Pin It A decadent collection of desserts inspired by the rich flavors and textures of premium chocolate bars, featuring Middle Eastern influences reminiscent of Dubais opulent dessert scene.
Inspired by Dubai’s lavish dessert culture, I crafted this recipe to capture the extravagant feel of chocolate bars layered with nuts, caramel, and edible florals. It became the star of our celebrations, and its bold flavors always impress guests.
Ingredients
- Premium dark chocolate (70% cocoa): 200 g, chopped
- Milk chocolate: 100 g, chopped
- Unsalted butter: 80 g
- Heavy cream: 80 ml
- Crushed pistachios: 80 g
- Crushed digestive biscuits: 60 g
- Toasted coconut flakes: 30 g
- Medjool dates: 120 g, pitted
- Water: 60 ml
- Ground cardamom: 1/2 tsp
- Fine sea salt: 1/4 tsp
- Edible gold leaf: optional
- Chopped dried rose petals: 2 tbsp
- Extra chopped pistachios: as garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chocolate base:
- Combine dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and butter in a heatproof bowl. Melt gently over simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream. Cool slightly.
- Shape and chill:
- Line a 20 cm (8-inch) square pan with parchment paper. Spread chocolate mixture evenly in pan.
- Add crunch layer:
- Sprinkle crushed pistachios, digestive biscuits, and toasted coconut flakes over chocolate base. Gently press down with spatula.
- Prepare date caramel:
- In a small saucepan, cook dates, water, cardamom, and salt over low heat, stirring, until dates are soft and water mostly absorbed (about 5 minutes). Puree until smooth.
- Layer caramel:
- Dollop or swirl date caramel over the crunchy chocolate base.
- Refrigerate:
- Chill for at least 2 hours or until set.
- Finish and serve:
- Remove from pan. Cut into bars or squares. Garnish with gold leaf, rose petals, and extra pistachios.
Pin It My family loves sharing these bars at special gatherings, admiring each decorative slice before indulging together in the sweet crunch and aromatic caramel. They always ask for more!
Required Tools
Heatproof bowl, saucepan, 20 cm pan, parchment paper, spatula, blender, knife
Allergen Information
Recipe contains dairy, pistachios (nuts), and gluten from digestive biscuits. Always double-check chocolate labels if sensitive to soy.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 325 calories, 19 g fat, 36 g carbohydrates, and 4 g protein.
Pin It This luxurious chocolate bar creation makes any occasion feel extra special. Enjoy the melding of flavors and share a slice of sweetness from Dubai traditions.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the pistachios?
Yes, almonds or hazelnuts work well in place of pistachios for a different nutty flavor and texture.
- → How do I make this vegan?
Use plant-based butter and cream, and opt for dairy-free chocolate to create a vegan-friendly version.
- → Why use both dark and milk chocolate?
Combining dark and milk chocolate yields a balanced richness and smooth texture in the chocolate base.
- → Can I prepare this dessert ahead?
Absolutely. Refrigerate until firm and store in an airtight container; serve chilled or at room temperature.
- → What beverages pair well?
Strong Arabic coffee or fresh mint tea complement the flavors and Middle Eastern accents beautifully.
- → How do I achieve a smooth caramel swirl?
Blend the cooked dates until fully smooth, then swirl or dollop the puree evenly onto the set chocolate base.