The Best Viral Dubai Chocolate Date Bark Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s rich, crunchy, and packed with Middle Eastern flavors, this is about to become your new favorite treat. I mean, just listen to what it has: chewy, caramel-like dates, crispy toasted kataifi pastry, creamy pistachio and tahini, all tied together with a thick layer of chocolate! Think of it as a luxe, nutty, and chocolatey upgrade to traditional candy bark. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make! Whether you’re indulging in a sweet snack or sharing it for a special occasion, this dessert is a total showstopper!

2024 was the year of the Dubai chocolate bar, and this year everyone is getting wildly creative on how they can take that specific flavor and vibe and transform it into something even more fun and delicious. This specific recipe is a staple at our house during ramadan because it is packed with fiber but also is has an extra rich topping that is nutty, chocolatey and so fun to eat!  

Since you are here and love delicious recipes with pistachios, check out these Brown Butter Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookies, this Starbucks Pistachio Frappuccino Copycat Recipe, or this Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Bar Recipe.

Ingredients for this viral Dubai chocolate date bark recipe

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this pistachio date bark. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements. 

• Dates: provide natural sweetness and chewiness to the bark.
• Kadaifi/Kataifi Shredded Phyllo Dough: adds a crispy texture and a delicate pastry-like crunch to the bark.
• Butter: You can also use ghee here if you’d like to get even more of an authentic flavor when toasting your kataifi.
• Pistachio Cream: adds a nutty richness and flavor to the bark.
• Tahini: contributes a subtle nutty flavor and creamy texture.
• Chocolate Chips: form the base of the bark.
• Coconut Oil: is added to the chocolate chips to help melt them smoothly and to give the bark a glossy finish.

Is pistachio butter and pistachio cream the same? 

No they aren’t the same thing and won’t give you the same results. In this recipe we are using pistachio cream because it is sweetened and almost has a melted white chocolate taste to it because it is made with cocoa butter. It’s incredible in this recipe but you’ll be enjoying it by the spoonful too!

How to make this Dubai chocolate date bark recipe

This is how you can make this pistachio chocolate bark. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the full step-by-step instructions! 

1. Prepare the dates by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use your hands or a spatula to press the pitted dates into a smooth, even layer.
2. Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the shredded kadaifi and stir frequently until it turns golden brown. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
3. Stir the toasted kadaifi, pistachio spread, and tahini paste together until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the flattened date layer.
4. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips with coconut oil in 20-30 second intervals, stirring each time. Repeat until remaining chocolate chips are fully melted and smooth.
5. Pour the melted chocolate over the kadaifi layer, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle with crushed pistachios for an extra crunch or drizzle some more pistachio spread like I did, then place in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes until set.
6. Once firm, cut or break or slice into pieces and serve!

Dubai Chocolate Date Bark Tips and Tricks 

• Use soft, fresh dates for the best texture. If your dates are a little dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes and pat them dry before pressing them into the pan.
• Press the date layer firmly to prevent the bark from falling apart when cutting.
• Don’t rush the kataifi toasting process!

Why do you need to make this recipe?

• If you are a fan of the viral Dubai chocolate bar, then you have to try this, it’s even better!
• It’s one of the best Middle Eastern desserts you will ever eat without much effort.
• It’s a fun way to explore new cuisines and try out the viral trends.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

What type of date should I use?

Medjool dates are the most popular and easiest to find. They work well because they’re soft and naturally caramel-like, but other varieties like Deglet Noor will also work. I used some soft dates that I had brought from the UAE and they made the bark taste so good.

Where can I find kadaifi/kataifi?

Most international supermarkets should sell them, especially if they’re more Eastern-themed like Asian or Indian. But if you can’t find it near you, you can easily order it order it online from Amazon.

​What can I substitute the kadaifi with?

Vermicelli noodles are the most similar and easiest to find Western food product to kataifi dough. You could also just get full sheets of phyllo pastry and crush it yourself. The shape will obviously be different but the texture will be there at least.

What if I don’t have pistachio cream?

You can substitute it with peanut butter, almond butter, and cashew butter or make a homemade pistachio spread. Just know that the pistachio cream is a vital part of the flavor for the Dubai chocolate date bark and will make it taste different.

If you opt for the nut butters, mix in some melted white chocolate to get a sweeter flavor.

What type of chocolate should I use?

Semi-sweet chocolate is best for a balanced taste. For more sweet, use milk chocolate. For less sweet, use dark chocolate. Or try white chocolate for an entirely different version of this recipe.

How do I store leftover Dubai chocolate date bark

Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for longer storage. If frozen, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.

The Best Dubai Chocolate Date Bark Recipe

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