Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe

Published: March 8, 2025 | 15 minutes read

Transport yourself to the opulent world of Dubai with these luxurious homemade chocolate bars. Combining rich dark chocolate with traditional Middle Eastern flavors of dates, cardamom, and pistachios—finished with a touch of edible gold dust—these bars capture Dubai’s perfect blend of tradition and extravagance.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Dubai-inspired chocolate bars make perfect gifts or special treats for chocolate lovers. The combination of sweet dates and aromatic spices creates a uniquely indulgent experience that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Setting Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes

Yield: 12 bars

Ingredients

200g high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
100g Medjool dates, pitted and finely chopped
50g pistachios, roughly chopped
1 tsp ground cardamom
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch of saffron threads (optional)
2 tbsp honey
¼ tsp sea salt
1 tsp rose water (optional)
Edible gold dust for decoration

Equipment Needed

20cm square baking tin
Parchment paper
Double boiler or heatproof bowl and saucepan
Silicone spatula
Sharp knife
Small food processor (optional)
Small paintbrush for gold dust application

Instructions

1-Prepare your mold: Line a 20cm square baking tin with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

2-Prepare the date filling: In a small food processor, combine the chopped dates, 1 tbsp honey, cardamom, cinnamon, and rose water (if using). Pulse until it forms a thick paste. Set aside.

3-Toast the pistachios: In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the pistachios for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Allow to cool, then roughly chop.

4-Melt the chocolate: Fill a saucepan with about 2 inches of water and bring to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl on top, ensuring it doesn’t touch the water. Add the chopped chocolate and remaining 1 tbsp honey. Stir occasionally until completely melted and smooth.

5-First chocolate layer: Pour half of the melted chocolate into the prepared tin. Spread evenly using a spatula. Place in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to partially set.

6-Add the date layer: Remove the tin from the refrigerator. Carefully spread the date mixture over the chocolate layer, leaving a small border around the edges.

7-Add nuts and spices: Sprinkle most of the chopped pistachios over the date layer, reserving some for the top. If using saffron, crush the threads between your fingers and sprinkle over the pistachios. Add the sea salt.

8-Final chocolate layer: Pour the remaining melted chocolate over the date and nut layer, ensuring it completely covers the filling. Tap the tin gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.

9-Decorate: Sprinkle the remaining pistachios on top while the chocolate is still wet.

10-Set the chocolate: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight until completely set.

11-Add the gold touch: Once set, remove from the tin using the parchment paper overhang. With a clean, dry paintbrush, lightly dust the surface with edible gold dust for that signature Dubai luxury look.