I Made The Viral Dubai Chocolate Bar (from scratch!)

I Made The Viral Dubai Chocolate Bar (from scratch!) is a medium Middle Eastern recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Inga Lam on YouTube.

Prep: 22 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 62 min

Cost: $48.65 total, $12.16 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Pistachios (shelled, roasted, then processed into butter)
  • 2 tbsp Neutral Oil (helps pistachio butter become pliable)
  • 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar (adds sweetness to pistachio butter)
  • 0.25 tsp Salt (pinch, enhances flavor)
  • 2 tbsp Tahini (adds nutty depth to the filling)
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted, used to toast katayifi)
  • 5 oz Katayifi (shredded phyllo dough) (toasted for crunchy layers)
  • 100 g White Chocolate (for decorative drizzle)
  • 200 g Bittersweet Chocolate (main coating, 70% cacao)

Instructions

  1. Roast Pistachios

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread the shelled pistachios on a baking tray and roast for 5 minutes, stirring once, until fragrant.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  2. Chop Katayifi

    While the pistachios roast, roughly chop the katayifi into bite‑size pieces (about 1‑inch lengths).

    Time: PT5M

  3. Toast Katayifi in Butter

    Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the chopped katayifi and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden and crisp.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Set Aside Toasted Katayifi

    Transfer the toasted katayifi to a small bowl and let cool.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Make Pistachio Butter

    Place the roasted pistachios in the food processor. Pulse until a fine powder forms, then continue processing while slowly drizzling in neutral oil until the mixture becomes a smooth, spreadable butter (about 10‑15 minutes).

    Time: PT15M

  6. Flavor the Butter

    Add the granulated sugar, pinch of salt, and tahini to the pistachio butter. Blend for 2 minutes until fully incorporated and glossy.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Melt White Chocolate

    Finely chop the white chocolate and melt it in a double‑boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Melt Bittersweet Chocolate

    Repeat the melting process with the bittersweet chocolate, keeping the temperature around 115°F (45°C) for proper tempering.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Fill the Mold with Dark Chocolate

    Pour the melted bittersweet chocolate into the Dubai chocolate bar mold, filling the sides and leaving a shallow well in the center for the pistachio filling.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Add White Chocolate Drizzle

    Using a spoon or a small piping bag, drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top of the dark chocolate layer for decorative contrast.

    Time: PT2M

  11. Add Pistachio Filling and Crunch

    Spoon generous dollops of the pistachio butter into the center of each bar, then sprinkle the toasted katayifi pieces over the top. Lightly press to embed.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Set the Bars

    Place the filled mold in the freezer for about 10 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm to the touch.

    Time: PT10M

  13. Unmold and Store

    Remove the solidified bars from the mold. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 2 months.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
4 g
Carbohydrates
12 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten (katayifi is wheat based)

Allergens: Tree nuts (pistachios), Dairy (butter, chocolate), Sesame (tahini)

Last updated: April 21, 2026

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I Made The Viral Dubai Chocolate Bar (from scratch!)

Recipe by Inga Lam

A copycat of the viral Dubai chocolate bar, featuring a creamy pistachio butter filling, crunchy toasted katayifi, and a rich bittersweet chocolate coating with white chocolate drizzle. Made from scratch with roasted pistachios, tahini, and shredded phyllo dough for authentic texture and flavor.

MediumMiddle EasternServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
31m
Prep
35m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 16m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$48.65
Total cost
$12.16
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Roasting pistachios to develop flavor
  • Toasting katayifi in butter for crunch
  • Processing pistachios into a smooth butter
  • Tempering the bittersweet chocolate correctly
  • Assembling the filling before the chocolate fully sets

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oven tray and melted chocolate with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Be careful when operating the food processor; keep fingers away from the blade.
  • Melt chocolate slowly; overheating can cause it to seize.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of the Dubai chocolate bar in Middle Eastern cuisine?

A

The Dubai chocolate bar is inspired by the Turkish dessert kataifi, a shredded phyllo pastry traditionally used in baklava. The bar adapts that crunchy texture and pistachio‑rich filling into a modern confection that became a viral sensation worldwide.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of kataifi‑based desserts in Middle Eastern cuisine?

A

In Turkey and the Levant, kataifi is used in desserts like künefe (cheese‑filled) and baklava (layered with nuts). Some regions add rose water or orange blossom water, while others use different nuts such as walnuts or almonds.

cultural
Q

How is the authentic Dubai chocolate bar traditionally served in the United Arab Emirates?

A

When served in upscale cafés in Dubai, the bar is often presented on a small plate with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of fresh fruit or Turkish coffee, highlighting its sweet‑savory balance.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is the Dubai chocolate bar traditionally associated with in Middle Eastern culture?

A

While not a historic holiday treat, the modern Dubai chocolate bar is popular during festive seasons such as Ramadan evenings and Eid gatherings, where indulgent sweets are shared among family and friends.

cultural
Q

What makes the Dubai chocolate bar special or unique in Middle Eastern confectionery?

A

Its combination of a creamy pistachio butter filling, crunchy toasted kataifi, and a dual‑tone chocolate coating creates a textural contrast rarely found in traditional sweets, making it a standout novelty.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Dubai chocolate bar at home?

A

Common errors include over‑roasting pistachios (which can become bitter), under‑tempering the chocolate (resulting in a soft finish), and adding too much oil to the pistachio butter, which makes the filling runny.

technical
Q

Why does this Dubai chocolate bar recipe use pistachio butter instead of pre‑made pistachio paste?

A

Making pistachio butter from roasted nuts preserves the fresh, bright green color and allows control over texture and sweetness, which is essential for the bar’s signature creamy center.

technical
Q

Can I make the Dubai chocolate bar ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the bars can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator; for longer storage, freeze them and thaw briefly at room temperature before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the pistachio butter is ready?

A

The pistachio butter should be smooth, glossy, and spreadable, resembling a thick nut‑butter. It should hold its shape when scooped but melt easily on the palate.

technical
Q

How do I know when the chocolate coating is properly set?

A

The chocolate will feel firm to the touch and will snap cleanly when a piece is tapped. If it still feels soft or leaves an imprint, return it to the freezer for a few more minutes.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Inga Lam specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Inga Lam focuses on creative food recreations, travel‑inspired recipes, and detailed step‑by‑step cooking tutorials that blend global flavors with home‑cooking practicality.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Inga Lam's approach to Middle Eastern cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Inga Lam emphasizes sourcing authentic ingredients, experimenting with modern techniques like tempering chocolate, and providing cost breakdowns, whereas many channels simply replicate recipes without deep cultural context or budgeting insight.

channel

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