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A step‑by‑step guide to making the viral Dubai Chocolate Bar at home. Crispy kifi pastry mixed with silky pistachio paste is sandwiched between tempered milk chocolate shells and finished with colorful white‑chocolate splashes. Includes optional decoration, tempering tips, and storage advice.
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Everything you need to know about this recipe
The Dubai Chocolate Bar became a viral street‑food trend in the United Arab Emirates, blending traditional Emirati pastry (kifi) with modern chocolate confectionery. It reflects the region’s love for sweet, crunchy treats and showcases the fusion of local ingredients like pistachio with Western chocolate techniques.
Some variations replace kifi with crispy phyllo strips, use dark chocolate instead of milk, or add rose‑water‑infused pistachio paste. In Saudi Arabia, a version with dates and almond paste is popular, while in Lebanon, a hint of orange blossom water is added to the filling.
Authentic bars are served chilled, often on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of colored white chocolate. They are commonly enjoyed with Arabic coffee (gahwa) or tea during gatherings and festive occasions.
The bars are popular at Ramadan Iftar tables, Eid celebrations, and during National Day gatherings, where sweet treats are shared among family and friends.
Its unique combination of a crunchy, toasted kifi‑pistachio core inside a glossy tempered chocolate shell, finished with vibrant white‑chocolate splashes, sets it apart from typical baklava or halva desserts.
Common errors include over‑toasting the kifi, not tempering the chocolate correctly, and using too much filling which can cause the top layer to crack. Follow the temperature guide and stir constantly to prevent these issues.
Tempering gives the chocolate a glossy finish, a firm snap, and resistance to melting in the hand. Untempered chocolate looks dull and can become soft quickly, which would affect the bar’s texture and appearance.
Yes, you can prepare the filling up to two days in advance and keep it refrigerated. Once assembled, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to a month.
The outer shell should be smooth, glossy, and have a firm snap when broken. The filling should be slightly airy yet hold its shape, and the colored white‑chocolate splashes should be crisp and vibrant.
The Cooking Foodie focuses on trendy, visually striking desserts and snack‑style recipes from around the world, often adding step‑by‑step tutorials and cultural background for each dish.
The Cooking Foodie blends traditional Middle Eastern ingredients with modern plating and techniques like chocolate tempering, offering both authentic flavor and contemporary aesthetics, whereas many channels stick to classic presentations.
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