Dubai Chocolate Ingredients: Everything You Need to Make the Viral TikTok Sensation

The viral Dubai chocolate has taken social media by storm, with millions of people craving that perfect combination of creamy pistachio filling and crunchy texture. The main Dubai chocolate ingredients are milk chocolate, pistachio cream, tahini, and kataifi pastry – but there's much more to creating the perfect homemade version. Let's explore every ingredient you need and how to source them for the most authentic Dubai chocolate experience.

What Is Dubai Chocolate and Why Has It Gone Viral?

Dubai chocolate, officially known as "Can't Get Knafeh of It," was created by Sarah Hamouda at Fix Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai. This thick, rectangular chocolate bar became a TikTok sensation in 2024 thanks to its satisfying crunch and stunning green pistachio filling that oozes out when broken.

The original chocolate draws inspiration from knafeh, a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with shredded phyllo pastry, sweet syrup, and various fillings. Social media mentions of Dubai chocolate exploded by 1,259% year-over-year, making it one of the most viral food trends of 2024.

 

The Essential Dubai Chocolate Ingredients

1. High-Quality Milk Chocolate (Primary Shell)

The foundation of any Dubai chocolate is premium milk chocolate that provides the rich, creamy exterior. Quality matters here – cheap chocolate will crack unevenly and lack the smooth mouthfeel that makes this treat special.

What to look for:

• 30-40% cocoa content for authentic flavor
• Smooth melting properties for tempering
• Rich, creamy taste that complements pistachio

While traditional Dubai chocolate uses milk chocolate, you can experiment with our premium organic chocolate bars for a more sophisticated flavor profile. Our Berkeley Bar offers inspiration for creating complex chocolate experiences with multiple textures.

2. Pistachio Cream or Butter (The Star Ingredient)

Pistachio cream is the heart of Dubai chocolate, providing that distinctive green color and rich, nutty flavor. This isn't just ground pistachios – authentic pistachio cream contains nuts, milk powder, and oils for the perfect consistency.

Key characteristics:

• Smooth, spreadable texture
• Vibrant green color (sometimes enhanced with food coloring)
• Rich pistachio flavor without being overly sweet
• Stable consistency that won't separate when combined with other ingredients

Where to source:

• Middle Eastern grocery stores (often in the refrigerated section)
• Online retailers like Amazon
• Specialty nut butter makers
• Some Costco locations carry pistachio cream specifically for Dubai chocolate

3. Tahini (The Secret Balancing Act)

Tahini adds a crucial nutty, slightly savory element that prevents the pistachio filling from being overwhelmingly sweet. This sesame seed paste is essential for authentic flavor balance.

What tahini brings to Dubai chocolate:

• Subtle nutty complexity
• Savory balance to sweet pistachio
• Smooth texture that blends well
• Traditional Middle Eastern flavor profile

Use about 1-2 tablespoons of tahini per cup of pistachio cream for optimal flavor balance.

4. Kataifi Pastry (The Signature Crunch)

Kataifi (also spelled kadayif) is shredded phyllo pastry that looks like thin vermicelli noodles. When toasted, it creates the signature crunchy texture that makes Dubai chocolate so addictive and satisfying.

Essential preparation steps:

• Toast kataifi in butter until golden brown and crispy
• Ensure even browning for consistent crunch
• Allow to cool before mixing with pistachio cream
• Break into bite-sized pieces for even distribution

 

Where to find kataifi:

• Middle Eastern or Mediterranean grocery stores (refrigerated section)
• Greek specialty food stores
• Online retailers
• Some international sections of major supermarkets

Optional Dubai Chocolate Ingredients for Enhanced Results

White Chocolate (For Decorative Drizzle)

Many Dubai chocolate versions feature a white chocolate drizzle tinted green to match the pistachio filling. This adds visual appeal and extra sweetness.

How to use:

• Melt 2-3 tablespoons white chocolate chips
• Add green food coloring if desired
• Drizzle in chocolate molds before adding main chocolate

Green Food Coloring

While high-quality pistachio cream has natural green color, many recipes add food coloring for that vibrant, social media-worthy appearance.

Tips for coloring:

• Start with small amounts – you can always add more
• Gel food coloring works better than liquid
• Mix thoroughly to avoid streaking

Premium Butter for Toasting

Using high-quality butter for toasting the kataifi makes a noticeable difference in flavor. The butter should be unsalted to control sodium levels.

Sea Salt (For Flavor Enhancement)

A pinch of fine sea salt in the pistachio mixture enhances all the flavors and prevents excessive sweetness.

Creating Your Own Dubai Chocolate: Step-by-Step Ingredient Preparation

Preparing the Kataifi Filling

1. Toast the kataifi: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat
2. Add kataifi: Break up 5 ounces kataifi pastry and add to the pan
3. Cook until golden: Stir occasionally for 8-10 minutes until crispy and golden brown
4. Cool and mix: Transfer to a bowl and stir in pistachio cream, tahini, and salt

Chocolate Mold Preparation

1. Prepare molds: Use silicone Dubai chocolate molds for authentic shape
2. Optional decoration: Add white chocolate drizzle to mold bottoms
3. First chocolate layer: Pour melted chocolate to coat mold bottoms and sides
4. Add filling: Spoon kataifi-pistachio mixture evenly
5. Final coating: Cover with remaining melted chocolate

Quality Sourcing Tips for Dubai Chocolate Ingredients

Pistachio Cream Quality Indicators

Look for:

• Smooth, uniform texture
• Natural green color
• Fresh, nutty aroma
• No oil separation
• Reputable Middle Eastern food brands

Avoid:

• Artificial pistachio flavoring
• Overly processed products with excess additives
• Products with significant oil separation

Chocolate Quality Considerations

While traditional Dubai chocolate uses conventional milk chocolate, consider upgrading with premium options. Our organic chocolate products demonstrate how quality chocolate can elevate any recipe. Learn about our bean-to-bar process to understand what makes exceptional chocolate.

Budget-Friendly Alternatives

Cost-saving strategies:

• Buy kataifi in bulk and freeze portions
• Make pistachio cream from scratch using raw pistachios
• Use cacao butter to enhance cheaper chocolate's texture and flavor

Dietary Adaptations Using Dubai Chocolate Ingredients

Vegan Dubai Chocolate

Replace milk chocolate with dark chocolate and ensure your pistachio cream is dairy-free. Our vegan chocolate options provide inspiration for plant-based versions.

Sugar-Free Versions

Use sugar-free chocolate and unsweetened pistachio butter, adding stevia or monk fruit as needed. Our sugar-free chocolate bars show how to maintain flavor without added sugars.

Gluten-Free Adaptations

Ensure your kataifi pastry is certified gluten-free, as traditional phyllo contains wheat. Some manufacturers make gluten-free versions specifically for dietary restrictions.

Storing Dubai Chocolate Ingredients

Proper Storage Guidelines

Kataifi pastry: Keep refrigerated until use, freeze for longer storage Pistachio cream: Refrigerate after opening, use within 2-3 months Tahini: Store at room temperature, stir if oil separates Finished chocolate: Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 weeks

The Global Impact of Dubai Chocolate Ingredients

The viral success of Dubai chocolate has dramatically affected global pistachio markets, with prices increasing by 30-40% in some regions. This demonstrates how social media trends can impact entire agricultural supply chains.

Market effects:

• Increased pistachio demand worldwide
• Kataifi pastry shortages in some regions
• New specialty ingredient suppliers entering the market
• Rising interest in Middle Eastern flavor profiles

Frequently Asked Questions About Dubai Chocolate Ingredients

Can I substitute the pistachio cream with other nut butters?

Yes! While pistachio is traditional, you can experiment with almond butter, cashew butter, or even create custom nut combinations using cacao butter for unique flavor profiles. However, you'll lose the distinctive green color and specific pistachio taste.

Where can I buy authentic kataifi pastry?

Kataifi is available at Middle Eastern grocery stores, Greek markets, and online retailers. Look in the refrigerated or frozen section. If unavailable, you can sometimes substitute with very finely shredded phyllo pastry, though the texture won't be identical.

How long do homemade Dubai chocolate bars last?

Properly stored in the refrigerator, homemade Dubai chocolate bars last 2-3 weeks. The kataifi may lose some crispness over time, so they're best enjoyed within the first week for optimal texture.

Can I make Dubai chocolate without special molds?

Absolutely! You can create freeform versions by spreading the filling between chocolate bark layers or using regular chocolate molds. The taste will be the same, though you won't get the distinctive thick bar shape.

What's the difference between Dubai chocolate and traditional chocolate bars?

Dubai chocolate features a much thicker profile (about 1 inch), a specific filling combination of pistachio and crunchy elements, and cultural inspiration from Middle Eastern desserts. Traditional chocolate bars focus primarily on chocolate flavor with simpler fillings.

Quick Ingredient Summary (Featured Snippet Optimized)

Dubai chocolate ingredients include: milk chocolate (for the shell), pistachio cream (main filling), tahini (flavor balance), and kataifi pastry (signature crunch). Optional ingredients are white chocolate for drizzling, green food coloring, butter for toasting, and sea salt for flavor enhancement. Source ingredients from Middle Eastern grocery stores or online retailers for authentic results.

Start Your Dubai Chocolate Journey Today

Understanding Dubai chocolate ingredients is the first step toward creating this viral sensation at home. While sourcing authentic ingredients may take some effort, the result is a truly unique chocolate experience that combines traditional Middle Eastern flavors with modern chocolate craftsmanship.

Ready to explore premium chocolate ingredients for your culinary adventures? Browse our collection of organic, fair-trade chocolate products to discover how quality ingredients transform simple recipes into extraordinary experiences. Our cacao butter can enhance any homemade chocolate project, while our drinking chocolates offer inspiration for other Middle Eastern-inspired flavor combinations.

Explore our blog for more chocolate-making tips, ingredient guides, and recipe inspiration that will elevate your homemade chocolate creations to professional quality.