Dubai Chocolate Bar
Dubai Chocolate Bar is a easy Middle Eastern recipe that serves 12. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Patrick Zeinali on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr
Cost: $7.30 total, $0.61 per serving
Ingredients
- 200 g Chocolate (good quality milk or dark chocolate, broken into pieces)
- 200 ml Sweetened Condensed Milk (full‑fat canned condensed milk)
- 50 g Unsalted Butter (softened, cut into cubes)
- 150 g Digestive Biscuits (plain, crushed fine; can substitute with graham crackers or any plain biscuit)
Instructions
Prepare the Biscuit Base
Place the digestive biscuits in a food processor and pulse until they become fine crumbs. If you don’t have a processor, put the biscuits in a zip‑lock bag and crush with a rolling pin.
Time: PT5M
Melt Chocolate, Butter, and Condensed Milk
In a microwave‑safe bowl combine the chocolate pieces, butter cubes, and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave on high in 30‑second bursts, stirring between bursts, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
Time: PT5M
Combine Biscuit Crumbs with Chocolate Mixture
Add the crushed biscuits to the melted chocolate mixture. Stir quickly until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture thickens.
Time: PT5M
Transfer to Tray and Shape
Line the baking tray with parchment paper. Pour the chocolate‑biscuit mixture onto the tray and spread with a spatula to an even 1‑cm thickness.
Time: PT5M
Chill Until Set
Place the tray in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the bar is firm enough to cut.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 4°C
Cut and Serve
Remove the set chocolate slab from the tray, peel off the parchment, and cut into 12 equal bars using a sharp knife.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 2 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chocolate: white chocolate, vegan chocolate (if dairy‑free needed)
- Instead of Sweetened Condensed Milk: evaporated milk + sugar, coconut condensed milk (for dairy‑free version)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, coconut oil (for dairy‑free version)
- Instead of Digestive Biscuits: graham crackers, plain tea biscuits
Equipment Needed
- Microwave‑Safe Bowl
- Mixing Spoon or Spatula
- Baking Tray
- Parchment Paper
- Food Processor or Plastic Bag & Rolling Pin (optional)
- Knife
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Melt chocolate, butter, and condensed milk gently to avoid seizing.
- Ensure biscuit crumbs are fine enough to bind the bar.
- Chill the bar long enough for it to set firmly before cutting.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high‑quality chocolate (70 % cocoa) for a richer flavor and smoother texture.
- For extra crunch, fold in a handful of toasted nuts or puffed rice after mixing the biscuits.
- Line the tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal effortless.
Troubleshooting
The chocolate mixture becomes grainy or seizes.
Add a tablespoon of butter and stir vigorously; if still grainy, gently re‑heat over low heat while stirring.
Bars are too soft and fall apart when cut.
Chill for an additional 15‑20 minutes or increase the proportion of biscuits by 20 %.
Bars are too hard and difficult to bite.
Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before serving.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 days if kept in a sealed container, but may become soft.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the bars up to step 5 and keep them refrigerated; they keep well for a week.
- Wrap individual bars in parchment or plastic wrap for grab‑and‑go snacks.
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 snack on social media in the early 2020s, reflecting the region’s love for rich, indulgent sweets that combine chocolate with simple pantry staples. While not a traditional Emirati dessert, it echoes the Middle Eastern tradition of using dates, nuts, and biscuits in confectionery.
What are the traditional regional variations of the Dubai chocolate bar in Middle Eastern cuisine?
Home cooks in the Gulf often add chopped pistachios, almonds, or a swirl of tahini to the basic four‑ingredient version. Some variations replace biscuits with crushed dates or maamoul crumbs for a more authentic local flavor.
How is the authentic Dubai chocolate bar traditionally served in the United Arab Emirates?
It is typically cut into bite‑size squares and served chilled as an after‑meal treat or with Arabic coffee. In upscale cafés, the bars may be dusted with gold leaf or served alongside fresh fruit.
On what occasions or celebrations is the Dubai chocolate bar traditionally associated in Emirati culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, the bar is popular during Ramadan evenings (iftar) and at family gatherings because it is quick to make and satisfies sweet cravings after fasting.
What other Middle Eastern dishes pair well with the Dubai chocolate bar?
Pair it with a cup of strong Arabic coffee, cardamom‑spiced tea, or fresh dates. For a fuller dessert spread, serve alongside baklava, maamoul, or rose‑water‑flavored puddings.
What makes the Dubai chocolate bar special or unique in Middle Eastern confectionery?
Its simplicity—only four ingredients—and the glossy, fudgy texture set it apart from more labor‑intensive sweets like halwa or kunafa. The combination of melted chocolate with condensed milk creates a caramel‑like richness that resonates with regional sweet preferences.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Dubai chocolate bar?
Overheating the chocolate can cause it to seize, and using biscuits that are too chunky will result in a crumbly bar. Also, insufficient chilling time leads to bars that melt too easily when cut.
Why does this Dubai chocolate bar recipe use sweetened condensed milk instead of regular sugar?
Condensed milk adds both sweetness and a creamy, caramel‑like body that helps bind the biscuit crumbs without the need for additional butter or cream, giving the bar its signature fudgy texture.
Can I make the Dubai chocolate bar ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, prepare up to step 5 and keep the bar refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week. For longer storage, wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to a month.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Dubai chocolate bar is done?
The bar should have a smooth, glossy surface and feel firm to the touch. When you press lightly, it should give a slight give but not be sticky; the interior should be dense and fudgy, not crumbly.
What does the YouTube channel Patrick Zeinali specialize in?
The YouTube channel Patrick Zeinali focuses on quick, viral food trends and easy‑to‑make home recipes, often showcasing minimalist ingredient lists and step‑by‑step visual guides.
How does the YouTube channel Patrick Zeinali's approach to Middle Eastern cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Patrick Zeinali emphasizes ultra‑simple, four‑ingredient hacks that capture the essence of popular Middle Eastern snacks, whereas many other channels may delve into traditional, multi‑step techniques or elaborate plating.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
