holidays and celebrations in the United Arab Emirates.
What are the traditional regional variations of Dubai chocolate bars in Middle Eastern cuisine?
While the classic version uses pistachio cream and tahini, some regions add rose water, cardamom, or replace pistachios with almond paste. The candy‑melt colors can also vary, with some bakers using red and gold to mimic traditional Arabic sweets.
How is a Dubai chocolate bar traditionally served in the United Arab Emirates?
They are typically presented on a decorative platter, sliced into bite‑size pieces, and enjoyed with Arabic coffee or tea. During Ramadan, they are often served as part of the Iftar dessert spread.
What occasions or celebrations is the Dubai chocolate bar traditionally associated with in Emirati culture?
Dubai chocolate bars are popular at weddings, Eid al‑Fitr, Eid al‑Adha, and National Day celebrations, where they are offered as a luxurious sweet treat for guests.
What other Middle Eastern dishes pair well with Dubai chocolate bars?
They pair beautifully with spiced Arabic coffee, cardamom tea, or alongside other pastries like baklava and maamoul for a diverse dessert table.
What makes Dubai chocolate bars special or unique in Middle Eastern cuisine?
The combination of toasted kataifi, a silky pistachio‑tahini filling, and a vibrant candy‑melt shell creates a textural contrast that is rare in traditional Middle Eastern desserts, making it a standout modern confection.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Dubai chocolate bars at home?
Common errors include over‑browning the kataifi, overheating the candy melts, and applying too thick a chocolate coating which can cause cracking. Follow the timing cues and keep heat low to prevent these issues.
Why does this Dubai chocolate bar recipe use tahini in the filling instead of plain pistachio paste?
Tahini adds a subtle sesame richness that balances the sweetness of the pistachio cream and helps bind the kataifi strands, creating a smoother, more cohesive filling.
Can I make Dubai chocolate bars ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and chocolate shells up to step 9 a day ahead. Store the shells in an airtight container at room temperature and keep the filling refrigerated; assemble and seal just before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Dubai chocolate bar is done?
The outer chocolate shell should be glossy and firm to the touch, while the interior kataifi filling should be light, slightly crunchy, and hold its shape without spilling.
What does the YouTube channel Rosanna Pansino specialize in?
The YouTube channel Rosanna Pansino specializes in fun, approachable baking tutorials, often featuring themed treats, step‑by‑step guides, and a blend of classic and pop‑culture recipes for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Rosanna Pansino's approach to Middle Eastern cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Rosanna Pansino brings a playful, visually‑driven style to Middle Eastern sweets, focusing on clear, beginner‑friendly instructions while still honoring authentic flavors, unlike many channels that either stick strictly to tradition or modern fusion without clear guidance.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
