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.

Dubai Chocolate Knafeh Pistachio Bar

Print Recipe

By: Meeta K. Wolff
Prep Time: 30 minutes
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%–80% cocoa)

Method

1. Melt the butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the shredded kataif pastry and fry until golden brown and crunchy, stirring continuously. Transfer to a bowl and mix in the pistachio cream to form a thick, paste-like consistency. Adjust pistachio cream as desired. Set aside while tempering the chocolate.
2. Break the dark chocolate into pieces and melt over a double boiler, stirring until fully melted and glossy.
3. Pour a layer of tempered dark chocolate into a silicone mould, spreading evenly and coating the sides. Place in the freezer for about 10 minutes to set.
4. Add the knafeh and pistachio cream filling. Press the filling into corners and smooth it out to create an even layer.
5. Pour the remaining melted chocolate over the filling, covering sides and corners. Smooth the top and place in the freezer for about 15 minutes to set completely before removing.

Notes

Add a handful of chopped pistachios for extra crunch. Experiment with spices like cardamom or pink peppercorns to enhance the flavor. Store leftover pistachio cream in a covered glass container 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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