Pistachio Knafeh Chocolate Bar
Pistachio Knafeh Chocolate Bar is a medium Middle Eastern recipe that serves 12. 300 calories per serving. Recipe by COOKING WITH SHEREEN on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 4 hrs 5 min
Cost: $32.79 total, $2.73 per serving
Ingredients
- 200 g White Chocolate (high‑quality, chopped)
- 5 drops Oil‑Based Food Coloring (optional, prevents chocolate from seizing)
- 30 g Clarified Butter (Ghee) (melted)
- 100 g Shredded Coconut (unsweetened) (toasted until lightly golden)
- 80 g Pistachio Paste (can be made by grinding roasted pistachios)
- 15 g Tahini (smooth, 1 tablespoon)
- 0.5 g Kosher Salt (pinch, enhances flavor)
- 150 g Milk Chocolate (chopped)
- 150 g Dark Chocolate (at least 70% cocoa, chopped)
- 20 g Additional Milk Chocolate (melted and mixed into pistachio spread for silkiness)
Instructions
Prepare the mold
Line the silicone chocolate bar mold with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Time: PT5M
Melt white chocolate
Place the chopped white chocolate in a heat‑proof bowl over simmering water. Stir gently until fully melted, then add a few drops of oil‑based food coloring if desired.
Time: PT5M
Set the white base
Pour the melted white chocolate into the prepared mold, spreading evenly. Place the mold in the refrigerator to set.
Time: PT15M
Toast shredded coconut
In a small skillet, melt the clarified butter over medium heat. Add the shredded coconut and stir continuously until lightly golden, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Cool toasted coconut
Transfer the toasted coconut to a plate and let it cool completely.
Time: PT5M
Prepare pistachio‑tahini spread
In a mixing bowl combine pistachio paste, tahini, a pinch of salt, and the melted additional milk chocolate. Mix until smooth and glossy.
Time: PT5M
Add coconut layer
Remove the mold from the fridge. Evenly sprinkle the cooled toasted coconut over the set white chocolate and press lightly with the back of a spoon.
Time: PT5M
Set coconut layer
Return the mold to the refrigerator to firm up the coconut layer.
Time: PT10M
Add pistachio‑tahini layer
After the coconut has set, spread the pistachio‑tahini mixture over it, smoothing with a spatula.
Time: PT5M
Set pistachio layer
Place the mold back in the refrigerator to set the pistachio layer.
Time: PT10M
Melt milk chocolate
Using the double boiler, melt the milk chocolate until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Add milk chocolate layer
Pour the melted milk chocolate over the pistachio layer, spreading evenly.
Time: PT5M
Set milk chocolate layer
Refrigerate for ten minutes until the milk chocolate is firm.
Time: PT10M
Melt dark chocolate
Melt the dark chocolate in the double boiler, stirring until glossy.
Time: PT5M
Add dark chocolate top layer
Pour the dark chocolate over the milk chocolate layer, smoothing the surface.
Time: PT5M
Final set
Place the bar in the refrigerator for at least two hours, then an additional 30 minutes before cutting.
Time: PT2H30M
Cut and serve
Remove the bar from the mold, place on a cutting board, and slice into 12 equal pieces.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 300
- Protein
- 4 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑free
Allergens: Dairy, Tree nuts (pistachio), Sesame
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of White Chocolate: Milk chocolate (will change flavor)
- Instead of Oil‑Based Food Coloring: Natural cocoa butter color
- Instead of Clarified Butter (Ghee): Unsalted butter
- Instead of Shredded Coconut (unsweetened): Shredded almond
- Instead of Pistachio Paste: Almond paste
- Instead of Tahini: Sunflower seed butter
- Instead of Kosher Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Milk Chocolate: White chocolate
- Instead of Dark Chocolate: Bittersweet chocolate
Equipment Needed
- Double Boiler
- Silicone Chocolate Bar Mold
- Mixing Bowls
- Spatula
- Refrigerator
- Kitchen Scale
- Knife
- Parchment Paper
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Melt each type of chocolate gently to avoid seizing.
- Allow each layer to fully set in the refrigerator before adding the next.
- Toast the shredded coconut evenly without burning.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Oil‑based food coloring mixes smoothly with chocolate and prevents seizing.
- Line the mold with parchment for a clean release, especially with dark chocolate.
- For extra shine on the top dark layer, gently tap the mold on the counter to release air bubbles.
Troubleshooting
Chocolate seizes or becomes grainy.
Add a teaspoon of neutral oil (e.g., vegetable oil) and stir vigorously; keep the temperature low and avoid water contact.
Layers crack when cutting.
Make sure each layer is fully set and the bar is chilled for at least two hours before slicing. Use a warm knife.
Coconut layer is soggy.
Toast the coconut until fully dry and let it cool completely before adding it to the bar.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.
Room temperature: Not recommended; chocolate may bloom.
Make-Ahead Tips
- All layers can be prepared a day ahead; keep the assembled bar refrigerated.
- If you need to transport, wrap the bar tightly in plastic wrap to prevent moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of the Dubai Chocolate Bar in Middle Eastern cuisine?
The Dubai Chocolate Bar became a viral sensation on social media as a modern twist on traditional Middle Eastern sweets, combining rich chocolate with pistachio and tahini—flavors commonly found in Arabic desserts like baklava and halva.
What are the traditional regional variations of the Dubai Chocolate Bar in Middle Eastern cuisine?
Some variations replace the toasted coconut with crushed dates or use rose‑water‑infused white chocolate. Others add a thin layer of caramel or use almond paste instead of pistachio for a different nutty profile.
How is the Dubai Chocolate Bar traditionally served in the United Arab Emirates?
It is typically presented on a decorative platter alongside Arabic coffee (gahwa) and often garnished with a dusting of crushed pistachios or edible gold leaf for special occasions.
What occasions or celebrations is the Dubai Chocolate Bar traditionally associated with in Middle Eastern culture?
The bar is popular at weddings, Eid celebrations, and birthday parties, where its elegant layered look makes it a show‑stopping dessert.
What makes the Dubai Chocolate Bar special or unique in Middle Eastern cuisine?
Its combination of Western chocolate techniques with classic Middle Eastern ingredients—pistachio, tahini, and toasted coconut—creates a fusion dessert that highlights both textures and flavors rarely paired together.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Dubai Chocolate Bar at home?
Common errors include overheating the chocolate, which causes seizing; not allowing each layer to fully set before adding the next, leading to mixing of flavors; and under‑toasting the coconut, which can make the bar soggy.
Why does this Dubai Chocolate Bar recipe use oil‑based food coloring instead of water‑based coloring?
Oil‑based coloring blends with the chocolate’s fat content, preventing the chocolate from seizing or becoming grainy—a risk when water‑based dyes are introduced to melted chocolate.
Can I make the Dubai Chocolate Bar ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the bar can be prepared up to three days in advance. Keep it sealed in an airtight container in the refrigerator; for longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month.
What texture and appearance should I look for when each layer of the Dubai Chocolate Bar is set?
Each layer should be firm to the touch, with a glossy surface for the chocolate layers and a dry, lightly crunchy feel for the toasted coconut. The final bar should have distinct, even layers visible when sliced.
What does the YouTube channel Cooking with Shereen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Cooking with Shereen focuses on easy‑to‑follow Middle Eastern and fusion recipes, often highlighting viral trends, quick techniques, and home‑cooking shortcuts for busy cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Cooking with Shereen's approach to Middle Eastern cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Cooking with Shereen blends traditional Middle Eastern flavors with modern plating and viral food trends, offering step‑by‑step visuals and practical tips that make elaborate desserts accessible to home cooks.
Last updated: September 4, 2026
