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

  1. Prepare the mold

    Line the silicone chocolate bar mold with parchment paper for easy removal later.

    Time: PT5M

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Cool toasted coconut

    Transfer the toasted coconut to a plate and let it cool completely.

    Time: PT5M

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. Set coconut layer

    Return the mold to the refrigerator to firm up the coconut layer.

    Time: PT10M

  9. Add pistachio‑tahini layer

    After the coconut has set, spread the pistachio‑tahini mixture over it, smoothing with a spatula.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Set pistachio layer

    Place the mold back in the refrigerator to set the pistachio layer.

    Time: PT10M

  11. Melt milk chocolate

    Using the double boiler, melt the milk chocolate until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Add milk chocolate layer

    Pour the melted milk chocolate over the pistachio layer, spreading evenly.

    Time: PT5M

  13. Set milk chocolate layer

    Refrigerate for ten minutes until the milk chocolate is firm.

    Time: PT10M

  14. Melt dark chocolate

    Melt the dark chocolate in the double boiler, stirring until glossy.

    Time: PT5M

  15. Add dark chocolate top layer

    Pour the dark chocolate over the milk chocolate layer, smoothing the surface.

    Time: PT5M

  16. Final set

    Place the bar in the refrigerator for at least two hours, then an additional 30 minutes before cutting.

    Time: PT2H30M

  17. 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

Last updated: April 21, 2026

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Pistachio Knafeh Chocolate Bar

Recipe by COOKING WITH SHEREEN

A multi‑layered, Instagram‑worthy chocolate bar inspired by the viral Dubai treat. It features a crisp toasted coconut layer, a silky pistachio‑tahini spread, and alternating milk and dark chocolate layers, all set with a white vanilla base and a pop of oil‑based food coloring.

MediumMiddle EasternServes 12

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

Source Video
4h
Prep
15m
Cook
31m
Cleanup
4h 46m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$32.79
Total cost
$2.73
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • 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.

Safety Warnings

  • Melted chocolate and butter are extremely hot; use oven mitts and avoid skin contact.
  • Do not leave the double boiler unattended to prevent water from boiling dry.

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 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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of the Dubai Chocolate Bar in Middle Eastern cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How is the Dubai Chocolate Bar traditionally served in the United Arab Emirates?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is the Dubai Chocolate Bar traditionally associated with in Middle Eastern culture?

A

The bar is popular at weddings, Eid celebrations, and birthday parties, where its elegant layered look makes it a show‑stopping dessert.

cultural
Q

What makes the Dubai Chocolate Bar special or unique in Middle Eastern cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Dubai Chocolate Bar at home?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this Dubai Chocolate Bar recipe use oil‑based food coloring instead of water‑based coloring?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make the Dubai Chocolate Bar ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

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.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when each layer of the Dubai Chocolate Bar is set?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cooking with Shereen specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cooking with Shereen's approach to Middle Eastern cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

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.

channel

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