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Pistachio Cream Crunch Bars

Pistachio Cream Crunch Bars (Viral Dubai Chocolate Bar)

Make the famous Dubai chocolate bar at home — crispy kataifi, homemade pistachio cream, and tempered chocolate. A decadent pistachio cream crunch bar with step-by-step instructions.
Prep Time 28 minutes
30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • Pistachio Crème makes more than you will need:
  • 500 grams raw pistachios with skin on (about 3 1/2 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons good-quality tahini
  • 80 to 100 grams white chocolate melted (about 3 to 3 1/2 ounces)Kataifi Filling:
  • 1 ½ cups shredded kataifi pastry cut from a block of partially thawed kataifi pastry (about 1 cm lengths)
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons salted butter
  • About 80 ml 1/3 cup pistachio crème (from above)Chocolate:
  • 300 grams good-quality milk chocolate or dark chocolate or a combination of both (about 10 1/2 ounces)

Instructions
 

  • Make the pistachio crème: Place the pistachios in a powerful blender and blend until a thick paste forms — at least 5 minutes, so be patient. Add the tahini and continue blending until as smooth as possible, stopping to scrape down the sides (use a tamper if you have one). Once smooth, pour in the melted white chocolate and blend again until the mixture reaches the consistency of Nutella, runny enough to pour into a jar. Prepare the kataifi filling: Melt the butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the shredded kataifi and fry, stirring constantly, until golden brown and crunchy, a few minutes — keep turning so it browns evenly. Transfer to a bowl and mix in about 80 ml (1/3 cup) of pistachio crème, a little at a time, until you have a thick, paste-like consistency (add more for creamier, less for crunchier). Temper the chocolate: Chop the chocolate into small, even pieces and place in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until most has melted; let the residual heat finish melting it as you stir until smooth. Aim for about 88–90°F (31–32°C) for milk chocolate, or 113–115°F (45–46°C) for dark. Assemble the bars: Pour a layer of tempered chocolate into a silicone mould, twisting to coat the sides evenly, then pour off the excess. Place in the fridge or freezer to set. Once set, add the kataifi and pistachio crème filling, pressing it into the corners for an even layer. Pour the remaining chocolate over the filling to seal, spreading evenly. Return to the fridge to set completely before unmoulding

Notes

Homemade pistachio cream is richer than store-bought and lets you control sweetness and texture; the tahini smooths it out. Store-bought pistachio cream or spread works if you can find it. For the white chocolate, an everyday brand (like Nestlé Milkybar) is fine. Frying the kataifi until truly golden is crucial for the crunch. The microwave tempering method is beginner-friendly. Balance the ratio — just enough cream binds the kataifi without making it soggy. Use good-quality couverture chocolate (Lindt, Callebaut, or Ghirardelli); milk, dark, or a combination all work. If your blender is weak, toast the pistachios first to loosen the oils and add a splash of neutral oil. No mould? Use a loaf tin lined with baking paper (less uniform shape). A rectangular silicone bar mould (about 15 x 7cm) works well. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place up to 2 weeks; don't refrigerate set bars, as the chocolate may bloom (still safe to eat). Make the pistachio cream up to 2 weeks ahead (fridge); the kataifi filling up to 3 days ahead (airtight, room temp). To freeze, wrap individual bars in plastic and freeze up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature 30 minutes before eating.