Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe
Making homemade desserts is a fun and rewarding experience, especially when they bring exotic flavors to life. This recipe combines rich chocolate with the luxurious tastes of saffron, pistachios, and dates to create Dubai-inspired chocolate bars.
Equipment
- Heatproof Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Whisk
- Silicone Molds
- Thermometer
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
Chocolate Base
- 400 g Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), Milk or White Chocolate
- 1 tbsp Honey or Agave Syrup (Optional, adjust to taste)
Exotic Additions
- 1/2 cup Dates Pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup Pistachios Chopped
- 1/4 cup Almonds Slivered or chopped
- 1/4 tsp Cardamom Ground
- 1/4 tsp Saffron Strands A few, lightly crushed
Garnish (Optional)
- Edible Gold Leaf For decoration
Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace: Lay parchment paper under your work area to catch any drips. Have all your ingredients and equipment within easy reach.
- Melt the Chocolate: Use the double-boiler or microwave method. For the double boiler, place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, ensuring the bowl doesn't touch the water. Stir until melted. For the microwave, heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until melted.
- Temper the Chocolate (Recommended): Tempering ensures a shiny, smooth finish. Heat the chocolate to 88-90°F (31-32°C) for dark chocolate or 84-86°F (29-30°C) for milk/white chocolate. Let it cool slightly, then gently reheat to maintain the temper.
- Add Spices: Stir in the ground cardamom and lightly crushed saffron strands into the melted chocolate. Add honey or agave syrup if desired.
- Layer Nuts and Dried Fruits: Sprinkle chopped pistachios, almonds, and dates into the chocolate. You can mix them in or layer them at the bottom of the molds.
- Mold the Chocolate: Pour the tempered chocolate into silicone molds, filling them evenly. Gently tap the molds to release any air bubbles.
- Cool and Harden: Place the molds in the refrigerator for about 1 hour, or until the chocolate is firm.
- Remove from Molds: Once set, gently remove the chocolate bars from the molds by flexing the silicone.
- Garnish (Optional): Decorate with edible gold leaf for a luxurious touch.
Notes
Flavor Variations: Add orange zest or rose water for unique twists. Experiment with different nuts or dried fruits to your liking.
Dietary Modifications: Use dairy-free chocolate and ensure all add-ins are dairy-free for a vegan option. Use gluten-free ingredients to cater to dietary needs.