Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Let’s make the viral Dubai chocolate bar 🍫🥜

Recipe by biteswithlily

A no‑bake, Instagram‑worthy chocolate bar inspired by the viral Dubai treat. Crispy bite‑size pieces are coated in buttery pistachio‑tahini filling and wrapped in smooth milk chocolate. Perfect for parties, gifting, or a decadent snack.

EasyMiddle EasternServes 8

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

Source Video
46m
Prep
5m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 1m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.90
Total cost
$1.11
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Melt butter and toast the biscuit pieces without burning.
  • Combine pistachio cream and tahini quickly while still warm.
  • Melt chocolate without any water contact.
  • Create a thin first chocolate layer and let it set before adding filling.
  • Flip the bar only after the first layer is firm to keep it in one piece.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot butter and melted chocolate can cause burns – handle with care.
  • Do not let water touch chocolate; it will seize and become grainy.

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 became a viral sensation on social media for combining crunchy local biscuits with pistachio‑tahini paste, flavors that are staples in Emirati desserts. It reflects the region’s love for nut‑based sweets and the modern trend of upscale, Instagram‑ready treats.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of the Dubai chocolate bar in Middle Eastern cuisine?

A

Traditional variations replace the pistachio‑tahini filling with date paste, rose‑water‑infused cream, or almond halva. Some versions use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a richer taste, and others incorporate saffron threads for a luxurious aroma.

cultural
Q

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

A

Authentic servings are presented as a single slab cut into bite‑size squares, often garnished with crushed pistachios and a dusting of edible gold leaf. It is usually enjoyed with Arabic coffee or tea during gatherings and celebrations.

cultural
Q

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

A

The bar is popular at weddings, Eid celebrations, and National Day gatherings, where sweet, shareable desserts are central to hospitality. Its eye‑catching appearance also makes it a favorite for birthday parties and Instagram‑driven events.

cultural
Q

What other Middle Eastern dishes pair well with the Dubai chocolate bar?

A

Pair it with fresh dates, figs, or a small plate of mixed nuts. A cup of strong Arabic coffee (gahwa) or mint tea balances the richness of the chocolate and highlights the pistachio‑tahini flavors.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include burning the butter‑toasted base, allowing water to touch the chocolate, and flipping the bar before the first chocolate layer is fully set. Each mistake leads to a bitter taste, grainy chocolate, or a cracked bar.

technical
Q

Why does this Dubai chocolate bar recipe use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

A

Milk chocolate provides a sweeter, creamier coating that complements the nutty pistachio‑tahini filling without overpowering it. Dark chocolate can be used, but it changes the flavor balance and may make the bar taste more bitter.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes, you can prepare the bar up to two days in advance. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. For longer storage, wrap each piece tightly in plastic and freeze; thaw in the fridge before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Dubai chocolate bar is done?

A

The outer chocolate should be glossy and firm to the touch, while the interior filling should be smooth and slightly glossy. The bar should snap cleanly when broken, indicating a proper set chocolate shell.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel biteswithlily specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel biteswithlily specializes in quick, visually appealing dessert tutorials that blend global flavors with easy home‑cooking techniques, often focusing on viral trends and Instagram‑ready treats.

channel
Q

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

A

biteswithlily emphasizes minimal equipment, no‑bake methods, and step‑by‑step visual cues that make traditionally rich Middle Eastern sweets accessible to beginners, whereas many other channels focus on more elaborate, oven‑based preparations.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Pumpkin & Sunflower Seed Bread with Tuna Greek Yogurt Spread

Pumpkin & Sunflower Seed Bread with Tuna Greek Yogurt Spread

A hearty, gluten‑free seeded loaf topped with a tangy tuna‑Greek yogurt spread. The bread is packed with pumpkin, sunflower, and flax seeds, psyllium husk for a soft crumb, and flavored with dried tomatoes and thyme. Serve warm or at room temperature for a protein‑rich snack or light meal.

2 hrs 5 min
Serves 4
$12
5 views
Middle EasternMedium
Ultimate Middle Eastern Pistachio Baklava

Ultimate Middle Eastern Pistachio Baklava

A crisp, buttery baklava layered with toasted pistachios and a bright lemon‑sugar syrup. Inspired by Gordon Ramsay’s quick‑fire Middle‑Eastern dessert, this recipe yields 12 bite‑size rectangles that stay sticky and delicious for up to a week.

1 hr 30 min
Serves 12
$12
51 views
Middle EasternMedium
Homemade Puff Pastry (No Yeast)

Homemade Puff Pastry (No Yeast)

A step‑by‑step guide to making ultra‑flaky, buttery puff pastry at home without any yeast. The dough is rested in a butter‑oil mixture for extra tenderness, stretched thin, brushed with more butter, and baked until golden. Perfect for sweet or savory fillings.

105 min
Serves 8
$2
9 views
Middle EasternMedium
Crushed Lentil Soup

Crushed Lentil Soup

A warm, nourishing Ramadan soup packed with protein, featuring red lentils, rice, and carrots. A little olive oil added just before blending makes it ultra‑creamy. Perfect for breaking fast or any chilly evening.

1 hr 2 min
Serves 4
$4
4 views
Middle EasternEasy
Shami Cheese Pastry (Cheese Manakish) – Soft, Fluffy Arabic Flatbread

Shami Cheese Pastry (Cheese Manakish) – Soft, Fluffy Arabic Flatbread

A step‑by‑step recipe for the classic Syrian/Shami cheese pastry, using a high‑protein flour dough that’s kneaded, rested, and baked at high heat for a pillowy interior and golden crust. The filling combines tangy white cheese, mozzarella, butter, fresh herbs and a light tomato‑onion sauce. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light lunch.

3 hrs 5 min
Serves 6
$7
34 views
Middle EasternMedium
I aged Steaks in SUMAC for Months and Ate Them... WOW!

I aged Steaks in SUMAC for Months and Ate Them... WOW!

A Middle Eastern inspired chicken dish that showcases the bright, lemony flavor of sumac. Dark meat thighs are coated in a sumac‑baharat rub, baked until juicy, and served with sweet caramelized red onions, toasted pine nuts, a cool garlic‑sumac yogurt sauce, and warm bread.

1 hr 15 min
Serves 4
$25
2 views
Middle EasternMedium