Make the viral Dubai chocolate bar at home! This TikTok-famous recipe features pistachio, kunafa pastry, and rich chocolate—easy, vegan-friendly, and utterly delicious.
- Prep & Cook Time: Ready in just 45 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Ingredients: Pistachios, kataifi/kunafa pastry, dark chocolate, and a touch of vanilla
- Taste Profile: Creamy nuttiness from pistachio, crunchy texture from pastry, and rich sweetness from chocolate
- Health Angle: Vegan adaptable, fiber-rich from pistachios, and antioxidant-packed dark chocolate
- Serving Ideas: Enjoy as a standalone dessert, crumbled over ice cream, or with Arabic coffee
- Equipment: Requires only a saucepan, mixer, and chocolate molds (or a baking tray)
🌍 Origins & Story: From Dubai to Your Kitchen
This viral chocolate sensation began as a pregnancy craving! British-Egyptian chocolatier Sarah Hamouda, based in Dubai, longed for knafeh—a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with syrup-soaked kataifi noodles and cheese. She reinvented it into a chocolate bar filled with pistachio cream and crispy pastry, creating the now-iconic “Can’t Get Knafeh of It” bar .
TikTok food influencer Maria Vehera’s review video blew it up globally, amassing 56 million views and sparking countless copycats . Though the original Fix bar sells out within minutes in Dubai (at $20 per bar!), home cooks worldwide now replicate it—including this adapted US version with easy-to-find ingredients .
👅 Flavour & Texture: Why It Works
This isn’t just another chocolate treat. It’s a multisensory experience:
- Creamy & Crunchy: The velvety pistachio paste contrasts with crispy, buttery kataifi strands .
- Nutty & Sweet: Earthy pistachios balance the rich dark chocolate, while a hint of vanilla adds warmth .
- ASMR Appeal: The satisfying crack when breaking the bar makes it TikTok-perfect .
Read Also: Homemade Ciabatta Bread Recipe
🧺 Core Ingredients: What Goes In
Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose & Substitutes |
---|---|---|
Dark Chocolate | 300g | Base; use vegan chocolate for dairy-free |
Kataifi/Kunafa Pastry | 150g | Crunch; substitute shredded phyllo dough |
Pistachios | 150g | Creamy filling; almond butter works in a pinch |
Vegan Butter | 1 tbsp | For toasting pastry; coconut oil for oil-free |
Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp | Enhances nuttiness; optional but recommended |
Pro Tip: Source kataifi pastry in Middle Eastern grocery stores or online. Its unique shredded texture is irreplaceable!
👩🍳 Cooking Technique: Step-by-Step Mastery
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate
Slowly melt dark chocolate using a double boiler or microwave (in 10-second bursts). Avoid overheating—it should be smooth and glossy .
Step 2: Prepare the Molds
Brush silicone molds or a lined baking tray with melted chocolate. Freeze for 10 minutes until set. Repeat for a thick base .
Step 3: Toast the Pastry
Sauté kataifi pastry in vegan butter until golden and crispy. This adds a deep, nutty flavor .
Step 4: Make Pistachio Cream
Blend pistachios, sugar, and vanilla into a thick paste. Mix with melted white chocolate (vegan if needed) for creaminess .
Step 5: Layer and Set
Combine pastry with pistachio cream. Spread over the chocolate base. Top with remaining chocolate. Chill for 30 minutes until firm .
🌿 Nutritional & Health View: Indulgence Meets Balance
- Calories: ~250 per serving (1/6th of a bar)
- Benefits: Pistachios provide fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Dark chocolate offers antioxidants .
- Diet-Friendly: Easily vegan and gluten-free (ensure kataifi is gluten-free). Reduce sugar by using sugar-free chocolate .
🍽️ Serving & Pairing Ideas: Elevate the Experience
- Traditional: Serve with Arabic coffee or mint tea to cut through sweetness .
- Modern Twist: Crumble over vanilla ice cream or yogurt bowls .
- Gifting: Wrap in parchment paper for a homemade food gift.
🔍 Hidden Chef Tips: Avoid These Mistakes!
- Don’t Burn Chocolate: Use low heat when melting to avoid grainy texture.
- Keep Pastry Crispy: Ensure kataifi is cooled completely before mixing with cream to prevent sogginess.
- Storage: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving .
🌎 Cultural & Global Angle: A Cross-Continent Craze
From Dubai to Waitrose and Lidl in the UK, this bar has inspired global variations. Lindt’s version sells for $10, while Lidl’s budget bar costs $4.99 . In India, home cooks add cardamom or saffron for a local twist. The original Fix bar remains a symbol of cultural fusion—blending Middle Eastern flavors with Western chocolate craftsmanship .
🔮 Future Food Trend: What’s Next?
- Vegan Dominance: Plant-based versions (like this recipe) are rising .
- Health-Conscious Tweaks: Date-sweetened pastes and protein-enriched bars are emerging .
- Savory-Sweet Blends: Experimentation with sea salt or spiced chocolate is on the horizon.
💬 Community & Engagement: Join the Conversation!
TikTok creators call it “mind-blowing” and “worth the hype” . Home baker Gina Burgess notes: “It’s about trusting your instinct—go with your heart’s content!” .
Try it and share your creations using #USAViralChocolate. We might feature you!
❓ FAQ Section
1. Can I make this without kataifi pastry?
Yes, use crushed phyllo dough or rice noodles for crunch, though texture will differ.
2. Is this recipe truly vegan?
Yes, if using dairy-free chocolate and vegan butter .
3. Why did my chocolate seize?
Likely from moisture exposure. Ensure tools are completely dry.
4. Can I freeze the bars?
Yes, for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
5. Where can I find kataifi pastry?
In Middle Eastern stores or online retailers like Amazon.
6. How do I get a clean cut?
Use a hot knife—dip in hot water and wipe dry between cuts.
7. Is this suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! Wrap in gold foil for a luxe touch.
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