Decadent Knafeh Chocolate Bar Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe in 3 Easy Steps

Oh, let me tell you about the first time I tasted Knafeh Chocolate Bar in Dubai – it was pure magic! That perfect crunch of buttery knafeh pastry meeting rich, molten chocolate made my taste buds dance. This Middle Eastern-meets-chocolate-lover’s dream has become the talk of Dubai’s dessert scene for good reason. I still remember walking through the spice-scented souks when the aroma of freshly baked knafeh led me to a tiny bakery where they were pulling these golden bars straight from the oven. That first bite, drizzled with rose-scented syrup? Life-changing! Now I make my own version at home when I crave that perfect balance of crisp and creamy.

The Must-Have Ingredients for Knafeh Chocolate Bars

Trust me, the magic of these Dubai-inspired chocolate bars starts with getting your ingredients just right. I’ve learned that quality makes all the difference here. After a few, shall we say, “learning experiences” with substitutes, here’s exactly what you’ll need:

• 500g knafeh pastry (shredded) – Look for the fresh kind if you can find it
• 200g unsalted butter (melted) – None of that margarine business!
• 300g dark chocolate (chopped) – Go for 70% cocoa for that perfect balance
• 1 cup sugar syrup – Make it yourself or use store-bought
• 1 tsp rose water – Just enough for that floral hint without overpowering
• 1/2 tsp orange blossom water – My secret for that authentic Middle Eastern aroma
• 1/4 cup pistachios (crushed) – For that gorgeous green sprinkle on top

Pro tip: I always keep extra pistachios on hand because someone (usually me) ends up snacking on them while preparing the rest!

How to Make Knafeh Chocolate Bar Dubai Chocolate Bar

Okay, let’s get to the fun part – making these heavenly bars! I promise it’s easier than you think, and the results will make you feel like a Dubai pastry chef. Just follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have golden, chocolatey perfection in no time.

Preparing the Knafeh Base

First things first – preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Now, here’s where the magic begins! Take your shredded knafeh pastry and mix it thoroughly with all that melted butter. I like to use my hands (clean, of course!) to really work the butter into every strand. You want every piece coated – no dry spots allowed! Press half of this buttery goodness into your greased baking pan, packing it down firmly with your fingers or the back of a spoon. This creates that perfect crispy base that won’t fall apart when you cut it later.

Layering the Chocolate

Now for my favorite part – the chocolate! Spread your chopped chocolate evenly over the knafeh base. Don’t skimp here – this is the heart of your dessert! I like to leave about a half-inch border all around so the chocolate doesn’t ooze out. Then, take the remaining buttered knafeh and gently press it over the chocolate layer. Be careful not to press too hard – you want to keep those lovely air pockets that make the top layer light and crispy.

Baking and Syrup Pouring

Pop your creation into the oven for 20-25 minutes until it’s golden brown and your kitchen smells like heaven. While it bakes, heat your sugar syrup with the rose water and orange blossom water – just until warm. The moment your knafeh comes out of the oven, pour that fragrant syrup all over it. Listen for that satisfying sizzle! Finally, sprinkle with crushed pistachios while it’s still warm so they stick. Now the hardest part – waiting for it to cool before cutting into bars!

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Tips for the Perfect Knafeh Chocolate Bar Dubai Chocolate Bar

After making these dozens of times (yes, I have a problem), here are my foolproof tips for knafeh chocolate bar perfection:

• Chocolate matters: Splurge on good quality dark chocolate – it melts smoother and gives that rich depth Dubai’s famous for
• Syrup control: Start with 3/4 cup syrup if you prefer less sweet – you can always add more later
• Temperature trick: For gooey centers, serve warm. For clean cuts, chill for 30 minutes first
• Even baking: Rotate your pan halfway through for that perfect golden color all over
• The squeeze test: Your knafeh should spring back slightly when pressed – that’s when you know it’s done

Oh, and keep napkins handy – these beauties are gloriously messy in the best way!

If you loved the indulgent layers in this Decadent Knafeh Chocolate Bar, you’ll definitely want to check out this quick and irresistible Oreo Dump Cake recipe for another easy dessert that delivers rich chocolatey flavor in minutes.

Knafeh Chocolate Bar Dubai Chocolate Bar Variations

Don’t be afraid to play with this recipe – I’ve tried all sorts of fun twists! Swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate if you prefer sweeter bars, or mix in some hazelnuts with the pistachios for extra crunch. My friend Nadia makes hers with cardamom-infused syrup instead of rose water – absolute genius! The beauty of knafeh is how adaptable it is while keeping that signature crispy texture we all love.

Serving and Storing Knafeh Chocolate Bar Dubai Chocolate Bar

Here’s my golden rule for serving – it’s fabulous both ways! Warm from the oven, the chocolate stays gloriously molten (just wait 5 minutes so you don’t burn your tongue). For clean, sharp bars that hold their shape, chill it for at least 30 minutes first. Either way, use a sharp knife to cut them – the crisp pastry deserves clean edges!

Store leftovers (if you have any!) in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days. The syrup keeps everything surprisingly fresh. Pro tip: Pop chilled bars in the microwave for 10 seconds to bring back that just-baked magic!

Knafeh Chocolate Bar Dubai Chocolate Bar Nutritional Information

Okay, let’s be real – we’re not eating knafeh chocolate bars for their health benefits! But if you’re curious, here’s the scoop per bar (based on my recipe): about 320 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated), 35g carbs, and 4g protein. But listen – these numbers can swing wildly depending on your chocolate quality and how generous you are with that syrup! My neighbor’s version with extra pistachios and dark chocolate chips? Let’s just say we don’t talk numbers when those come out of the oven.

And don’t forget—if you’re hunting for more trending sweet ideas, explore even more mouthwatering recipes on our Pinterest page where we share daily viral treats and creative dessert inspirations.

Frequently Asked Questions

I get so many questions about these addictive knafeh chocolate bars – here are the ones that pop up most often from friends and readers!

Now it’s your turn – try this recipe and share your knafeh chocolate bar adventures with me! Tag your photos #MyDubaiKnafeh so I can see your delicious creations.