Viral Dubai Chocolate Date Bark

Inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate bar creation, we’ve taken the flavor combination one step further and turned it into a perfectly snackable date bark. The result? A sweet, crunchy, and indulgent treat that’s perfect for satisfying your cravings.

Why is the Dubai Chocolate Bar So Popular?

Dubai’s chocolate bar has been making waves on social media because it offers something unique — a fusion of crunchy knafeh pastry and creamy pistachio cream wrapped up in decadent chocolate. Dates are naturally rich in flavor and are often used in Middle Eastern desserts, making them a fitting addition to any chocolate-based treat. Their caramel-like taste complements the smoothness of chocolate, creating an irresistible flavor combination.

Another factor behind its viral success is how the chocolate bar plays into the growing trend of healthier indulgence. Dates are packed with essential nutrients like fiber, antioxidants, and potassium, making them a more nutritious alternative to traditional sweets. Combine that with the richness of quality chocolate, and you've got a treat that's both indulgent and satisfying.

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Ingredients
Instructions
Variations
Special Ingredients
Storage
Related

Ingredients

It's a beautiful blend of Middle Eastern flavors with the richness of chocolate, and it’s easier than you might think to recreate at home. Share this treat with friends and family or keep it all to yourself — I won't judge!

Dates
Knafeh Pastry Dough
Pistachio Spread
Chocolate
Pistachios

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: Pit and flatten out dates on parchment paper

Step 2: Mix toasted knafeh dough with the pistacho spread.

Step 3: Layer the knafeh pistachio filling and then pour melted chocolate.

Step 4: Refrigerate for at least an hour before cutting it into smaller pieces.

Hint: Be careful not to burn your chocolate when melting it in the microwave. I would recommend 20-30 second intervals until chocolate is completely melted.

Variations

Last year I showed 4 ways to make date bark with some of my favorite flavors, including snickers, almond joy and biscoff. These variations are so easy and of course delicious. Try these variations out!

Snickers - Spread a layer of peanut butter and top it off with melted milk/dark chocolate - finish it off with crushed peanuts or sea salt.
Almond Joy - Spread a layer of shredded coconut mixed with condensed milk and whole almonds, top it off with melted chocolate - finish off with a sprinkle of shredded coconut.
Biscoff - Spread a layer of Biscoff butter and top it off with melted white chocolate and crushed Biscoff cookies.

Special Ingredients

You can find shredded phyllo dough aka Kataifi or Knafeh dough at most international stores. Other options if you don't have stores that carry it: Toasted Kataifi or Regular Kataifi

Pistachio spread can be made from scratch but much easier to purchase Pistachio Spread. Use code: DINA15 to save money on my favorite brand. There are many other brands but they contain a lot of oils and large amounts of sugars.

Storage

Store the fridge for up to 2 weeks. They are too good that they would be eaten before then.

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Print Recipe

Desserts, Recipes

Dubai Chocolate Date Bark

If you're a fan of the viral Dubai chocolate bar or simply love indulging in chocolate-covered treats with a twist, this date bark is a must-try.

Print Recipe

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yields: 7-9 servings

Ingredients:

For the Knafeh Pistachio Filling:

1/3 package of shredded phyllo pastry
2tbsp of ghee or butter
1 cup of pistachio cream
1tsbp of tahini (optional)

For the Date Bark:

2 cup dates (pitted)
1 ½ cups dark chocolate (or milk chocolate if preferred)
¼ cup chopped pistachios (optional)
1 tbsp coconut oil (to help smooth the chocolate)

Instructions

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Knafeh Pistachio Filling:

Toast the Knafeh Dough: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter or ghee. Add in shredded phyllo dough and continue to mix until it starts to brown.
Mix the filling: Add the toasted phyllo dough and pistachio butter/spread and mix until fully combined and forms a thick paste. Set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Dates:

Lay out Dates: Pit each date, open and lay them down flat on parchment or wax paper. Create about 3 rows of dates or until your reach your desired size for the base of the bark. I used about 5 dates in each row. Add another sheet of parchment paper on top and use a rolling pin to roll out and flatten the dates to create an even surface. Flip the dates and peel off the parchment paper to revel the open side of the dates.

3. Melt the Chocolate:

Melt the chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, add the dark chocolate and coconut oil. Melt it gently using a double boiler or microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each session to prevent burning. Once melted, stir the mixture until smooth and shiny.

4. Assemble the Date Bark:

Add the Knafeh Pistachio Filling: Spoon dollops of the knafeh pistachio filling onto the dates. Use the back of a spoon to gently spread the pistachio mixture to cover the date surface.
Spread the chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate on top of the knafeh pistachio filling, spread it into a thin, even layer with a spatula.
Top with Pistachios or Pistachio spread: Sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the top, and if you like, you can drizzle the pistachio spread as well.

5. Chill the Bark:

Let it set: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator or freezer for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chocolate is fully set and hardens.

6. Break Into Pieces:

Once the bark is firm, remove it from the fridge and break it into pieces. You can make large shards or smaller, bite-sized chunks, depending on your preference.