Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Dubai Chocolate Bar

Inspired by Dubai’s luxurious dessert culture, this rich, silky Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Dubai Chocolate Bar blends dates, cocoa, and coconut for a naturally sweet and refined treat.

Combining Middle Eastern indulgence with wholesome ingredients, it’s a dessert that feels elegant yet nourishing. The perfect fusion of modern health food and old-world opulence.

Each bite is smooth, decadent, and infused with the deep flavour of cacao, pistachio, tahini, and crisp kataifi.

There’s no refined sugar or dairy — just pure, plant-based richness that melts in your mouth. Whether you enjoy it as a snack, dessert, or edible gift, this homemade chocolate bar offers the perfect balance of flavour, texture, and luxury.

Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Chill Time: 1 hour Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes Servings: 8 bars

Ingredients

Chocolate Shell

• 200 g dairy-free dark chocolate (70% cocoa, melted)

• 1 tbsp coconut oil

Pistachio-Tahini Cream Filling

• 80 g pistachios, shelled and unsalted

• 2 tbsp tahini (well-stirred)

• 2 tbsp maple syrup or date syrup

• 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of sea salt

Kadayif Crunch

• 60 g shredded kataifi (kadayif) pastry*

• 1 tbsp dairy-free butter alternative or coconut oil, melted

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

*Ensure your kadayif pastry is gluten-free (some brands use rice flour or maize).

Directions

Prepare the Kadayif Crunch

1. Preheat your oven to 180 °C (fan 160 °C).

2. In a bowl, toss the shredded kadayif with melted butter alternative and maple syrup until lightly coated.

3. Spread on a baking tray and bake for 8–10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until crisp and golden.

4. Let it cool completely to stay crunchy.

   
   

   Make the Pistachio-Tahini Cream

5. Add pistachios to a food processor and blend until finely ground.

6. Add tahini, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla, and salt.

7. Blend again until smooth, creamy, and thick but spreadable.

   If it’s too thick, add 1 tsp warm water at a time.

8. Transfer to a bowl and chill for 15 minutes to firm up slightly.

   
   

   Create the Chocolate Shells

9. Melt chocolate and coconut oil over a bain-marie or in the microwave (short bursts, stirring).

10. Spoon about 1 tbsp of melted chocolate into each cavity of a silicone chocolate mould or mini loaf tin.

11. Swirl to coat the sides evenly. Chill for 10 minutes to set.

    
    

    Assemble the Bars

12. Add a layer of the pistachio-tahini cream into each chocolate shell.

13. Sprinkle a layer of crunchy kadayif over the cream and press gently.

14. Seal each bar with more melted chocolate, smoothing the tops.

15. Chill for 1 hour until fully set.

    
    

    Serve

16. Carefully pop out the chocolate bars from their moulds.

17. Dust lightly with ground pistachios or edible gold dust for a luxurious Dubai-style finish.

Store in the fridge for the chocolate to give a firm snap or enjoy slightly softened at room temperature. It’s one of my favourite homemade gift idea — delectable and irresistible.

If you loved this, try my Vegan "Tuna" Salad or for a quick and easy dessert Tanghulu

What Makes This Gluten Free Dairy Free Dubai Chocolate Bar Special

This Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Dubai Chocolate Bar is a stunning combination of flavours and textures. It captures the essence of Dubai’s dessert scene — rich, refined, and elegantly layered. The pistachio-tahini cream offers a creamy, nutty base reminiscent of Middle Eastern sweets, while the crunchy kadayif adds a playful contrast. Encased in smooth dark chocolate, it’s a gourmet experience that’s entirely gluten- and dairy-free. Each component — from the nutty filling to the glossy shell — celebrates indulgence with a mindful twist.

Serving & Presentation Suggestions

For a true Dubai-style finish, garnish your bars with crushed pistachios, edible gold leaf, or a drizzle of melted chocolate. Serve chilled for a firm texture or let them rest at room temperature for a softer, truffle-like bite. These bars pair beautifully with Arabic coffee or mint tea, and make an elegant addition to dessert platters or festive celebrations. They also make wonderful edible gifts — wrap each in parchment and tie with gold ribbon for a touch of luxury.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store your chocolate bars in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container. To keep the crunch in the kadayif, layer them with parchment paper to prevent moisture build-up. For longer storage, freeze for up to two months — simply thaw in the fridge before serving. These bars are ideal for make-ahead entertaining, as they taste even better once the flavours meld overnight.