How To Make Dubai Chocolate At Home in 2026

Learning how to make Dubai chocolate can be simpler than you imagine. The secret is using good ingredients so you can replicate the same flavors and textures of the most trendy chocolate bar. The best part? You won’t even need to spend that much every time creating this magical chocolate when you get the craving. 

Dubai chocolate took the world by storm in 2025, becoming an overnight internet sensation. An array of taste-test videos encouraging others to buy it hit the socials, along with delicious combos and flavors. If you were among the many who became obsessed, this article is for you! You’ll learn the ingredients and steps to make the best Dubai chocolate at home. 

Jump to Section

• What Is Dubai Chocolate
• What Are The Ingredients In Dubai Chocolate?
• How To Make Dubai Chocolate At Home, Step By Step
• Learn From Experienced Chocolatiers

What is Dubai Chocolate?

Dubai chocolate is a viral dessert made of rich milk chocolate, creamy pistachio filling and crispy shredded pastry (known as kataifi). The original treat is from Fix Dessert Shop located in Dubai. Its founder, Sarah Hamouda, had the urge to create something different to satisfy her pregnancy cravings. By playing and testing, she created the original Dubai chocolate bar. Fix called their new creation “Can't Get Knafeh Of It."

But it wasn’t until 2023 that an influencer on TikTok made the chocolate bar truly become an internet sensation, and in 2025 it blew up internationally. Everyone had to try Dubai chocolate! Its social media strategy revolved around the iconic “crack” moment when you split the bar — thanks to the kataifi — which made people crave that luxurious look and crunchy texture.

Now it’s everywhere! Even major companies like Lindt have made their own version of it. And whether you’ve already tried different versions or you still haven’t been able to get your hands on it, the good news is you can make it at home. It’s a sweet treat for Fall dessert ideas or even when you need gifts for neighbors, as it gives that elevated and tasty feel. 

What Are The Ingredients In Dubai Chocolate?

One of the best things about Dubai chocolate is that it’s good for every occasion, from Halloween desserts to Valentine’s Day candy. If you’re wondering how to make Dubai chocolate at home, the first step is understanding its ingredients and whether you can substitute some of them.

So, how is Dubai chocolate made? Essentially, Dubai chocolate is made with a chocolate shell and a creamy pistachio filling mixed with something crunchy (the original recipe is kataifi). Here are the main ingredients needed for the classic version:

1. Chocolate: Chocolate is the star of this treat, so try to use a high-quality chocolate you love, whether it’s dark, semi-sweet or milk chocolate. 
2. Pistachio cream: It adds its signature sweet-nutty flavor. Some opt to make it from scratch in a food processor, but you can simply buy pistachio cream at any store or order it on Amazon (Pisti Pistachio cream is great quality).  
3. Kataifi pastry: Also known as Kadayif, it's the soul of Dubai chocolate and consists of shredded phyllo dough that adds a crunchy, crispy texture. 
4. Butter: Just a small amount to toast the kataifi and enhance its flavor. 
5. Tahini: Optional. Gives a subtle earthiness that is ideal to balance sweetness. The original recipe uses it. 
6. Salt: A pinch to enhance flavor.

Only 6 ingredients are used to make this chocolate perfection. And while most ingredients are easy to get, in some cases, things like Phyllo or Tahini are not so accessible. Many users always wonder how to make Dubai chocolate without kataifi, or substitute ingredients like pistachio, so here are a few useful variations to adapt it to your liking: 

• Pistachio filling: You can substitute it with almond or cashew butter, as it’s the closest in creamy texture. But if you want a nut-free option, some users have used sunflower seed butter, although this changes the flavor.
• Kataifi: You can swap it to anything that gives that signature crunch. Some popular variations are crushed waffle cone, crushed cornflakes, Rice Krispies and some users have even used toasted shredded coconut, though this gives a more chewy — rather than crispy — texture. 
• Tahini: While the original recipe uses Tahini is not an essential ingredient. You can skip it entirely. 

For a more luxurious “Dubai” look, you can add additional garnishes like chopped pistachios, flaky sea salt, gold dust or edible gold flakes. 

How To Make Dubai Chocolate At Home, Step By Step

Once you have all your ingredients, it’s time to make your new favorite chocolate. 

What You’ll Need (Quantities & Tools) 

• 275g chocolate 
• ¾ cup pistachio cream/spread
• 1–1½ cups kataifi pastry, shredded
• 2 tbsp butter 
• 1 tbsp tahini (optional)
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: chopped pistachios, flaky salt, edible gold

Tools: Use a silicone chocolate bar mold for the best results. 

Step 1: Toast the Kataifi 

Start by pulling apart the Kataifi so it’s loose and fluffy. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add kataifi and stir constantly for 5-8 minutes, until it's golden and crispy. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly. 

Step 2: Make the Pistachio Filling

In a bowl, mix the pistachio cream, tahini and add a pinch of salt. Fold in the toasted kataifi until you get a thick and crunchy filling. 

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

Chop your chocolate into small pieces. You can melt it by using a microwave (20-30 sec bursts, stirring between each), or a double boiler on low heat and stirring until smooth. 

Step 4: Create the Chocolate Shell

Pour a layer of melted chocolate into your mold. Tilt to coat the sides and place it in the fridge for 10 minutes to let it set. 

Step 5: Add the Filling

Spoon the pistachio-kataifi mixture into the mold and press gently so it’s packed in (but be careful not to squish all the crunch). Leave a little space so you can add the final chocolate layer. 

Step 6: Seal with Chocolate

Pour more melted chocolate on top to completely cover the filling. Tap the mold lightly on the counter to remove any air bubbles. 

Step 7: Chill Until Set

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, so it has enough time to firm. Once set, pop them out of the mold and add your add-ins (like flaky sea salt or gold dust) if you want.

Get ready for that signature crack and decadent flavor!

Learn From Experienced Chocolatiers

Dubai chocolate might look like something you’d only find in a luxury dessert shop, but as this guide has shown, it’s totally doable at home. And if you want to elevate your chocolate marking skills, learn from the pros!

With Classpop! cooking classes, a chocolatier will guide you step-by-step through melting, layering and assembling the viral bar from scratch. This way, you can confidently start exploring in the kitchen and creating your own chocolate masterpieces. 

Whether you’re on the lookout for the perfect unique Mother's Day gifts, or simply are craving that sweet and nutty treat, it’s never too late to learn how to make it from scratch. Dubai chocolate looks complex, but making it is actually quite simple. So buy your ingredients, and get started.

Struggling at home? Learn how to make Dubai chocolate from the pros, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!