Dubai Chocolate Bars (viral recipe)

Thank you social media for introducing us all to Dubai chocolate bars. After trying them for myself, it’s no wonder they went viral. I had fun developing this recipe using one of my favorite ingredients- dates! Dates make for a better-for-you, fiber-filled base for these Middle Eastern inspired bars. Some may call it date bark, but either way, you have to try it for yourself. Coincidentally I am writing this post during the holidays so I have to mention that these bars are perfect for holiday entertaining, gifting and cookie exchanges. Sweet, salty, decadent, crisp and craveable!

Why you’ll love these Dubai Chocolate bars

• Perfect for holiday entertaining- A tray of these won’t last long on a dessert table at a holiday party. They are even perfect to cut into squares to either gift or take to a cookie exchange.
• No-bake and easy to prep- Who doesn’t love a no-bake dessert. Yes you have to light up a burner to sauté the kataifi until golden crisp, but this takes just a few minutes and is so worth it when you experience that classic creamy meets crisp filling of Dubai chocolate.
• A luxurious treat without the effort- My friends’ jaws dropped when I pulled out a plate of these bars. Dubai chocolate sounds so exotic and I’ve seen bars priced at $20! Believe me when I tell you that making this simple treat feels luxurious whether you are enjoying them for yourself or serving them to others. Basically I feel ready to tackle a Food Network competition knowing I have this recipe in my back pocket. 
• Naturally sweetened with dates- I’m so glad dates finally got some screen time and recognition through social media recipe videos. They are nature’s candy on their own, and extremely versatile when used in recipes. They can go either sweet or savory. They add sweetness without using refined sugar….and bonus…you reap the benefits of added fiber (~3 grams for two dates).  

What you will need to make chocolate date bars

Medjool dates- Try to choose 16 dates that are all about the same size to make a uniform chocolate bark to cut into bars. Ensure fresh dates that are soft, and thus easier to roll out. 

Coconut oil

Kataifi- A Middle Eastern Ingredient, kataifi is shredded phyllo dough that becomes incredibly crisp when toasted to golden brown. You can usually find it in the freezer section of international markets. If you cannot find kataifi then you can substitute rice krispies, unsweetened shredded coconut, shredded wheat or cornflakes. 

Pistachio butter- A smooth creamy, nut butter made from ground pistachios. You can find it in specialty grocery stores, international markets or online. 

Tahini- A creamy paste made from ground sesame seeds that balances the sweetness of these bars and adds depth of flavor. 

Dark chocolate- Use high quality dark chocolate for the best flavor and smooth melting. Choose chocolate that is 60-70% cacao. 

Pistachios- Use fresh, shelled pistachios that add color, crunch and flavor. 

How to make Dubai Chocolate

First line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then open the medjool dates lengthwise and remove and discard the pits. Arrange the dates on the parchment in a neat 4×4 pattern. I like to roll them out flat with a rolling pin to make a uniform base. 

Next, heat a tablespoon of coconut oil in a large frying pan over medium high heat. Once the oil melts, add the kataifi, breaking it into small pieces. Continue to break up the kataifi with the back of a wooden spoon as you sauté, cooking it until crisp and golden brown.

Transfer the toasted kataifi to a medium mixing bowl and stir in the pistachio butter and tahini until fully combined. Spread this mixture evenly atop the date base.

Then melt the chocolate along with a teaspoon of coconut oil in a heatproof bowl in the microwave. Heat for about 60-90 seconds, stopping to stir every 30 seconds until the chocolate is smooth and glossy. Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the kataifi layer. Sprinkle the top with chopped pistachios. 

Finally transfer the tray to the freezer for about 10-20 minutes to set the layers. Once firm, slice into bars and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Dubai Chocolate Bars

Storing bars:

Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 7-10 days to maintain freshness. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature just before eating. Pro tip: Let the refrigerated bars sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes for a softer, creamier bite. 

Bar Variations

While pistachio butter is the traditional nut butter used in Dubai chocolate, why not swap it out for cashew or almond butter to experience a new flavor profile. You can even add dried cranberries, orange zest, pomegranate arils or shredded coconut as a topping along with the chopped pistachios. Additionally, play around with the chocolate variety and try out milk chocolate, white chocolate or a swirl variation.

Gifting

To gift these bars, wrap individually in parchment and tie with a thin ribbon of choice (I love twine and you can even get it in festive colors). 

For holiday trays, arrange the bars on a festive platter to sit out at your next holiday party or gathering or to take to a cookie exchange. 

Tip: Add a small hand-written note or label with “Dubai Chocolate Bars”.