Homemade Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe (+ Video)

Looking for a dessert that's knafeh…I mean, enough to satisfy all your cravings? With its bold blend of flavors and unique texture, this sweet sensation has taken over social media—and for good reason. It's a modern dessert with roots in Middle Eastern tradition, transforming classic ingredients like kataifi and tahini into a next-level chocolate bar.

This viral treat also offers a few unexpected nutritional perks, thanks to the beneficial dark chocolate antioxidants and eye-supporting pistachios. In this article, we'll dive into what sets the Dubai chocolate bar apart, how to make your own at home with simple ingredients, and smart swaps to suit your diet or wellness goals.

What's so special about the Dubai chocolate bar?

You may have noticed a surge of green-filled chocolate bars popping up on your TikTok feed. This viral treat gained popularity thanks to FIX, a Dubai-based chocolatier that put its own spin on a beloved Middle Eastern dessert called knafeh, a sweet pastry made with kataifi (shredded phyllo dough) and soaked in syrup. Their version transforms those traditional flavors into a chocolate bar, using the same crisp kataifi, rich pistachio butter, and a touch of tahini to create a luxurious, creamy, flaky filling wrapped in chocolate.

What does the Dubai chocolate bar taste like?

Layered with unique flavors and textures, this chocolate bar delivers a full-on sensory experience from the very first bite. The rich, velvety dark chocolate gives way to a nutty, earthy, and slightly sweet pistachio-tahini blend, each layer adding depth and delight to every bite.

Can you use pistachio butter for your Dubai chocolate?

While on the hunt for ingredients to make your homemade Dubai chocolate bars, you may come across different variations of pistachio fillings, such as pistachio butter and pistachio cream.

Pistachio butter is made by simply grinding pistachios into a creamy, spreadable consistency, while pistachio cream uses pistachio butter as a base and is sweetened with sugar and other flavorings. Both can be used in this recipe, but pistachio butter is preferred to avoid added sugars and to achieve a more natural, nutty flavor. You can find these ingredients online, at your local Middle Eastern or Italian grocery store, or you can make your own pistachio butter.

How do you make homemade Dubai chocolate bar with pistachio?

Due to the use of premium ingredients and international shipping fees, these luxurious pistachio chocolate bars often come with a steep price tag. That's why many have turned to the internet to add this decadent treat to their homemade dessert lineup, capturing the same indulgent flavors for a fraction of the cost.

To make the bars, begin by melting chocolate chips with a bit of coconut oil until smooth and glossy. While any type of chocolate chips can be used, dark chocolate chips are often preferred for their antioxidant properties and naturally higher magnesium content. Looking for the best option for you? Check out our chocolate buying guide.

Pour a thin layer into silicone molds and freeze until set, forming the base of your chocolate shells. Meanwhile, sauté kataifi pastry in coconut oil until golden and crisp. Let it cool slightly, then mix it with pistachio butter and a spoonful of tahini to add richness and nutty depth to the filling.

Once the chocolate base is firm, fill the molds with the pistachio mixture and seal the tops with more melted chocolate. Chill again until fully set. The result? A luxurious layered treat with a satisfying crunch and some surprising wellness benefits.

Dietary Swaps

• For a gluten-free version, try using rice-based cereals like Chex in place of kataifi.
• For a dairy-free or vegan option, choose an allergen-friendly dark chocolate made without milk.

Does pistachio in your Dubai chocolate get you enough eye-supporting nutrients?

Although technically seeds, pistachios are commonly referred to as nuts, and they're uniquely rich in beneficial compounds like lutein and zeaxanthin, which play a key role in supporting healthy vision. These powerful carotenoids help protect the macula and retina from oxidative stress caused by harmful blue light and ultraviolet rays.

While the pistachio butter in your homemade pistachio chocolate bar is a nutritious bonus, a serving may not provide enough lutein and zeaxanthin to fully meet your daily eye health needs. Each bar provides roughly 0.3 mg of these nutrients. However, 10-20 mg of lutein are needed for eye health. For more consistent eye support, especially as we age, consider adding a high-quality lutein and zeaxanthin supplement.

References

• Cinquanta L, et al. "Mineral essential elements for nutrition in different chocolate products." Int J Food Sci Nut. November 2016. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27346251/
• Kemp JA, et al. "Short Report: Influence of Dark Chocolate Intake on Magnesium Status in Hemodialysis Patients." J Ren Nutr. February 2025. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40020766/    
• Ranard KM, et al. "Dietary guidance for lutein: consideration for intake recommendations is scientifically supported." Eur J Nutr. November 2017. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5715043/
• Scott TM, et al. "Pistachio Consumption Increases Macular Pigment Optical Density in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial." The Journal of Nutrition. January 2025. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002231662401099X