Standing in Dubai’s spice market, I was hit with the smell of roasted pistachios. The sound of shredded phyllo dough added to the excitement. I found the “Can’t Get Knafeh of It” chocolate bar, a global hit there.
When I tasted it, the chocolatey flavor was irresistible. I knew I had to figure out how to make it at home.
Table of Contents
Introduction to the Viral Dubai Chocolate Sensation
In Dubai’s heart, a small chocolatier has won global attention. Fix Dessert Chocolatier made a unique bar, “Can’t Get Knafeh of It.” It’s a worldwide hit.
Origins of the Fix Dessert Chocolatier Creation
The “Can’t Get Knafeh of It” bar was created at Fix Dessert Chocolatier. It aims to provide a rich, stunning chocolate experience inspired by Middle Eastern desserts.
Why This Chocolate Bar Became a Global Phenomenon
The bar’s mix of crispy kataifi pastry, creamy pistachio, and tahini with milk chocolate drew fans. It’s a hit in chocolate-making circles in Dubai, especially on TikTok. Its exclusivity and hand-painted design make it a luxury chocolate brand’s favorite.
At $18.50 per bar, it’s a sought-after treat. Resale prices soar to $50 on eBay. Even in South Africa, a bar sold for 1,000 ZAR (around $56).
“The chocolates from Dubai are exclusively available in Dubai and can only be ordered at 2 or 5 p.m. local time via Deliveroo. Due to high demand, the bars are unavailable for delivery outside Dubai.”
Despite the demand, Fix Dessert Chocolatier keeps quality high and plans to expand globally. Chocolate lovers can’t wait to try this artisan chocolate bar sensation from Dubai.
Essential Ingredients for Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe
Making the famous Dubai Chocolate Bar at home needs the right ingredients. It’s all about mixing top-notch cocoa, gourmet desserts, and Middle Eastern chocolate tastes.
The main parts of this recipe are:
- Kataifi pastry (or vermicelli as an alternative) – found in the refrigerated section of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern grocery stores
- Pistachio paste for the signature creamy filling.
- Tahini, to complement the pistachio flavor
- High-quality dark or milk chocolate for the outer shell
- Butter or coconut oil to bind the ingredients
- Salt to enhance the overall flavor profile
To add a pop of color, you can use pink and green chocolate or food coloring. This will give the Dubai Chocolate Bar its bright look.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kataifi pastry (or vermicelli) | 8 oz |
| Pistachio paste | 1/2 cup |
| Tahini | 1/4 cup |
| Dark chocolate wafers | 10 oz (Ghirardelli brand) |
| Butter or coconut oil | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Pink and green chocolate or food coloring (optional) | As needed |
Understanding Kataifi: The Secret Crunch Component
The Dubai Chocolate Bar’s secret lies in its kataifi pastry, a Middle Eastern dessert ingredient that gives the bar its crunchy texture.
How to Select and Prepare Kataifi Pastry
Kataifi pastry looks like shredded phyllo dough. It’s vital to the bar’s crunch. To prepare it right, follow these steps:
- Separate the fine, delicate strands of the kataifi pastry to ensure even toasting.
- Spread the pastry evenly on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the kataifi is golden brown and crunchy.
- Allow the toasted kataifi to cool entirely before incorporating it into the chocolate bar recipe.
Vermicelli as an Alternative Option
If you need help finding kataifi, vermicelli noodles work well. Toast them in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crispy. This adds a crunchy element to the Dubai Chocolate Bar.
“The key to the Dubai Chocolate Bar’s unique texture lies in the perfect balance of rich, velvety chocolate and the irresistible crunch of the toasted kataifi pastry.”
Tools and Equipment Needed
Making tasty homemade chocolate bars at home requires the right chocolate-making tools and confectionary techniques. To make the famous Dubai Chocolate Bar, you’ll need some essential items in your kitchen.
A big sauté pan with high sides is key for toasting the kataifi (shredded phyllo dough), which adds a crunchy texture to the dessert. You’ll also need chocolate molds deep enough for the pistachio filling.
To melt the chocolate, use a microwave or a double boiler. A flexible spatula helps spread the chocolate evenly in the molds. You’ll need a fridge to chill and set the chocolate bars.
While not necessary, some optional tools can make your chocolate making better. A chocolate scraper gives clean edges, and small brushes are great for adding edible gold glitter touches.
| Essential Tools | Optional Tools |
|---|---|
| Large sauté pan with high sides Chocolate molds Microwave or double boiler Flexible spatula Refrigerator | Chocolate scraper Small brushes |
Chocolate Selection and Tempering Techniques
Choosing the right chocolate is vital when making your Dubai-inspired chocolate bars home. You can pick between dark and milk chocolate. Dark chocolate is less sweet and has an intense cocoa taste, which is excellent for those who like a deeper flavor. Milk chocolate is creamier and sweeter, appealing to more people.
Tempering is vital for the perfect texture and shine. The Bain-Marie method is a top choice. Melt the chocolate in a bowl over hot water, but not boiling. Then, please remove it from the heat and add the rest of the chocolate. Stir until smooth and glossy.
Adding a bit of coconut oil can make the chocolate even better. It helps the chocolate flow and work easier, making your Dubai chocolate bars easier to shape.
| Chocolate Type | Flavor Profile | Recommended Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Dark Chocolate | Intense, rich cocoa flavor with a subtle bitterness | Ideal for creating bold, sophisticated confections |
| Milk Chocolate | Creamy, sweet, and smooth texture | Suitable for a wider range of chocolate-based treats |
Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe at Home
Learn to make the famous Dubai chocolate bar at home. This easy-to-follow recipe brings the world’s favorite dessert to your kitchen. It’s perfect for both seasoned chefs and home cooks looking to impress.
The secret to a great Dubai chocolate bar is mixing crunchy kataifi pastry, creamy pistachio filling, and smooth chocolate. Follow these steps to make your gourmet chocolate bars at home.
Ingredients and Preparation Time
- Makes two large 500g/1.1lb chocolate bars
- Preparation time: 20 minutes, plus time to set
- Cook time: 18 minutes
Key Components
- 150g/5ozs of chopped and separated kataifi pastry
- 360g/12.7ozs of pistachio paste and 20g/0.8oz of tahini for the filling
- Various quantities of chocolate (pink, green, dark, or milk) for the coating
To get the perfect crunch, toast the kataifi pastry for about 10 minutes. This step adds a great texture contrast to the creamy filling and chocolate.
A little salt balances the sweetness of the pistachio filling. The mix of pistachio paste and tahini creates a rich and harmonious flavor.
Coconut oil is critical to the chocolate coating. It ensures the chocolate melts well, has a glossy finish, and has a satisfying snap.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kataifi Pastry | 150g/5ozs, chopped and separated |
| Pistachio Paste | 360g/12.7ozs |
| Tahini | 20g/0.8oz |
| Chocolate (Pink, Green, Dark, or Milk) | Various quantities |
| Coconut Oil | As needed for melting chocolate |
| Salt | To taste |
Creating the Signature Pistachio Filling
The iconic Dubai chocolate bar’s flavor comes from its creamy and crunchy pistachio filling, which mixes pistachio nuttiness with tahini’s subtle sweetness.
Combining Pistachio Paste with Tahini
Begin by blending 500 grams of raw pistachios into a smooth paste. Then, add 80-100 grams of melted white chocolate for a velvety texture. Mix a few tablespoons of tahini for Middle Eastern flavors and sweetness balance.
Achieving the Perfect Texture
- Fold in 1.5 cups of shredded kataifi pastry, lightly fried in butter, for a delightful crunch.
- Adjust the pistachio paste, tahini, and kataifi ratio for the perfect creamy-crunchy mix.
- Try using Biscoff spread instead of pistachio paste for a unique twist.
This makes an indeed artisan chocolate bar with a gourmet dessert recipe. It highlights the Middle Eastern flavors of this Dubai-inspired treat.
Decorative Techniques and Finishing Touches
Make your homemade Dubai chocolate bars stand out with excellent decorative techniques. Try the vibrant splatter design that made the Dubai Chocolate Bar famous. Just flick melted colored chocolate onto the molds before adding the main chocolate layer. Use bright pink and green to get a fun, eye-catching look.
To get the splatter right, flick the melted chocolate using a teaspoon. This method spreads the colors evenly, just like the original. After the colored chocolate hardens, add the main chocolate layer. This will give your bars a smooth, professional look.
But you can also try other ways to make your chocolate bars memorable. Add a drizzle of white chocolate, sprinkle crushed pistachios, or use edible gold leaf or saffron. These touches make your bars look amazing and feel luxurious.
| Decorative Technique | Suggested Execution |
|---|---|
| Colored Chocolate Splatter | Flick melted pink and green chocolate onto molds using a teaspoon for a dynamic, artistic effect |
| Chocolate Drizzle | Drizzle tempered white chocolate over the set dark chocolate bars for a contrasting visual |
| Crushed Pistachio Topping | Sprinkle finely chopped, roasted pistachios over the chocolate bars for a crunchy, nutty finish |
| Edible Metallic Accents | Adorn the chocolate bars with delicate edible gold leaf or saffron threads for a luxurious touch |
Storage Tips and Shelf Life
Keeping your homemade chocolate bars fresh is critical to their taste and texture. Follow these easy chocolate preservation tips to enjoy your gourmet dessert longer.
For a short time, keep your Dubai chocolate bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days. The cold keeps the chocolate’s texture and stops it from melting. Let the bars warm up to room temperature before enjoying their rich taste.
To store them longer, freeze the chocolate bars. Wrapped and sealed well, they can last up to 2 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before eating.
Always store your homemade chocolate bars in a sealed container, away from light and heat. This keeps the cocoa butter balanced and prevents texture or flavor changes.
With these storage tips, your Dubai chocolate treats will stay fresh for days or weeks. Every bite will be as delightful as the first.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Creating a delicious Dubai chocolate bar at home can be challenging. But don’t worry—with some troubleshooting, you can solve these problems and make the perfect treat.
Preventing Chocolate Bloom
One common issue is white streaks or spots on your chocolate, known as “chocolate bloom.” This happens when you temper it wrong or if the temperature changes. To avoid this, make sure to temper your chocolate correctly. Also, store your bars in an excellent, dry spot away from sunlight or heat.
Fixing Texture Problems
Do you need help with the texture of your Dubai chocolate bar? There are a few things you can do. Please make sure the kataifi is well-toasted before adding it to the mix. If the filling is too dry, add more tahini for creaminess. If it’s too wet, add more toasted kataifi to balance it out.
Also, play with the dark-to-milk chocolate ratio. This will help you find the perfect balance of sweetness and firmness.
By tackling these standard chocolate-making techniques and confectionary troubleshooting issues, you’ll be on your way to making unique Dubai chocolate bars. They’ll impress everyone and satisfy your taste buds.
Conclusion
Making the Dubai chocolate bar recipe at home is both fun and affordable. It lets you enjoy a luxury treat without spending a lot. The steps are easy to follow, and you can try different flavors and tastes.
Homemade homemade chocolate bars are cheaper than store-bought ones, which cost $30-$60. Making them yourself also gives you a sense of accomplishment. You can make bars just as good as the famous ones in Dubai with some practice. You’ll impress everyone with your cooking skills.
Exploring gourmet dessert recipes is exciting, and the Dubai chocolate bar shows how creative you can be. Making chocolate at home opens up a world of possibilities. You can try new fillings and flavors. Start your journey as a chocolatier and enjoy making your treats.
FAQ
What is the Dubai Chocolate Bar?
The Dubai Chocolate Bar is a homemade version of a famous dessert from Fix Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai. It combines crunchy kataifi pastry, pistachio cream, tahini, and rich chocolate.
How long does it take to make the Dubai Chocolate Bar at home?
Making the Dubai Chocolate Bar at home takes less than 30 minutes. You can make two large 500g/1.1lb chocolate bars.
What are the essential ingredients for the Dubai Chocolate Bar?
For the Dubai Chocolate Bar, you’ll need kataifi pastry, pistachio paste, tahini, and high-quality chocolate (dark or milk).
What is kataifi pastry, and how is it used in the Dubai Chocolate Bar?
Kataifi pastry is like filo pastry but in string form. It adds crunch to the Dubai Chocolate Bar. If you can’t find kataifi, vermicelli works as a substitute.
What tools are needed to make the Dubai Chocolate Bar?
You’ll need a large frying pan for toasting kataifi, chocolate molds, and a microwave or double boiler for melting chocolate. A spatula and refrigerator are also essential. Optional tools include a chocolate scraper and small brushes for decoration.
How do you temper the chocolate for the Dubai Chocolate Bar?
Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over hot water to temper it. Then, add the remaining chocolate off the heat and stir until it’s all melted. This gives the chocolate a shiny finish.
How do you make the signature pistachio filling?
Mix pistachio paste with tahini and a pinch of salt for the filling. Then, fold in toasted kataifi to achieve the perfect balance of crunch and cream.
How should the Dubai Chocolate Bar be stored?
Store the Dubai Chocolate Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days. For more extended storage, freeze them. Let refrigerated bars come to room temperature before serving.
How can you troubleshoot common issues with the Dubai Chocolate Bar?
To avoid chocolate bloom, temper the chocolate properly and keep storage temperatures steady. For texture problems, toast the kataifi well and adjust the filling ingredients.