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.

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.

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.

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.

They pair beautifully with spiced Arabic coffee, cardamom tea, or alongside other pastries like baklava and maamoul for a diverse dessert table.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.