Dubai Chocolate Knafeh Pistachio Bar

Deconstructed here but when it all comes together, it trully is a decadent chocolate bar. The Dubai Chocolate Knafeh Pistachio Bar somehow went viral and I was keen on giving this my own homemade twist.

I am currently counting down to my flight to Dubai. For me, the city isn’t just a vibrant metropolis; it’s a second home, a place that holds decades of memories. From living in the region in the 1980s to many family-filled moments over the past decades, Dubai has always been a tapestry of warmth, flavor, and tradition. This year, I’m bringing a slice of those experiences to my holiday table with a treat that blends nostalgia with modern indulgence: the Dubai Chocolate Knafeh Pistachio Bar.

This recipe takes its inspiration from the iconic Middle Eastern dessert knafeh, known for its golden, crisp kataif pastry and creamy, nutty fillings. Kataif, a delicate shredded phyllo dough, is one of those ingredients that carries a story in its threads—of bustling souks, family feasts, and the rich culinary heritage of the region. Working with kataif feels like connecting with that tradition, transforming it into something both classic and new. And then there’s pistachio butter. Vibrantly green, luxuriously smooth, it’s a flavor I’ve loved ever since childhood trips to the markets, where towering displays of pistachios would catch my eye. Add to that the snap of dark chocolate, and this bar becomes more than a dessert—it’s an experience.

This year, I’ll be spending Christmas and New Year’s in Dubai with my family, and this recipe feels like the perfect bridge between the traditions of the region and the season's festive spirit. The bars are simple to make, beautiful to present, and ideal for gifting. Picture this: you hand someone a neatly wrapped box of these bars, and as they unwrap it, the buttery aroma of pistachio mingles with the richness of chocolate. When you snap off a square, there’s that satisfying crack of the chocolate, followed by the buttery crunch of kataif, and the lingering, nutty warmth of pistachio butter. Paired with an afternoon espresso, it’s a sensory delight—something to be savored slowly, much like the moments of the season itself.

The Dubai Chocolate Bar was born from a brilliant idea: blending two iconic Middle Eastern flavors—pistachio cream and knafeh —within a luxurious chocolate shell. This fusion dessert quickly captured the essence of Dubai’s culinary identity, combining tradition, innovation, and indulgence. Its rise to fame began with glowing reviews and viral videos from food influencers on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, turning it into a global sensation. Loved for its rich, creamy pistachio filling and crisp Knafeh layers, the bar offers a perfectly balanced taste that has made it a must-try treat for dessert enthusiasts worldwide.

In my version I use a wonderful 80% dark chocolate to balance the sweetness of the pistachio paste. I also brown the Knafeh pastry in lots of butter not just for that extra buttery flavours but also for an extra crunch.

The steps are very straigtforward in my recipe and this bar really does come together very quickly, making this a great but decadent gift to give family, friends and colleagues.

Recipe: Dubai Chocolate Knafeh Pistachio Bar

Print Recipe

By Meeta K. Wolff
Prep Time: 30 min
Total Time: 1 hour
Makes: 1 large bar

Ingredients

• 2 cups kataif pastry (shredded phyllo dough)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup pistachio cream
• 300g dark chocolate (70% cocoa works beautifully, but 80% was incredible)

Method

1. Melt the butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the shredded kataif pastry and fry it, until it turns golden brown and crunchy. Make sure to keep stirring and turning it to ensure it browns evenly. Once the kataif is crispy, transfer it to a bowl and mix in the poistachio cream. Stir, making sure all of the pastry is covered in the cream and you have a thick, paste-like consistency. You can adjust the amount of pistachio cream to your liking. We prefer this generally crunchier so this recipe has more kataif pastry giving it a firm crunchy texture. But add more pistachio cream if you like it creamier. Set aside while you temper the chocolate.
2. To temper the chocolate, break the dark chocolate into pieces and melt over a double boiler. Stir to ensure all the pieces are melted and it has a shiny, glossy finish.
3. Assemble the Dubai Chocolate Knafeh Pistachio Bar by pouring a nice layer of the tempered dark chocolate into a silicone mould, moving the mould around to ensure the chocolate spreads evenly and the sides are also properly coated. Place the mould in the freezer for about 10 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
4. Once the chocolate is set, add the knafeh and pistachio cream filling. Using an offset spatula, press the filling into the corners and smooting it out to create an even layer.
5. Pour the remaining melted chocolate over the filling making sure to cover the sides and the corners of the bar. Spread it evenly to ensure a smooth top. Place the mould back into the freezer for roughly 15 minutes to set it completely before removing your chocolate bar.

Notes
Add a handful of chopped pistachios for the extra nutty crunch.
Play around with a few spices to elevate the flavour. I found cardamom that we added to one bar spectacular. Also pink peppercorns adds a hint of savoury to this bar which works fantastically.
Store any leftover pistachio cream in a glass box covered and in the fridge.

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For me, making these bars is as much about the process as the product. It’s a little bit of Dubai in every bite—a tribute to the city I adore and the traditions that have shaped me. So, as I pack my bags for another sunlit winter by the Gulf, I know these bars will make their way to family gatherings, coffee catch-ups, and maybe even the occasional quiet moment just for me. Give this recipe a try, and I hope it brings as much joy to your holiday season as it has to mine. Whether you’re gifting it or savoring it yourself, the Dubai Chocolate Knafeh Pistachio Bar is a little square of magic—crunchy, creamy, and utterly unforgettable. Happy holidays, from my Dubai-inspired kitchen to yours!

 

Christmas favourites from WFLH:

Orange Marmalade Date Fig and Quark Stollen	Spiced Advocaat Custard	Florentine Christmas Fruitcake

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