The city of Dubai is synonymous with all things opulent, and its surreally luxurious desserts are no exception. This description fits one of the other primary Dubai lovelies – The world’s famous, big scale version in chocolate bar form! Keep reading to learn how you can make your very own Dubai Chocolate Bar at home and ensure that each bite allows you to be transported instantly into the bright streets of this Middle Eastern metropolis.
The Dubai Chocolate Bar
The Dubai Chocolate Bar is no ordinary dessert; besides being a medley of tastes, and textures its also an experience for the eyes. The flavors are generally rich dark chocolate, nuts, dates and often a hint of exotic spices. The result is a beautiful flavor profile, sweet yet savory and warm from the spices.
Ingredients:
If you want to make this delicious chocolate bar, these are the ingredients we will use:
For the Base:
200g dark chocolate (for a decadent taste go for 70% cocoa or more)
100g of Milk chocolate (for that smooth texture)
100g unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup (50g) of golden syrup or corn-derived glucose syrup
150g digestive biscuits, crushed
Mixed nuts (almonds, pistachios and walnuts), chopped 50g
For the Layer:
150 g dates (seeded and diced)
50g walnuts (or another nut, chopped)
1 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional — use to lift cinnamon flavor)
A pinch of sea salt
For the Topping:
100g white chocolate, melted (to drizzle)
A bit of luminescent gold: edible gold leaf (not necessary)
Pistachios pieces chopped small (for garnishing)
Step-by-Step Recipe:
Step 1: Prepare Your Base
Combine both dark chocolate and milk chocolates along with butter in a heatproof bowl together to melt. Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water and stir until just melted Serve warm or at room temperature. Take off the heat and allow to cool for a couple of minutes.
Add The Golden Syrup: Stir in the golden syrup. It acts as a sweetener and also binds the mixture together.
Dry Ingredients: In a different bowl mix the crushed digestive biscuits, and chopped nuts. Add the seeds’ mixture in to melted chocolate and mix well so all covered.
Line a rectangular baking dish (I used an approximately 8×8 inch one in the pics) with parchment paper to fit the bottom. Place the mixture into a slice tin, and press it down firmly to form an even layer. Spread the top with a spatula. Transfer to the refrigerator and let it set for about 30 minutes.
Step 2: Date Layer Prep
Mix the Ingredients: Take a bowl and add chopped dates, walnuts,oil freshly ground cardamom or any other spice,you can also sprinkle some salt. Mix together well.
Pour the Date Layer: As soon as this layer has set, get it out of your fridge. Pour the date mixture evenly over top of the chocolate base and lightly pack down to keep it together.
Step 3: Add the Topping
To melt the white chocolate:
Melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, heating on short bursts and stirring until smooth.
Pour the Melted White Chocolate over Dates Layer, If Necessary Use a Spatula to Evenly Spread it out as Much As you Can.
Decorate: Sprinkle over the top finely chopped pistachios, while the white chocolate is still wet on one side and if you have edible gold leaf it makes extra special finishing touches.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Set Chocolate Bar: Return the dish to refrigerator and continue setting for another hour at least.
Once set, remove chocolate bar from dish using the parchement paper and enjoy! Turn it out onto a cutting board and cut into squares or rectangles.
At serving: To make an impressive presentation, serve your Dubai Chocolate Bars on a special tray along with the cup of traditional Arabic coffee or even mint tea.
The Ideal Dubai Chocolate Bar →
Good Chocolate: Always use good chocolate! Really, it’s the depth of flavor in that chocolate dessert which is what makes this whole thing so damnedably luxurious.
The chocolate bars can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge. They will keep for a week although I kinda doubt they will last that long!
Brands: Play around with different flavors Add a hint of orange zest, coconut flakes or chili powder for an original take.
