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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Dubai Chocolate Bar

Recipe by Patrick Zeinali

A simple, no‑bake chocolate bar that went viral from Dubai, made with just four ingredients: chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and crushed biscuits. The result is a glossy, fudgy bar that’s perfect for a quick sweet treat.

EasyMiddle EasternServes 12

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

Source Video
55m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 5m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.30
Total cost
$0.61
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • 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.

Safety Warnings

  • Melted chocolate and butter are extremely hot; handle with care to avoid burns.
  • Do not leave the microwave unattended while melting.

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 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.

cultural
Q

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

A

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.

cultural
Q

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

A

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.

cultural
Q

On what occasions or celebrations is the Dubai chocolate bar traditionally associated in Emirati culture?

A

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.

cultural
Q

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

A

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.

cultural
Q

What makes the Dubai chocolate bar special or unique in Middle Eastern confectionery?

A

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.

cultural
Q

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

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this Dubai chocolate bar recipe use sweetened condensed milk instead of regular sugar?

A

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.

technical
Q

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

A

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.

technical
Q

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

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Patrick Zeinali specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

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

A

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.

channel

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