Dubai Strawberry Cheesecake Chocolate Bar
Dubai Strawberry Cheesecake Chocolate Bar is a easy Middle Eastern recipe that serves 4. 512 calories per serving. Recipe by KITCHENTOOL on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $6.25 total, $1.56 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Milk Chocolate (good quality, chopped for even melting)
- 1 block Cream Cheese (8 oz (225 g), softened at room temperature or microwaved 30 seconds)
- 3 tbsp Powdered Sugar (sifted)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla recommended)
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed, juice of half a lemon)
- 3 pieces Honey Graham Crackers (broken into small pieces, not crumbs)
- 0.25 cup Strawberry Jam (any quality strawberry jam or preserve)
Instructions
Melt Milk Chocolate
Place 1 cup of milk chocolate in a microwave‑safe bowl and heat in 30‑second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
Time: PT5M
Create Chocolate Base Layer
Pour the melted chocolate into each mold, tilting the mold to coat the sides evenly. Tap gently to release air bubbles and scrape off any excess chocolate for a thin layer.
Time: PT5M
Chill Chocolate Base
Place the coated molds in the freezer for about 5 minutes until the chocolate hardens.
Time: PT5M
Soften Cream Cheese
Remove the cream cheese block from the fridge and microwave for 30 seconds, or let sit at room temperature, until soft enough to mix.
Time: PT2M
Mix Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 3 tbsp powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and the lemon juice. Beat until the mixture is fluffy and smooth.
Time: PT5M
Incorporate Graham Crackers
Break three honey graham crackers into small pieces and fold them gently into the cream cheese mixture.
Time: PT2M
Add Strawberry Jam Layer
Remove the molds from the freezer. Spoon a thin layer of strawberry jam onto the set chocolate base and spread evenly.
Time: PT2M
Add Cream Cheese Filling
Pipe or spoon the cream cheese filling over the jam layer, smoothing the top so it is level.
Time: PT3M
Seal with Chocolate
Pour the remaining melted chocolate over the filling, covering it completely. Tap the mold to release any trapped air bubbles.
Time: PT3M
Freeze to Set
Return the molds to the freezer for at least 20 minutes until the chocolate is fully set.
Time: PT20M
Unmold Bars
Pop the bars out of the molds and place them on a serving plate. Warm your hands slightly if needed for easier release.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 512
- Protein
- 6 g
- Carbohydrates
- 55 g
- Fat
- 30 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Milk, Gluten, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Milk Chocolate: Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate
- Instead of Cream Cheese: Cream Cheese Spread, Mascarpone
- Instead of Powdered Sugar: Granulated Sugar (processed in blender)
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Vanilla Bean, Almond Extract
- Instead of Lemon Juice: Lime Juice
- Instead of Honey Graham Crackers: Regular Graham Crackers, Digestive Biscuits
- Instead of Strawberry Jam: Strawberry Puree with Sugar
Equipment Needed
- Chocolate Molds
- Microwave
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Measuring Spoons
- Whisk or Electric Mixer
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Create Chocolate Base Layer
- Mix Cream Cheese Filling
- Add Cream Cheese Filling
- Seal with Chocolate
- Freeze to Set
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high‑quality milk chocolate for a glossy finish and better snap.
- Chill the molds for a few minutes before pouring chocolate; this helps the chocolate adhere evenly.
- For extra strawberry flavor, swirl a thin line of fresh strawberry puree through the jam before adding the filling.
Troubleshooting
Chocolate does not set and stays soft.
Make sure the chocolate is tempered or at least cooled quickly in the freezer. If the room is warm, increase freezer time or move to the refrigerator.
Filling is runny and seeps into the jam layer.
Beat the cream cheese mixture longer to incorporate more air, and ensure the chocolate base is fully hardened before adding the jam and filling.
Air bubbles remain trapped in the chocolate layers.
Tap the molds firmly on the counter after each pour and gently tap the sides to release bubbles. You can also use a toothpick to pop visible bubbles.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped for up to 1 month.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours, but best kept chilled.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the chocolate base and chill; keep the base covered and refrigerated until ready to assemble.
- The cream cheese filling can be made up to 24 hours ahead and stored in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Dubai Strawberry Cheesecake Chocolate Bars in Middle Eastern dessert cuisine?
Dubai chocolate bars are a modern luxury confection that blends Western cheesecake flavors with traditional Middle Eastern chocolate craftsmanship. They became popular in upscale cafés across the UAE as a premium treat that showcases high‑quality ingredients and intricate layering.
What are the traditional regional variations of Dubai chocolate bars in Middle Eastern cuisine?
While the classic version uses milk chocolate, pistachio, and rose‑flavored fillings, regional twists include dates, cardamom, saffron, or pistachio‑crusted layers. The strawberry cheesecake version adds a Western cheesecake element while keeping the chocolate shell tradition.
How are Dubai Strawberry Cheesecake Chocolate Bars traditionally served in Dubai cafés?
They are typically presented on a decorative plate, sometimes dusted with powdered sugar or gold leaf, and served with a small side of fresh berries or a drizzle of extra strawberry jam for visual appeal.
What occasions or celebrations are Dubai Strawberry Cheesecake Chocolate Bars associated with in Emirati culture?
These bars are popular for festive occasions such as Eid, weddings, and corporate gifting because they look elegant and convey a sense of indulgence without being overly heavy.
How does the Dubai Strawberry Cheesecake Chocolate Bar fit into the broader Middle Eastern confectionery tradition?
It reflects the region’s love for layered sweets—combining a crisp chocolate shell (similar to Turkish delight) with a creamy interior, echoing the texture contrast found in many Middle Eastern desserts like baklava and ma'amoul.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Dubai Strawberry Cheesecake Chocolate Bars versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include high‑quality milk chocolate, fresh cream cheese, honey‑sweetened graham crackers, and real strawberry jam. Substitutes can be dark or white chocolate, mascarpone for a richer filling, or any fruit jam if strawberries are unavailable.
What other Middle Eastern desserts pair well with Dubai Strawberry Cheesecake Chocolate Bars?
They pair nicely with Arabic coffee, mint tea, or a light fruit salad featuring figs and pomegranate. For a full dessert spread, serve alongside baklava or ma'amoul.
What makes Dubai Strawberry Cheesecake Chocolate Bars special or unique in Middle Eastern cuisine?
The combination of a silky milk‑chocolate shell, tangy cream‑cheese cheesecake filling, and a bright strawberry jam layer creates a multi‑textured, cross‑cultural experience that is both visually striking and flavor‑balanced.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Dubai Strawberry Cheesecake Chocolate Bars at home?
Common errors include pouring too thick a chocolate base, not fully chilling the base before adding jam, over‑mixing the filling which makes it runny, and forgetting to tap out air bubbles. Each mistake can lead to uneven layers or a soft bar that doesn’t set.
Why does this Dubai Strawberry Cheesecake Chocolate Bar recipe use a frozen setting step instead of refrigeration?
Freezing quickly solidifies the chocolate shell and prevents the creamy filling from melting during assembly. A refrigerator set would take longer and could allow the jam or filling to seep into the chocolate.
Can I make Dubai Strawberry Cheesecake Chocolate Bars ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can prepare the bars up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, or freeze them for up to a month. Bring them to room temperature briefly before serving for optimal texture.
What does the YouTube channel KITCHENTOOL specialize in?
The YouTube channel KITCHENTOOL focuses on practical, tool‑centric cooking tutorials, showcasing how to create restaurant‑style dishes at home using everyday kitchen equipment and clever shortcuts.
How does the YouTube channel KITCHENTOOL's approach to Middle Eastern desserts differ from other cooking channels?
KITCHENTOOL emphasizes step‑by‑step visual guides that highlight essential tools and time‑saving techniques, often simplifying traditional Middle Eastern sweets into quick, no‑bake versions while still preserving authentic flavors.
Last updated: September 3, 2026
