This bar became something of a phenomenon in 2024. The filling is pistachio cream mixed with toasted kataifi pastry, sealed inside dark chocolate. It sounds like a trend piece. It tastes like something that should have existed already.
We make it with our Sicilian pistachio cream, which gives the filling more depth than most commercial versions. The kataifi is the variable: you have to toast it properly, past lightly golden and into fully crisp and deep gold. Pull it too soon and you get something chewy in the middle of a chocolate bar, which is not what you want.
Equipment: two large chocolate bar molds. Everything else is pantry. Allow two hours of fridge time before serving, more if your kitchen is warm.
Set servings and units first. You can change them anytime.
Separate the kataifi pastry strands by pulling them apart with your fingers. Chop loosely into 1-1.5 in lengths.
Melt the butter in a large, high-sided frying pan over medium heat. Add the kataifi and stir continuously for 8-10 minutes until deeply golden throughout. No pale patches. Transfer to a large bowl and cool for 5 minutes.
Add 12.7 oz of Gusta pistachio cream, the tahini, and a fat pinch of salt to the toasted kataifi. Stir until fully combined into a rough, fragrant filling.
Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler, or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy.
Pour half the melted chocolate into two large bar molds, tilting to coat the base and sides evenly. Scrape any excess from the rims. Refrigerate 10 minutes until the shell sets firm.
Divide the kataifi-pistachio filling evenly between the two molds. Press gently to fill without gaps and smooth the surface with a spatula.
Pour the remaining melted chocolate over the filling and smooth flat. Scatter 1 oz of chopped pistachios over the surface. Refrigerate at least 2 hours until completely firm. Unmold onto a board and slice to serve.
You made Dubai Chocolate Bar. Time to eat.
A new recipe in your inbox each month. No noise.
The kataifi must be completely golden throughout, not just at the edges. Most people pull it too soon. If it looks right after 5 minutes, give it 5 more. Pale kataifi in the finished bar will be chewy rather than crunchy, and the texture contrast is the whole point.
Each Gusta product is hand-selected and imported direct from Italy. Add what you need, or grab the whole set in one click.
2 items in stock $36.94
Six Italian regions. Nothing reformulated. Imported direct.
No comments yet. Be the first.