Dubai Chocolate: All you need to know and how to make it yourself

At candy hype we’re not just interested in bringing American chocolates to the UK, we’re interested in all things chocolate!

The world of desserts has a new obsession, and it's coming straight from the vibrant city of Dubai. Forget your everyday American candy bars, this creation takes inspiration from a beloved Middle Eastern pastry – the knafeh – and combines it with the rich decadence of chocolate, all studded with the delightful crunch of pistachios. It's a flavour explosion that's been taking social media by storm, and for good reason.

This viral treat, often called the "Can't Get Knafeh of It" bar, originated from The FIX Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai. The combination might seem unusual at first, but it's a stroke of genius. Knafeh, with its crispy kataifi pastry soaked in fragrant syrup and layered with cheese, is a symphony of textures and tastes. The chocolate bar takes these elements and translates them into a handheld masterpiece.

The star of the show is the filling. Imagine a creamy, rich pistachio paste, studded with chopped pistachios for an extra textural punch. This luscious spread is then married with the satisfying crunch of toasted kataifi pastry, the same kind used in knafeh. Every bite delivers a delightful contrast – smooth, creamy, and crunchy all at once. Encasing this delightful filling is a layer of decadent chocolate, typically dark or milk chocolate, which complements the sweetness of the filling perfectly.

The beauty of this creation lies not just in its unique flavour profile, but also in its accessibility. You don't necessarily need a plane ticket to Dubai to experience this wonder, nor do you need to tear your hair out trying to find an online candy store in the UK who has it. With a little creativity and some readily available ingredients, you can recreate this viral international chocolate sensation in your own kitchen.

Bringing Dubai Home: A Recipe for Pistachio Knafeh Dubai Chocolate Bars

Here's what you'll need to create your own batch of Dubai's dream chocolate bars:

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Layer:

200g dark chocolate (or milk chocolate, depending on your preference we tried it with Milka chocolate)
50g unsalted butter
For the Pistachio Filling:
150g shelled pistachios
100g powdered sugar
1/4 cup honey
1 tbsp rosewater (optional)
1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
For the Knafeh Crunch:
1/2 cup shredded phyllo dough (kataifi pastry)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For Garnishing (optional):
Chopped pistachios
Edible rose petals

Instructions:

Prepare the Pistachio Filling:

In a food processor, grind the pistachios until they become a fine powder. Be careful not to over-process, as you want some texture remaining.
Add the powdered sugar, honey, rosewater (if using), and softened butter to the pistachio powder. Process until a smooth and creamy paste forms.

Toasting the Phyllo Dough:

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
In a large bowl, toss the shredded phyllo dough with the melted butter until evenly coated.
Spread the coated phyllo dough on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Once toasted, remove the phyllo dough from the oven and let it cool completely.

Prepare the Chocolate Layer:

Using a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over simmering water, melt the chocolate and butter together until smooth and well combined.
Set aside to cool slightly.

Assemble the Chocolate Bars:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Spoon a generous amount of the cooled chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out into a thin layer to create the base of the bars.
Sprinkle a layer of the cooled and toasted phyllo dough over the chocolate.
Top the phyllo dough with a generous dollop of the pistachio filling, spreading it evenly.
Pour the remaining chocolate over the filling, ensuring all the bars are completely coated.

Garnish and Set:

Optional:

While the chocolate is still slightly soft, sprinkle some chopped pistachios and edible rose petals over the bars for an elegant touch.
Refrigerate the chocolate bars for at least 2-3 hours, or until the chocolate has completely set.
Enjoy!
Once set, remove the baking sheet from the fridge and cut the chocolate bars into desired sizes.
Store the remaining bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Conclusion

At Candy Hype, our passion extends beyond just bringing American chocolates to the UK; we are devoted to exploring all things chocolate. The latest dessert sensation taking the world by storm hails from Dubai, combining the beloved knafeh pastry with rich chocolate and crunchy pistachios to create a unique and viral treat. The "Can't Get Knafeh of It" bar, with its creamy pistachio filling, crunchy kataifi pastry, and decadent chocolate coating, offers a symphony of textures and flavors that delight the senses.