Decadent, rich, and totally irresistible – this Dubai Chocolate Bar is a luxurious treat that brings bold Middle Eastern flair to your classic chocolate fix. Think smooth, velvety chocolate layers with hints of cardamom, dates, nuts, and a touch of rose – all wrapped up into one glorious, melt-in-your-mouth bar. Whether you’re treating yourself, making a sweet gift, or impressing guests, this one’s a showstopper.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Elegant & Exotic Flavor: The combination of silky chocolate with rose, cardamom, and dates is next-level indulgent.
- No Bake Magic: Yep – no oven needed! Just melt, mix, and chill.
- Perfect for Gifting: Wrapped in pretty parchment and tied with twine, these bars make the most charming edible gift.
- Easily Customizable: Want more crunch? Add pistachios. Want it creamier? Mix in tahini. The options are endless.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this luxe Dubai-style chocolate bar, plus a little note on why each one matters:
- Dark Chocolate: The base of the bar – rich and deeply flavorful. Go for 70% or higher for that grown-up depth.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gives the bar its creamy, chewy texture.
- Medjool Dates: Adds natural sweetness and a soft bite.
- Roasted Pistachios: A crunchy, nutty contrast to the smooth chocolate.
- Cardamom Powder: A warm, aromatic spice that gives these bars their signature Middle Eastern twist.
- Rose Water: Just a splash adds floral elegance – don’t skip it!
- Sea Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
- Crushed Biscuit or Digestives (Optional): For a slight crunch and structure, if you like a cookie base.
“Full list of ingredients with measurements is right below the article in the recipe card!“
How to Make the Dubai Chocolate Bar
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Line a square baking dish with parchment paper so the bars are easy to lift out later.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
In a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, gently melt the dark chocolate and condensed milk together, stirring until smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Stir in the Flavors
Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the chopped dates, pistachios, cardamom, rose water, and a pinch of salt. If you’re using biscuits, fold those in now too.
Step 4: Chill Time
Pour the mixture into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle extra pistachios or edible rose petals on top if you’re feeling fancy.
Step 5: Set & Slice
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully set. Then slice into squares or bars and serve cold or at room temp.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Good Chocolate: Since chocolate is the star, quality really matters here.
- Don’t Overdo the Rose: A little goes a long way. Just a teaspoon is plenty for that dreamy floral note.
- Add Texture: For a chewy-crunchy combo, try a mix of almonds, walnuts, or even sesame seeds.
- Room Temp Slicing: Let the bar sit out for a few minutes before slicing for smoother cuts.
How to Serve
These chocolate bars are perfect as:
- A sweet treat with Arabic coffee or mint tea.
- A stunning addition to dessert platters or holiday trays.
- A mid-afternoon pick-me-up with a touch of luxury.
- Wrapped in parchment and ribbon as elegant edible gifts!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Freezing
Freeze in a single layer with parchment between each bar. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
No need! Just thaw in the fridge or enjoy straight from the freezer for a firmer bite.
FAQs
Yes, but keep in mind the bars will be much sweeter. If you prefer a more balanced flavor, stick with dark chocolate.
You can use a drop of vanilla extract, but it won’t have the same floral effect. Rose water is pretty unique and worth using if you can find it!
Absolutely! Just use vegan dark chocolate and swap condensed milk for a vegan condensed coconut milk.
Nope! You can totally skip them or swap with dried fruit like apricots or figs for a nut-free version.
This Dubai Chocolate Bar isn’t just dessert – it’s an experience. Each bite brings a little moment of magic: rich chocolate, sweet dates, warm cardamom, and that subtle floral kiss of rose. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or sharing it with people you love, this bar delivers something truly special. It’s elegant, it’s indulgent, and best of all? It’s incredibly easy to make.
So go ahead – melt, mix, and indulge. Trust me, this one’s going to be a keeper.
Best Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe: Rich and Easy to Make
Equipment
- Saucepan or Microwave-Safe Bowl
- Spatula
- Square Baking Dish
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
Dubai Chocolate Bar Ingredients
- 12 oz dark chocolate 70% cocoa or higher, chopped
- 7 oz sweetened condensed milk half a standard can
- 1/2 cup Medjool dates chopped
- 1/3 cup roasted pistachios roughly chopped
- 1 tsp cardamom powder
- 1 tsp rose water
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup crushed biscuits or digestive cookies optional, for crunch
Instructions
- Line a square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- In a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, gently melt the dark chocolate and sweetened condensed milk together, stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped dates, pistachios, cardamom powder, rose water, sea salt, and crushed biscuits if using.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish, smoothing the top. Garnish with extra pistachios or edible rose petals if desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until completely set. Once firm, lift out using parchment and slice into bars or squares. Serve and enjoy!