How to Make the Perfect Dubai Chocolate Bar with Pistachio Kunafa Filling
Middle Eastern · Medium · 35 min · 8 servings
This viral Dubai chocolate bar features a rich dark chocolate shell filled with crispy kunafa noodles and sweet pistachio cream. It is the dessert that took social media by storm and you can now make it at home with simple ingredients.
Why this recipe works
This Dubai Chocolate Bar with Pistachio Kunafa Filling recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 420 calories with 8g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 400 g dark chocolate chips
- 200 g kunafa pastry shredded
- 150 g pistachio cream or pistachio butter
- 50 g unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 tsp rose water
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Toast the Kunafa
Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add shredded kunafa pastry and toast for 8 to 10 minutes stirring constantly until golden brown and crispy. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a bowl combine the toasted kunafa with pistachio cream tahini and rose water. Mix until everything is well combined and the filling holds together. Set aside.
Step 3: Temper and Mold the Chocolate
Melt dark chocolate chips using a double boiler until smooth. Pour half the melted chocolate into silicone bar molds coating all sides. Refrigerate for 5 minutes to set the shell.
Step 4: Fill and Seal
Spoon the kunafa pistachio filling into each mold pressing gently. Pour remaining melted chocolate over the top to seal. Tap molds to remove air bubbles and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before unmolding.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- dark chocolate chips → milk chocolate chips for a sweeter milder flavor
- pistachio cream → almond butter mixed with green food coloring for a budget friendly option
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not toasting the kunafa long enough which results in a soggy filling instead of a satisfying crunch
- Pouring filling into chocolate shells that are not fully set which causes the shell to break when unmolding
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 420 calories, 8g protein, 38g carbs, 28g fat, 3g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →